Reza Hakkak, PhD

Research Overview

Reza Hakkak, Ph.D., a University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences faculty member since 1990, is a nutritionist, Professor and Chairman of the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition in the College of Health Professions, Professor of Pediatrics in the College of Medicine, and Professor of Department of Health Policy and Management in the College of Public Health. Dr. Hakkak’s research is primarily in the areas of basic nutrition science and nutrition education. His basic nutrition research interests include the influence of diet on cancer prevention, the influence of obesity on cancer promotion, the influence of obesity and diet on fatty liver promotion and prevention, and the effects of differing diets and nutrition on chemical carcinogenesis. For the past 15 years, his research interests have focused on relationship of obesity and diet to breast cancer development.

For the past several years, Dr. Hakkak’s research has been funded by the Susan G. Komen Foundation, USDA, the Arkansas Biosciences Institute, and the Children's University Medical Group. Dr. Hakkak serves on several editorial boards for scientific journals, and he was named the Editor-in-Chief for the Journal of Obesity and Chronic Diseases. He has published 55 peer-reviewed research articles and more than 200 abstracts.

Phone: 501-364-1100