Raymond Rodriguez, Ph.D.

Executive Director

Dr. Raymond Rodriguez is a professor in the Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology and Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH)-sponsored Center of Excellence in Nutritional Genomics at the University of California, Davis. He has been actively involved in biotech research and education programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral levels for more than thirty years and has lectured extensively in East Asia, South Asia, and Europe. Under Ray’s leadership, the Center has published over 200 publications on the impact of diet-gene interactions in racially and ethnically diverse populations. In addition to health disparities research, Raymond is also an award-winning innovator and experienced leader in the fields of biotechnology, genomics, and biomedical research and STEM education. He currently holds 18 issued US patents related to food crop biotechnology, nutrition, and health and continues to be involved in numerous scientific organizations and committees in both the public and private sector. In 2010, Ray and Somen launched Global HealthShare (GHS) Initiative to translate innovations in technology and entrepreneurship into tangible benefits for women, children and the poor around the world. Their shared vision is to provide those at the bottom of the global economic pyramid a better life through improved health, wellness, prosperity and longevity. Because Ray believes that peace begins at home, he has been passionate advocate for women’s health and safety and for many years served as on the Board of Directors of the Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Center of Yolo County. Ray is actively involved in both the University and Davis communities and in his leisure time enjoys photography, cooking, and being a devoted grandfather to his twin granddaughters.