About ENC & Our Nutrition Experts

Our Mission

ENC is a credible source of nutrition and health science information and the acknowledged leader in research and education related to eggs.

Our Focus

ENC sponsors health-related scientific research that is primarily focused on eggs. Our nutrition health experts also monitor scientific findings and regulatory developments, and serve as a resource for health practitioners needing current nutrition information to share with their patients.

Mickey Rubin, PHD

Executive Director

Dr. Mickey Rubin is the Executive Director of the Egg Nutrition Center. Dr. Rubin began his career in the food industry at Kraft Foods where he served as a Senior Nutrition Scientist. Dr. Rubin then served as Principal Scientist at Provident Clinical Research. Most recently, Dr. Rubin spent 8 years as Vice President of Nutrition Research at National Dairy Council.

A member of the American Society of Nutrition, Dr. Rubin graduated from Indiana University-Bloomington with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology. He also earned a Master’s Degree in Exercise and Sport Science from the University of Memphis, and later earning a Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology from the University of Connecticut where his research interests included exercise endocrinology, sports nutrition, and the effects of dietary interventions on cardiometabolic health outcomes. Dr. Rubin is also the author or co-author of numerous peer-reviewed scientific papers and text book chapters covering the topics of nutrition and exercise science.

Katie Hayes, RDN

Director, Nutrition Communications

Katie Hayes, RDN is the Director of Nutrition Communications at the Egg Nutrition Center. As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with 10+ years of marketing and communications experience, Katie has developed and implemented food and nutrition communications programs for companies and commodity groups. Prior to joining the Egg Nutrition Center, she worked on a number of food clients at two global public relations agencies.

Katie served as Chair of the Council on Professional Issues for the Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and Vice President of the Chicago Food and Nutrition Network, and is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana University-Bloomington and completed her dietetic internship at Hines VA Hospital.

Jen Houchins, PHD, RD

Director, Nutrition Research

Dr. Jen Houchins is the Director of Nutrition Research at the Egg Nutrition Center.  Jen is responsible for oversight of ENC’s nutrition research program, translation of new research findings for health professionals, and provides support for AEB’s general marketing efforts.  Prior to her work at ENC, Jen served as Director of Regulatory Affairs at National Dairy Council, and previously worked at Nestlé Health Science as a post-doctoral scientist.  She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition from the University of Minnesota, a Ph.D. from Purdue University, and is also a Registered Dietitian.