Cathy Kotz is Professor in the department of Integrative Biology and Physiology (IBP) at the University of Minnesota, and the Associate Director of Research for the Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Care (GRECC) unit at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. Cathy’s research centers on obesity and metabolic aspects of aging, focusing on the targeting of central nervous system pathways to promote healthy body weight throughout aging. Cathy has trained over 50 mentees, including PhD students, undergraduates and post-doctoral fellows, and has over 140 publications, including papers, reviews and book chapters. Cathy has also held many leadership positions in professional academic societies, including as President of The Obesity Society in 2021.