University of Massachusetts Amherst

Department of Nutrition

Research

The Department of Nutrition actively addresses nutrition science research needs from cells to the community. Our expanded research programs include obesity research at the cellular and community levels; examination of functional food components such as soy and fiber; studies of reproduction and nutrition; identification of nutrition education needs of children, elders and low-literacy populations; food security and safety and health promotion through community education; and use of technology in teaching.

Facilities include the Massachusetts Nutrient Data Bank for dietary assessment, laboratory and computer facilities, and outreach offices throughout the state. Please contact individual faculty members for a list of their current publications or more detail about their research activities.

Recent Funded Projects

  • Anliker J and Carbone E (Co-PIs).  “Tween POWER: Preventing Obesity through Wise Expenditures of Resources.”  USDA CSREES,  4/01/04-3/31/08.
  • Brennan Olson R and Carbone E. "Examining the Exam: Food Safety Training and Certification for Under-educated and Limited English Proficient School Food Service Workers.” USDA-CSREES, 10/1/04 – 9/30/07.
  • Brennan Olson R and Cohen N.  “Nutrition and Food Safety Education for Staff and Caregivers of ADH Programs.” Mass. Department of Education, 6/30/05–6/30/06.
  • Carbone ET and Brennan Olson R.  (UMass subcontract) “Food Safety Education for High School and Transition Special Needs Students.” USDA-CSREES NFSI Grant,  10/1/05-9/30/08.
  • Cohen N and Laus MJ. “Improving Fruit, Vegetable, and Whole Grain Availability and Intake in Older Adults.  USDA NE 1023 Regional Research Project, 10/1/04-9/30/09. 
  • Kim, YC.  “Regulation of Fat Cell Differentiation and Gene Expression.” UMass-Amherst Faculty Research Grant,   5/06-4/07.
  • Kim, YC. “Regulation of Adipocyte Differentiation and Lipid Metabolism.”  USDA Hatch Project, 8/06-9/11.
  • Ronnenberg AG.  “Maternal Nutritional Status and Pregnancy Outcome in Minority Women.”  UMass-Amherst Faculty Research Grant,   4/05-3/06.
  • Sabelawski S. “Enhancing Student Learning of Clinical Nutrition by Incorporating Multimedia.” UMass-Amherst Faculty Teaching Grant, $500.  9/1/05-8/30/06.
  • Sullivan-Werner L and Anliker J (Co-PIs).   “Family Nutrition Program.”  USDA FNS,  10/1/05-9/30/06. 
http://www.umass.edu/sphhs/nutrition/