Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology Quarterly Newsletter

Community Engagement

Welcome to the October newsletter, focused on meaningful department engagement.

This summer, University of Utah Health hosted the first Summer Science Day, a public outreach event organized by the Genetic Science Learning Center, drawing around 1,000 elementary school children and their families.

The goal was to inspire Utah kids to see themselves as future scientists and science educators. There were over 80 activities for kids to choose from, with great representation from NUIP.

Dr. Kevin Hicks gave presentations on metabolism and enzymology, including demonstrations showing enzymes in action.

Recent NUIP alumni, Dr. Bekah Nicholson, showed kids how to pipette, run DNA gels, and distinguish DNA products with a portable transilluminator.  

NARI interns, Grace Dewyer and Kate Yamashita,
going over SMART goals with students. 

The University of Utah Center for Community Nutrition recently published the 2nd edition of Team Thrive, an interactive nutrition curriculum designed to meet Utah Board of Education standards for high school health classes. This summer, the Center partnered with the Salt Lake City Urban Indian Center and the U of U Native American Summer Research Internship (NARI) to pilot the curriculum during the Urban Indian Center summer camp. NARI interns, Grace Dewyer and Kate Yamashita, taught campers about the importance of healthy eating and cultural foods.

The NUIP Culinary Medicine program partnered with Red Butte Garden for the 5th year in a row to offer hands-on workshops. This summer, classes focused on delicious seasonal recipes that build culinary skills, such as baking crackers and making fresh pasta. These classes provide unique opportunities to educate and connect with community members, and pose as training opportunities for nutrition graduate students studying to become dietitians.

In July, CMP student Emily Medina supported Amy Loverin and Theresa Dvorak in developing and facilitating an Italian-themed workshop. At the workshop, participants made tagliatelle with tomato pesto, a summer salad with fresh balsamic vinaigrette, and tiramisu. These recipes come directly from the Tuscan region of Italy where Amy has co-led cooking classes with NUIP’s learning abroad program.

The Green Team program at Wasatch Community Gardens stands out as an innovative initiative that aims to meet the unique needs of women experiencing homelessness through garden-based approaches.

Since 2017, the Green Team has offered a 16-week farm-based job training program, along with wrap-around support services that help participants access housing, employment, nutritious food, and meaningful social connections.

In partnership with the University of Utah Wellness Bus, Shannon Jones, Executive Director of the University of Utah Center for Community Nutrition, is exploring the health, behavioral, and social outcomes associated with the Green Team program.

This study will track biometric data, behavioral health indicators, and food intake through innovative methods, such as the Veggie Meter. The study also explores the participants ability to access basic needs before and after the program.

Overall, this collaboration aims to provide valuable insights into how community-based programs can support holistic well-being and inform future services for women experiencing homelessness.

Paul-Emile Bourrant, PhD/MS international student representative

Maren Curtis, MS representative

Precious Opurum, PhD representative

Dr. Kristine Jordan,
GSAC/MS student mentor

Amy Loverin, GSAC/MS student mentor

Dr. Anandh Velayutham, GSAC/PhD student mentor

The Access and Engagement Workgroup is for all NUIP faculty, staff, and student leaders interested in learning strategies to support students in their academic journeys here at the University of Utah. All are welcome to get involved by joining one of the meetings, scheduled on October 17, January 9, February 20, and March 20, from 9-10 am on Zoom.

Previous meetings have included a student panel, community engagement opportunities, Health at Every Size discussions, and highlights from the Haumana ‘O Pasifika Research Internship Program.

Come to our first meeting of the year on October 17th, facilitated by Becca Rick, to learn how emotional intelligence and character strengths can be incorporated into the classroom.

Tenure-Track faculty member at the Assistant, Associate, or Professor level. Candidates should have research programs focused on metabolism and disease, with strong records of productivity. Early-career scientists launching new labs are especially encouraged to apply.