Pennington Biomedical Research Center Q&A with Dr. Hannah Cabré

Hannah Cabré, Ph.D., RDN, has earned many laurels in her career, but is not one to rest on them and take them for granted. Always in pursuit of clarity and new discoveries in reproductive health, she is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Reproductive Endocrinology and Women's Health Laboratory at Pennington Biomedical Research Center. Under the mentorship of Dr. Leanne Redman and Dr. Eric Ravussin, she is a registered dietician and exercise physiologist, and she was recently named as the Center's Postdoctoral Fellow of the Year, in part for her dedication to women's health.

Learn more about Dr. Cabré and her experience in this recent Q&A:

Q: How did you first get into Reproductive Endocrinology? What prompted your interest in this field?

A: My passion for women's health began during my time as a Cross Country and Track and Field athlete at the University of Georgia. I realized that most sports science and nutrition research focused on men, leaving little information relevant to female athletes. This lack of representation sparked my interest in addressing the research gap. I pursued an academic career to investigate how hormonal regulation influences metabolism, body composition and physical function, with the goal of advancing evidence-based strategies tailored specifically for women.

Q: What do you want people to know about women's health?

A: Women's health is often underrepresented in scientific research, particularly in areas like exercise science, metabolism and aging. Historically, most clinical trials and physiological studies have focused on male participants, leaving gaps in our understanding of how hormonal cycles, menopause, and hormonal therapies influence health outcomes in women. I want people to know that women's health is far more nuanced than a one-size-fits-all approach. By prioritizing female-specific research, we can develop more precise, effective and inclusive healthcare strategies that better serve women across their lifespan.

Q: Now that you are Postdoctoral Fellow of the Year, what's next? What are you looking forward to in the coming months?

A: Being recognized as Postdoctoral Fellow of the Year is an incredible honor, and it motivates me to continue advancing my research in women's health and aging. In the coming months, I am excited to focus on my clinical trial in perimenopausal women, examining how diet can impact cardiovascular function and vasomotor symptoms. I am looking forward to eventually launching my own research program dedicated to studying how hormonal changes impact muscle health and identifying lifestyle interventions to preserve physical function in aging women. Additionally, I look forward to mentoring early-career scientists and contributing to collaborative, interdisciplinary projects.

Q: As a Postdoctoral Fellow, what advice would you give those pursuing a similar field? How can one prepare to excel the way you have?

A: My biggest advice for success is finding what you are passionate about and staying curious and adaptable. Finding mentors who will support and challenge you and seeking out diverse collaborations are important for strengthening both your expertise and the impact of your research. Finally, be persistent and believe in yourself! One thing I've learned is that rejections are part of the process, but it's about refining your ideas and pushing forward. Having a strong professional and personal network has been invaluable to my growth, and I'm incredibly grateful for the people who have guided me along the way.

About the Pennington Biomedical Research Center

The Pennington Biomedical Research Center is at the forefront of medical discovery as it relates to understanding the triggers of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and dementia. Pennington Biomedical has the vision to lead the world in promoting metabolic health and eliminating metabolic disease through scientific discoveries that create solutions from cells to society. The center conducts basic, clinical, and population research, and is a campus in the LSU System.

The research enterprise at Pennington Biomedical includes over 600 employees within a network of 44 clinics and research laboratories, and 13 highly specialized core service facilities. Its scientists and physician/scientists are supported by research trainees, lab technicians, nurses, dietitians, and other support personnel. Pennington Biomedical is a globally recognized state-of-the-art research institution in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. For more information, see www.pbrc.edu.

Provided by Louisiana State University