Giulia Baldini, M.D., Ph.D., professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology was selected as one of four inaugural recipients of the Provost’s Innovator Awards. Dr. Baldini is studying a potential new way to treat obesity. Her research is focused on naturally occurring genetic mutations of a receptor found in people with obesity. The receptor is expressed in the hypothalamus, where it controls food intake and energy expenditure. Baldini is targeting the receptor using nanoparticles to deliver a substance that induces appropriate signaling to help regulate weight.