Laura Coats, PhD, RDN profile and information
Learn more about Laura Coats, PhD, RDN
- Assistant Professor
More bio information
Short Bio
Laura E. Coats, PhD, RDN, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Nutritional Sciences at Auburn University. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Mississippi State University, completed her Dietetic Internship at the University of Southern Mississippi, and is a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). Dr. Coats earned her PhD in Physiology and Biophysics from the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Her interdisciplinary background spans nutrition, physiology, and basic, clinical, and translational research. Her previous work has examined placental nutrient transport during pregnancy and nutrient handling and metabolism in aging females. Her current research focuses on women’s health and developmental programming in offspring, particularly how maternal metabolic health influences placental function, fetal development, and the long-term cardiometabolic health of mothers and their children. Dr. Coats is also a dedicated educator with experience teaching and directing courses in research, physiology, biochemistry, and nutritional sciences. In her free time, she enjoys exercising, spending time with her dogs, family, and friends, and watching men’s and women’s sports.
Education
BS- Secondary Biology EducationMississippi State University2012
MS- Food Science, Nutrition, and Health PromotionMississippi State University2015
PhD- Physiology and BiophysicsUniversity of Mississippi Medical Center2020
Professional Experience
Laura E. Coats, PhD, RDN, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Nutritional Sciences at Auburn University. She holds a PhD in Physiology and Biophysics and is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Her professional experience spans nutrition, biomedical research, medical education, and academic leadership. She has held leadership roles in graduate medical education, including overseeing research training and mentoring for medical students, residents, and fellows, and has served as Chair of an Institutional Review Board (IRB). She also serves as a Graduate Program Officer and holds national leadership roles within the American Physiological Society (APS), including serving as a leader in its Nutrition in Physiology Interest Group and as a member of an APS programming committee. Her research focuses on maternal and fetal health, nutrition, and the developmental origins of cardiovascular disease.
Innovation
Dr. Laura E. Coats is a biomedical researcher with expertise in maternal and fetal health, reproductive physiology, nutrition, and cardiovascular disease. Her research focuses on how maternal health, nutrition, and pregnancy complications influence fetal development and long-term cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes. She has extensive experience in basic science, clinical, and translational research, including experimental studies, observational research, clinical trials, and literature reviews. She previously served as Director of Research and has led and collaborated on both intramurally and extramurally funded research studies in roles including principal investigator, co-investigator, research director, and consultant. She has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and has extensive experience mentoring students, medical residents, and fellows.
Engagement
Dr. Laura E. Coats is actively involved in community outreach, public speaking, philanthropy, and volunteer service. She has participated in educational outreach initiatives focused on nutrition, health, and science, and regularly shares her expertise through invited presentations and community events. She is also committed to promoting health and wellness through physical activity, including participation in charitable races and fundraising events such as St. Jude Marathon Weekend. Her community engagement extends to volunteer organizations and professional committee service, reflecting her commitment to education, philanthropy, and giving back to the community.
