Carrie-Ellen Briere

Scholars Project Title:  Investigation of Bioactive Components of Human Milk to Protect and Promote Breastfeeding and Infant Health

While the nutrition and immunity aspects of human milk are well recognized, recent scientific advances have identified millions of cells and bioactive components in milk. Many of these bioactives have been found to have a direct interaction with infants to provide health benefits. Dr. Briere will investigate the cellular components of milk (namely stem cells) and the mechanisms involved to promote infant health and development. Additionally, she will characterize how routine hospital handling practices may impact human milk for preterm and ill newborns.