THOUGHT FOR FOOD: TRAINING SCIENTISTS WHO CAN TRANSLATE BASIC RESEARCH INTO HEALTHY FOODS

Project: Research project

Project Details

Description

The role food plays in human health and well-bring is of growing scientific and public interest. Ensuring that consumers benefit from potential health-promoting effects of select foods while maintaining a safe and abundant food supply depends on a workforce of well-educated Food Scientists. More than ever, these individuals must have not only rigorous scientific training, but effective communication skills to provide sound information to the public about health and food safety claims reported by the popular press. We propose a training program in the Food and Nutrition for Health area that provides multidisciplinary training for 3 Ph.D Fellows and supports the USDA Strategic Goals and Objectives to improve nutrition and health, and to promote a safe food supply. Fellows selected in collaboration with North Carolina A&T University will develop critical thinking skills through resident education and thesis research. Leadership and public communication skills will be gained through the establishment of Structured Controversies and Scientific Evidence for Health Claims seminar series, which will be organized by the Fellows and used to critique current issues in Food Science and Nutrition in a public forum. Integration of the Fellows into the undergraduate research programs at NC A&T University will additionally transform them into the next generation of mentors. This program will impact the TESA in the short and long term through the professional development of global-ready Fellows, education of the public, and the strengthening of relationships between the Food Science programs at Penn State and NC A&T University.

StatusFinished
Effective start/end date2/1/121/31/17

Funding

  • National Institute of Food and Agriculture: $236,419.00

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