Overview

Connor Littlefield is a PhD student in Genetics at the University of Utah, specializing in the role of genetic variation in metabolic disease among Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. His current research focuses on identifying population-specific variants that increase the risk of Type 2 Diabetes and Kidney Disease. Prior to his graduate studies, Connor worked at Brigham Young University, where he conducted research on beta cell proliferation and growth by studying beta cell-specific transcription factor interactions.

Connor, being married and a father to two young sons, cherishes his limited free time by fishing in Utah’s abundant lakes and rivers, indulging in his passion for cooking Asian cuisine, and continually creating new ice cream recipes for his family.

Education

• B.S., Nutritional Science, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT
• PhD, Genetics (anticipated 2028), University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT