Abstract:

The mission of the Department of Nutrition, UMass Amherst, is to provide excellence and innovation in teaching, research, and outreach by applying a scientific foundation that addresses the nutritional needs of individuals and diverse populations. We conduct laboratory and applied community-based research that spans a wide range of issues. Housed within the Department of Nutrition, the UMass Extension Nutrition Education Program (NEP) collaborates with more than 100 agencies and provides nutrition education in over 46 communities in Massachusetts. This poster presents 1) the range of work undertaken by faculty, students, and NEP; and 2) highlight faculty research areas as well as emerging priorities for clinical and community-based nutrition research. We are interested in establishing collaborations for improved nutrition and health outcomes with researchers and community organizations across the Commonwealth.

Introduction:

Nutrition research is important to establish dietary requirements, investigate the metabolic basis for therapies, and translate research to dietary behaviors and policies to improve health and prevent disease. The UMass Department of Nutrition research ranges from cellular and metabolic investigations to community-based and policy approaches. With over $2.5 million in annual grant expenditures, the Department ranks among the top of the university departments in expenditures per faculty.

Nutrition faculty utilize laboratory facilities on the UMass campus, along with collaborative community research in Springfield, Holyoke, Lowell, and other communities in Massachusetts, nationally and internationally. In addition, the UMass Extension Nutrition Education Program provides nutrition education to thousands of limited income families annually through eight community-based sites throughout the state.