James M. Ntambi, Ph.D., professor of biochemistry and Steenbock Professor of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, will present the seminar “Fatty Acid Metabolism in Obesity and Diabetes.”

Ntambi has made distinguished contributions to the field of nutritional biochemistry and his pioneering work on the genetic regulation of the stearoyl-CoA desaturase has recently led to many new insights into the importance of this enzyme in metabolism and in disease states such as obesity, diabetes, atherosclerosis, inflammation and cancer. His pioneering work will help explain the complex aspects of the “metabolic syndrome” and to advance our understanding of nutrient gene interactions. Ntambi is also involved in international research and teaching effort and student and faculty exchange programs between Makerere University Uganda and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He has received numerous awards including the Osborne and Mendel award, Steenbock Career Development award, the Forgarty International Biomedical Research award, the Fulbright research award, the Arthur J. Maurer Extra Mile Award, excellence in international activities award, the distinguished chancellor’s teaching award and the American Society for biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) exemplary contribution to Education award.