Michael J. Puglisi, Ph.D., RD

Assistant Extension ProfessorPicture of Professor Puglisi

Office:     R.E. Jones Building (JONS) Room 210
Phone:    (860) 486-1198
Email:     michael.puglisi@uconn.edu

 

EDUCATION

    • Doctor of Philosophy, Nutritional Sciences, University of Connecticut, 2008
    • Master of Science, Nutrition in Sports and Chronic Disease, Virginia Tech, 2002
    • Bachelor of Science, Dietetics, University of Delaware, 2000

TRAINING

    • Postdoctoral Fellowship, Vanderbilt University, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, 2008-2010
    • Dietetic Internship, University of Delaware, 2003

PROFESSIONAL AND ACADEMIC INTERESTS

    • Food security
    • Public health nutrition policy
    • Focus on low income programs and underserved populations
    • Participant-centered nutrition counseling
    • Online nutrition education and technology in public health programs

EXPERIENCE

    • Assistant Extension Professor, University of Connecticut, Department of NutritionalSciences
    • EFNEP Director for the state of Connecticut and Assistant Professor in Nutritional Sciences.
    • WIC Director, Onslow County WIC Program, 2014-2016
    • Administrative Nutrition Manager, The Brooklyn Hospital WIC Program, 2010-2014
    • Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Vanderbilt University, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, 2008-2010
    • Graduate Assistant, University of Connecticut (Nutritional Sciences and Kinesiology), 2005-2008
    • Assistant to Associate Editor, Journal of Nutrition, 2007-2008
    • Clinical Dietitian, ManorCare Pike Creek, Wilmington, DE, 2003-2005
    • Clinical Dietitian, St. Francis Hospital, Wilmington, DE, 2003
    • Graduate Teaching Assistantship, Virginia Tech, 200-2002

HONORS

    • Molecular Endocrinology Training Program Training Grant recipient
    • H. Eaton Award for excellence in research for a finishing PhD student (University of Connecticut)
    • Outstanding Scholars Program Fellowship (University of Connecticut)
    • Third Place, Poster Session, 2nd Annual Research Day at Auburn University
    • Award for Best Postdoctoral Oral Presentation: Molecular Physiology and Biophysics
    • Departmental Retreat
    • Delaware Dietetic Association Award
    • D. Kenneth Steers Scholarship
    • Amy Rextrew Award
    • Joan Prall Scholarship
    • UD Scholar Award

