Chad Paton
Chad Michael Paton (born June 3, 1975) is an American nutritional biochemist, associate professor, and researcher. He holds joint appointments in the Department of Food Science and Technology and the Department of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Georgia (UGA).[1] Paton is also a Major in the United States Army Reserve, serving as a Civil Affairs officer.[2] He is a Republican candidate for the Georgia House of Representatives in District 120.[3] Paton's research focuses on lipid metabolism, particularly the bioactive properties of fatty acids like dihydrosterculic acid (DHSA) and linoleic acid, and their roles in treating metabolic disorders such as hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.[4][5] As of 2025, his work has been cited over 1,900 times in academic literature.[6]
Early life and education
Chad Michael Paton was born on June 3, 1975, in Traverse City, Michigan. He graduated from Kingsley High School in 1993.[4] Paton earned an Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree from Northwestern Michigan College in 1998. He then attended Michigan State University, where he received a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in 2000 and a Master of Science (M.S.) in 2002. In 2005, he completed his Ph.D. at the University of Maryland, College Park.[4][7] In 2025, Paton earned a Master of International Policy (MIP) from the University of Georgia.
Military service
Paton enlisted in the United States Navy in 1995, serving as a Deck Seaman and later Gunner's Mate (Guns) aboard the USS Rentz (FFG-46) until 1997. During this time, he participated in deployments to the Western Pacific in 1995 aboard USS Dubuque (LPD-8) and the Arabian Gulf in 1997.
After a hiatus, Paton joined the United States Army Reserve in 2014 as a biochemist with the 4224th U.S. Army Hospital. He commissioned as an officer in 2014 and transitioned to Civil Affairs in 2017. His assignments include:
Team Chief, B Co, 413th Civil Affairs Battalion (2015–2016) CMOC Chief, A Co, 422nd Civil Affairs Battalion (2016–2017) Agricultural Officer, FXSP, 360th Civil Affairs Brigade (2017–2018) Plans Officer, 360th Civil Affairs Brigade (2018–2019) Civil Affairs Support Team Chief, Civil Affairs Support Detachment-ARCENT (2019–2021), including a deployment to Central Asian States (May 2020–February 2021) Headquarters and Headquarters Company Commander, 360th Civil Affairs Brigade (2021–2023) Civil Affairs Plans Officer, SOCEUR SOJ39 (2023–2024) J35 Future Operations Chief, Joint Special Operations Task Force-Somalia (September 2024–February 2025)
Paton holds Primary Area of Concentration (AOC) 38A-5P (Civil Affairs) and Secondary AOC 38G-6U1M (Agribusiness and Food). He completed military education including Basic Airborne Course (2019), Civil Affairs Qualification Course (2018), and Advanced Operations Course (2025).[2] His awards include the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (three awards), Army Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, and Basic Parachutist Badge, among others.
Academic career
Paton began his postdoctoral training as an NIH Fellow at the Blood Research Institute in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (2005–2007), followed by another NIH Fellowship at the University of Wisconsin–Madison (2007–2010).[4] He served as an Assistant Professor in Nutritional Sciences at Texas Tech University from 2011 to 2015. In 2015, he joined the University of Georgia as an Assistant Professor in the Departments of Food Science & Technology and Nutritional Sciences, earning promotion to Associate Professor with tenure in 2019.[4][8] Paton teaches courses such as Food and Nutritional Biochemistry (FDST/NUTR 8150), Advanced Nutrition in Physical Activity, Exercise, and Sport (NUTR 8230), and Nutrition in Physical Activity, Exercise, and Sport (NUTR/KINS 4220/6220).[4][7] He has mentored several graduate and undergraduate students, including Ph.D. recipients. Paton serves on editorial boards for the American Journal of Physiology - Endocrinology & Metabolism and the International Journal of Molecular Sciences (Endocrinology & Metabolism section). His awards include Chair of the Nutrition Physiology Interest Group (American Physiological Society, 2023–2026) and Emerging Leaders Network (Institute of Food Technologists, 2016).[4]
Research
Paton's research investigates the bioactive properties of lipids, focusing on dihydrosterculic acid (DHSA) from cottonseed oil and linoleic acid's effects on skeletal muscle and mitochondrial biogenesis. His work is focused on restoring metabolic function in diseases using molecular biology and biochemistry in cell and animal models, with applications to human physiology.[4][7] From 2019 to 2024, Paton secured over $2 million in grants (his allocation: $730,265), funded by organizations like the USDA, Cotton Incorporated, and the American Pecan Council.
Paton has authored over 50 journal articles, with notable publications including:
"Biochemical and physiological function of stearoyl-CoA desaturase" (2009, cited 1025 times)[6] "Interleukin-13 drives metabolic conditioning of muscle to endurance exercise" (2020, cited 136 times)[6] A book chapter: "Lipid metabolic features of skeletal muscle in pathological and physiological conditions" (2020)[4]
Political career
In 2025, Paton announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination in Georgia House of Representatives District 120, which includes parts of Oconee, Jackson, Barrow, and Clarke counties.[9] His platform emphasizes tax reform, support for small businesses, infrastructure investment, defense of life, sustainable growth, opposition to progressive ideologies, public safety, and addressing homelessness. Paton describes himself as a "lifelong conservative" and "devoted Christian," drawing on his academic, military, and leadership experience.[10]
Personal life
Paton resides in Bogart, Georgia, with his wife, Jamie Ann Cooper, whom he married in June 2003. They have no children. He is a member of Grace Fellowship Church in Oconee County, Georgia.[11]
References
- ↑ "Chad Paton". University of Georgia. Retrieved October 26, 2025. Text " UGA FACS " ignored (help)
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Paton Military Bio Aug 2025.pdf (attached document)
- ↑ "Chad Paton for State House". Retrieved October 26, 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 Paton CM CV (Sep 2025).docx (attached document)
- ↑ "Chad Paton - Google Scholar". Retrieved October 26, 2025.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedscholar - ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 "Chad Paton". University of Georgia. Retrieved October 26, 2025. Text " UGA FACS " ignored (help)
- ↑ "Chad Paton - LinkedIn". Retrieved October 26, 2025.
- ↑ "Chad Paton for State House". Retrieved October 26, 2025.
- ↑ "Chad Paton for State House". Retrieved October 26, 2025.
- ↑ "Chad Paton for State House". Retrieved October 26, 2025.
External links
Official university profile google%20scholar%20profile Campaign website 25 web pages21.9s
References
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