Dr. Corrie Whisner is your baby’s gut microbiome expert on the Snuggle Bug Study! She is an Associate Professor at ASU’s College of Health Solutions and her research focuses on the effects of diet on human metabolism. She is specifically interested in the effects of dietary components on the gut microbiome and related metabolic diseases such as osteoporosis and obesity. Whisner received both her bachelor's degree and doctorate from Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN. Prior to joining the faculty at ASU, she was a USDA NIFA postdoctoral fellow in the Division of Nutritional Sciences at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY where she studied how maternal diet impacts in utero development among pregnant adolescents. Corrie and her husband of 7 years, Ross, welcomed baby Sebastian during COVID, who is the most handsome star of many of our how-to videos for moms on our website. She is also our amazing craft master extraordinaire! Many of the Swag Bag and raffle items participants receive are handmade by Corrie, including the fun peek-a-boo pockets, the adorable crocheted rattles and the progressing contrast cards. Besides being a bundle of talent, Dr. Whisner is well loved and valued among her students and colleagues. She is both a strong force and a gentle spirit. She’s a loving mom with an empathetic ear and a quiet powerhouse who you’ll want a seat next to in any room. Here is 20 Questions with Dr. Whisner. 1. How did you end up studying moms and babies? “I started working with moms and babies when I was finishing my training as a postdoc at Cornell University. I got to work with pregnant adolescents there and help them have a healthy baby with nutrition education. It was really rewarding and I learned so much. From then on, I knew I wanted to continue to improve health for all moms and babies.” 2. Maroon or Gold and favorite place at ASU? “Maroon. The courtyard at the Mercado Buildings on the Downtown Phoenix Campus.” 3. What would you tell yourself about being a mom you didn’t know? “That breastfeeding would be really hard.” 4. What has surprised you as a mom? “That I would be willing to give up my career as a professor to work in a 9-5 job so I could have more time with my son.” 5. As a nutrition expert, what is one piece of advice you think we, as a community, are missing or do not understand? “Carbs aren't the enemy. They are an important fuel source that keeps us going. They also serve as food for our gut microbes so that they help keep us healthy. Choose carbs that are complex like whole-grain cereals, bread, and tortillas to get the most for you and your gut bugs!” 6. What do you look forward to first thing in the morning? “Quiet time to myself and coffee.” 7. Why research? “Everyday is an adventure with new things to discover. It never gets boring and it is a great way to improve the world.” 8. Favorite food? “Waffles. You can eat them with sweet or savory toppings. Personally, nothing beats a savory Southwest waffle.” 9. Funniest thing Sebastian does? “While changing his diaper he grabs onto my elbow and laughs hysterically. Shortly after, he tries to chew on my arm.” 10. What is the last study you read that blew your mind? “In 2019 a study was published on a specific microbe that appears in elite marathon runners, called Veillonella atypica. This microbe had performance-boosting effects when transferred into mice, meaning the mice could run longer on a treadmill after adding the microbe to their guts. The performance benefit was related to the bacteria’s ability to break down lactate, a metabolite known to build-up in muscle during prolonged strenuous exercise. The bacteria also converted lactate into propionate, a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA), that enhances the body’s ability to withstand exercise stress. With findings like this, we might see performance-enhancing probiotics in stores someday!” 11. What drives you consistently? “The need to be a better version of myself each day.” 12. Would you rather jog or dance? “Goodness, I have no rhythm so we will go with jogging.” 13. Favorite quote? “‘The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart.’ Helen Keller.” 14. Nerdiest thing you do? “Talk to my houseplants and celebrate their new leaves with joyous squeals.” 15. Favorite game? “It’s probably too soon but my favorite game is Pandemic. Instead of competing against each other, you work as a team to prevent the spread of disease outbreaks across the globe.” 16. Proud moment in your life? “Receiving a fundable score on a National Institutes of Health grant the day that my mentor was giving a seminar at ASU. Sharing that moment with her was extremely special.” 17. If you had to give a TEDTalk on the fly, what would it be? “I would talk about why the adolescent years are so important for bone health.” 18. Favorite movie? “Flushed Away.” 19. Best advice you’ve ever been given?
“Being able to work wrapped up in a cozy blanket anywhere I felt comfortable...and also having a kitty for a personal assistant. He makes sure I take breaks for snuggles.
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AuthorsThe Snuggle Bug / Acurrucadito Team is so passionate about moms and babies. There is so much we want to share with you and baby. Each entry is carefully curated to keep you up to date on what we are doing. We also share fun ideas with you to make motherhood the joy it is meant to be! Archives
July 2021
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