Dominic D'Agostino

Dominic D'Agostino is a prominent academic and researcher serving as a tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology at the University of South Florida (USF) Morsani College of Medicine. He also holds the position of Research Scientist at the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC). His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences and Nutritional Science from Rutgers University in 1998, followed by a Ph.D. in Physiology from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in 2004.123

Research Focus

Dr. D'Agostino's research primarily revolves around metabolic therapies aimed at treating various neurological disorders, including seizures, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative diseases. He is particularly known for his work on the ketogenic diet and ketone supplementation, which he studies for their anticonvulsant and neuroprotective properties. His laboratory employs advanced techniques such as atomic force microscopy and bioluminescence imaging to explore these metabolic pathways.124

He has developed unique technologies, including hyperbaric atomic force microscopy (HAFM), and has conducted significant research funded by the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Office of Naval Research (ONR). His work has applications in enhancing the safety and performance of military personnel and astronauts in extreme environments, which includes participation in NASA's Extreme Environment Mission Operations (NEEMO 22).135

Contributions and Impact

Dr. D'Agostino has been active in disseminating knowledge about metabolic health through various platforms, including over 200 podcasts. He has also contributed to numerous peer-reviewed publications, focusing on metabolic dysregulation's role in cancer and other diseases.23 His educational outreach efforts have significantly increased public interest in ketogenic diets and metabolic health strategies.46

In summary, Dominic D'Agostino is a key figure in the fields of molecular pharmacology and physiology, with a strong emphasis on metabolic health research that bridges basic science with practical applications for health improvement.