After only six years at UT, Dr. Laura Lashinger has already been nominated by former students to be one of this year's Texas 10. The Texas 10 is an exclusive group of faculty honored by alumni each year for their dedication and enthusiasm.
A former nurse, Dr. Lashinger returned to school to research the intersection between nutrition and cancer.Now, she lectures in the Department of Nutritional Sciences, supervises students in the lab, and publishes research papers on the effectiveness of combatting pancreatic and other cancers through calorie restriction.
She talked with The Alcalde about her approach to students:
Known for her eclectic energy, Lashinger believes in treating students as equals. "Because I've spent a large part of my life being misdirected and lost, I can appreciate what it's like to be 18 or 20 years old," she says. "I've had a lot of people write me or tell me that for the first time, they've actually understood metabolism or biochemistry. Or [they say], 'You've helped me realize how much I love science.'"
Check out the full story in The Alcalde.