PEER REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS

    1. Orr JS, Puglisi MJ, Ellacott KL, Lumeng CN, Wasserman DH, Hasty AH. Toll-like receptor 4 deficiency promotes the alternative activation of adipose tissue macrophages. Diabetes. 2012;61(11):2718-27.
    2. Puglisi MJ, Hasty AH, Saraswathi V.  The role of adipose tissue in mediating the beneficial effects to dietary fish oil.  J Nutr Biochem. 2011;22(2):101-108.
    3. Forsythe CE, Phinney SD, Feinman RD, Volk BM, Freidenreich D, Quann E, Ballard K, Puglisi MJ, Maresh CM, Kraemer WJ, Bibus DM, Fernandez ML, Volek JS.  Limited effect of dietary saturated fat on plasma saturated fat in the context of a low carbohydrate diet.  Lipids.  2010:45(10):947-62.
    4. Mutungi G, Waters D, Ratliff J, Puglisi MJ, Clark RM, Volek JS, Fernandez ML. Eggs distinctly modulate plasma carotenoid and lipoprotein subclasses in adult men following a carbohydrate-restricted diet. J Nutr Biochem. 2010;21(4):261-267.
    5. Ratliff J, Leite JO, de Ogburn R, Puglisi MJ, VanHeest J, Fernandez ML.  Consuming eggs for breakfast influences plasma glucose and ghrelin, while reducing energy intake during the next 24 hours in adult men.  Nutr Res. 2010: 30(2):96-103.
    6. Ata SM, Vaishnav U, Puglisi M, Lofgren IE, Wood RJ, Volek JS, Fernandez ML. Macronutrient composition and increased physical activity modulate plasma adipokines and appetite hormones during a weight loss intervention.  J Womens Health.  2010;19(1):139-45.
    7. Leite JO, Vaishnav U, Puglisi MJ, Fraser H, Trias J, Fernandez ML.  A-002 (Varespladib), a phospholipase A2 Inhibitor, reduces atherosclerosis in guinea pigs.  BMC Cardiovasc Disord.  2009;17;9(1):7.
    8. Mutungi G, Ratliff J, Puglisi MJ, Volek JS, Fernandez ML.  Carbohydrate restriction (with or without additional dietary cholesterol provided by eggs) reduces insulin resistance and plasma leptin without modifying appetite hormones in adult men.  Nutr Res. 2009;29(4):262-8.
    9. Puglisi MJ, Mutungi G, Brun PJ, McGrane MM, Labonte C, Volek JS, Fernandez ML. Raisins and walking alter appetite hormones and plasma lipids by modifications in lipoprotein metabolism and up-regulation of the low-density lipoprotein receptor.  Metabolism.  2009;58:120-128.
    10. Fragala MS, Kraemer WJ, Volek JS, Maresh CM, Puglisi MJ, Vingren JL, Ho JY, Hatfield DL, Spiering BA, Forsythe CE, Thomas GA, Quann EE, Anderson JM, Hesslink RL Jr. Influences of a dietary supplement in combination with an exercise and diet regimen on adipocytokines and adiposity in women who are overweight.  Eur J Appl Physiol. 2009;105(5):665-72.
    11. Coenen KR, Gruen ML, Lee-Young RS, Puglisi MJ, Wasserman DH, Hasty AH.  Impact of macrophage toll-like receptor 4 deficiency on macrophage infiltration into adipose tissue and the artery wall in mice.  Diabetologia. 2009;52(2):318-28.
    12. Gutierrez DA, Puglisi MJ, Hasty AH.  Impact of increased adipose tissue mass on inflammation, insulin resistance and dyslipidemia.  Curr Diabetes Reports. 2009;9(1):26-32.
    13. Volek JS, Phinney SD, Forsythe CE, Quann EE, Wood RJ, Puglisi MJ, Kraemer WJ, Bibus DM,
    14. Fernandez ML, Feinman RD.  Carbohydrate restriction has a more favorable impact on the metabolic syndrome than a low fat diet.  Lipids.  2009;44(4):297-309.
    15. Mutungi G, Ratliff  JC, Puglisi MJ, Torres-Gonzalez M, Vaishnav U, Leite JO, Quann EE, Volek JS, Fernandez ML. Dietary cholesterol from eggs increases plasma HDL cholesterol in overweight men consuming a carbohydrate-restricted diet.  J Nutr.  2008;138(2):272-276.
    16. Ratliff JC, Mutungi G, Puglisi M, Volek JS, Fernandez ML.  Eggs modulate the inflammatory response to carbohydrate restricted diets in overweight men.  Nutr Metab. 2008;20:5:6.
    17. Puglisi MJ, Vaishnav U, Shrestha S, Torres-Gonzalez M, Wood R, Volek JS, Fernandez ML.  Raisins and additional walking have distinct effects on plasma lipids and inflammatory cytokines.  Lipids Health Dis.  2008;7:14.
    18. Puglisi MJ, Fernandez ML.  Modulation of C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-α, and adiponectin by diet, exercise, and weight loss.  J Nutr. 2008;38(12):2293.
    19. Rankin JW, Goldman LP, Puglisi MJ, Nickols-Richardson SM, Earthman CP, Gwazdauskas FC.  Effect of post-exercise supplement consumption on adaptations to resistance training.  J Am Coll Nutr.  2004;23(4):322-330.
    20. Puglisi MJ, Earthman CP.  Use of structured triglycerides containing omega-3 fatty acids in critically Ill patients.  Support Line.  2003;25(2):3-9.

