The Department of Dietetics and Nutrition recently hosted its first annual Nutrition and Dietetics Research and Creativity Day to give student the opportunity to showcase their research via posters presentations and oral presentations. The event also included several afternoon speakers who inspired Stempel students to think outside the box and strive for healthier living.
“This was truly a wonderful time to showcase of hard work of our Ph.D. students and their commitment to furthering nutrition research that will benefit individuals and communities alike,” Deborah Abel, director, Graduate Certificate in Pediatric Nutrition, and Clinical Assistant.
Dr. Karyl Rickard, Professor Emerita of Nutrition and Dietetics; Alison Matthysse, Ph.D. candidate; Lukkamol Prapkree, Ph.D. candidate; Jacqueline Hernandez, Ph.D. candidate; Priya Krishnakumar, Ph.D. candidate; and Dr. Deborah Abel, Director of Graduate Certificate in Pediatric Nutrition and Clinical Assistant Professor
Professor in the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition and event organizer.
Four students gave compelling oral presentations on topics ranging from using smartphone applications that manage healthy eating habits and research on self-regulation of food intake among elementary school children to the role fathers have on feeding children in Asian Indian families.
Jacqueline Hernandez was awarded $200 for her oral presentation titled: Feasibility of a Study on Gut Integrity, Microbial Translocation, Immune Activation and Vitamin D in People Living with HIV (PLWH) Who Use Illegal Drugs.
Three students gave poster presentations that highlighted their areas of research, including: Knowledge, Health Outcomes and Self-efficacy influence Teaching Practices; and Strategies to enhance reliability and validity in plate waste methodology in young children.
Shante Earle was awarded $150 for her poster presentation titled: Urban Vegetable Project 2: Changing Knowledge and Health Behaviors in Adolescents.
The afternoon was kicked-off with a presentation by Jessica Thornton, Medical Science Liaison R&D Medical Affairs. Thorton spoke about the importance of developing work partnerships with industries to further nutrition knowledge.
Alayne Gatto, Medical Science Liaison R&D Medical Affairs, followed with a presentation from the prespective of a registered dietician entitled, “Spreading your knowledge, speaking your passion and giving your heart.”
Wendy Cruse, Pediatric Neonatal Dietitian, Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health, spoke to students about a career in neonatal and pediatric nutrition.
The day was concluded by a meet and greet opportunity with Karyl Rickard, professor emerita of nutrition and dietetics at Indiana University Purdue University.
“Today was a special day as we honored Dr. Rickard, a donor to the Graduate Certificate Pediatric Nutrition program and great supporter of our department,” continued Abel. “The involvement and enthusiasm was well received and all the students, faculty, and visitors enjoyed learning through our students and experiencing information on their research. We were extremely proud of the presenters.”