ABSTRACTS

    1. Puglisi MJ, Hasty AH.  Deficiency of toll-like receptor 4 and its effects on metabolic parameters in response to diets rich in saturated or monounsaturated fatty acids.  Cardiovascular Research Day.  Nashville, TN; 2009.
    2. Puglisi MJ, Hasty AH.  Deficiency of toll-like receptor 4 and its effects on metabolic parameters in response to diets rich in saturated or monounsaturated fatty acids.  2nd Annual Research Day at Auburn University.  Auburn, AL; 2009.
    3. Puglisi MJ, Hasty AH.  TLR4-/- mice have an improved metabolic phenotype upon high saturated fat diet feeding.  Molecular Physiology and Biophysics Departmental Retreat.  Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN; 2009.
    4. Puglisi MJ, Hasty AH.  Deficiency of Toll-like Receptor 4 and its Effects on Inflammation in Adipose Tissue in Response to Diets Rich in Saturated or Monounsaturated Fatty Acids.  Southeast Lipid Research Conference. Pine Mountain, GA; 2009.
    5. Puglisi MJ, Hasty AH.  Deficiency of Toll-like Receptor 4 and its Effects on Inflammation in Adipose Tissue in Response to Diets Rich in Saturated or Monounsaturated Fatty Acids.  Obesity Society Annual Meeting.  Washington, DC; 2009.
    6. Leite JO, Vaishnav U, Puglisi M, Trias J, Fraser H, Fernandez ML.  A-002, a secretory phospholipase A2 inhibitor, reduces cholesterol accumulation in aorta and aortic cytokines in guinea pigs.  Experimental Biology.  San Diego, 2008.
    7. Ratliff JC, Mutungi G, Puglisi M, Volek JS, Fernandez ML.  Eggs modulate the inflammatory response to carbohydrate restricted diets in overweight men.  Experimental Biology.  San Diego, 2008.
    8. Mutungi G, Ratliff JC, Puglisi M, Volek JS, Fernandez ML.  Cholesterol provided by eggs and carbohydrate restriction distinctly modulate lipoprotein metabolism in adult men.  Experimental Biology.  San Diego, 2008.
    9. Ballard KD, Quann EE, Puglisi MJ, Forsythe CE, Volk BM, Labonte CC, Fernandez ML, Kraemer WJ, Scheet TP, Volek JS.  Effects of diets restricted in fat and carbohydrate with and without resistance training on body composition and cardiovascular risk.  Experimental Biology.  San Diego, 2008.
    10. Ata S, Vaishnav U, Puglisi M, Lofgren I, Mahan EM, Fernandez M.  Macronutrient composition modulates plasma adiponectin and appetite hormones during a weight loss intervention.  Experimental Biology.  San Diego, 2008.
    11. Kawiecki DM, Freidenreich DJ, Quann EE, Labonte CC, Puglisi MJ, Ballard KD, Volk BM, Forsythe CE, Fernandez ML, Kraemer WJ, Volek JS.  Serum fibroblast growth factor-21 is responsive to a hypocaloric very low carbohydrate ketogenic diet but not a low fat diet.  Experimental Biology.  San Diego, 2008.
    12. Puglisi MJ, Mutungi G, Vaishnav U, Volek JS, Fernandez ML.  Raisins and increased walking affect lipoprotein metabolism, reduce inflammation and alter satiety hormones.  Experimental Biology.  San Diego, 2008.
    13. Volk BM, Feinman RD, Quann EE, Puglisi MJ, Forsythe CE, Labonte CC, Fernandez ML, Kraemer WJ, Volek JS.  Application of the hegsted equation to low carbohydrate-low fat diet comparisons.  Experimental Biology.  San Diego, 2008.
    14. Quann EE, Scheett TP, Ballard KD, Puglisi MJ, Forsythe CE, Volk BM, Kraemer WJ, Fernandez ML, Volek JS. Carbohydrate restriction and resistance training have additive effects on body composition during weight loss in men. American Dietetic Association.  Philadelphia, 2007.
    15. Hatfield, DL, Spiering BA, Fragala MS, Vingren JL,  Ho JY, Forsythe CE, Yamamoto LM, Quann EE, Puglisi MJ, Anderson JM, Maresh CM, Solomon-Hill G, Coday MA, Volek JS, Kraemer WJ. Effects of muscle armor supplementation during a resistance training program on anabolic and catabolic hormonal mechanisms in men. National Strength and Conditioning Association.  Atlanta, 2007.
    16. Puglisi MJ, Vaishnav U, Shrestha S, Torres-Gonzalez M, Wood RJ, Volek JS, Fernandez ML.  Raisin effects on biomarkers of coronary heart disease in men and women aged 50-70 years.  Experimental Biology.  Washington, DC, 2007.
    17. Ratliff JC, Mutungi G, Puglisi MJ, Leite JO, Vaishnav U, Shrestha S, Volek JS, Fernandez ML.  Eggs enhance the anti-inflammatory component of carbohydrate-restricted diets.  Experimental Biology. Washington, DC, 2007.
    18. Forsythe CE, Fernandez ML, Phinney SD, Feinman RD, Quann EE, Wood RJ, Puglisi MJ, Labonte CC, Volk BM, Kraemer WJ, Bibus DM, Volek JS.  Dietary carbohydrate restriction favorably alters circulation fatty acid composition compared to fat restriction.  Experimental Biology.  Washington, DC, 2007.
    19. Fragala MS, Kraemer WJ, Volek JS, Spiering BA, Hatfield DL, Vingren JL, Ho JY, Forsythe CE, Puglisi MJ, Anderson JM, Maresh CM.  Influence of a dietary supplement in combination with an exercise and diet regimen on adipocytokines and adiposity in women who are overweight. Experimental Biology.  Washington, DC, 2007.
    20. Vingren JL, Silvestre R, Hatfield DL, Spiering BA, Fragala MS, Ho JY, Maresh CM, Volek JS, Defreitas JM, Puglisi MJ, Forsythe CE, Quann EE, Anderson JM, Kraemer WJ.  Effect of adding exercise to a diet containing glucomannan.  Experimental Biology.  Washington, DC, 2007.
    21. Ballard KD, Fernandez ML, Forsythe CE, Quann EE, Wood RJ, Puglisi MJ, Labonte CC, Volk BM, Kraemer WJ, Volek JS.  A very low carbohydrate diet decreases constitutive inflammation, vascular chemokines and adhesion molecules.  Experimental Biology.  Washington, DC, 2007.
    22. Vaishnav U, Puglisi MJ, Leite JO, Volek JS, Bruno RS, Koo SI, Fernandez ML.  Effect of green tea extract on postprandial lipid response to an oral fat load.  Experimental Biology.  Washington, DC, 2007.
    23. Silvestre R, Quann EE, Spiering BA, Vingren JL, Hatfield DL, Puglisi MJ, Fragala MS, Ho JY, Volek JS, Kraemer WJ. Effects of exercise at different times on metabolic and hormonal responses to a fat-rich meal.  National Strength and Conditioning Association.  Washington, DC, 2006.
    24. Puglisi MJ, Rankin JW, Goldman LP, Nickols-Richardson SM.  Comparison of Post-Exercise Consumption of Carbohydrate or Milk on Responses to Resistance Training.  American College of Sports Medicine, 49th Annual Meeting.  St. Louis, 2002.