Alissa Nolden is an assistant professor of food science and a member of the Center for Personalized Health Monitoring in IALS
IALS: Hi Alissa, thank you for speaking with us today. We have a few questions for you so everyone on campus can get to know you better. How long have you been at UMass Amherst?
AN: I just started my 6th year at UMass this past January. But I attended UMass as an undergraduate… so going on 10 years!
IALS: Where did you grow up?
AN: I grew up in Mattapoisett, a small town in Eastern MA.
IALS: Does the love of science run in your family?
AN: I am the first scientist in my family and First Gen.
IALS: How long have you been teaching?
AN: I started teaching when I joined UMass. But before this, I enjoyed giving guest lectures and seminars.
IALS: What is more stressful, grant proposals, research, or teaching?
AN: I find teaching more stressful, but I also think it depends on the class/topic. It is a lot more fun talking to students about research or sensory-related topics!
IALS: Assuming your research is widely successful, how will it impact society?
AN: With my current research, the impact of these studies will improve the lives of individuals that suffer from taste loss and other taste disorders. Developing foods for these individuals and identifying effective treatments will improve food intake and quality of life for these individuals.
IALS: Who do you admire and why?
AN: I have so many mentors that have supported me and helped to grow my passion for research. I don’t think I would be in this position today without the mentorship from my graduate advisor, John Hayes. Since my graduate years, he continues to be an important role model, still learning how to balance academic demands and also enjoy time with family.
IALS: What are your interests when you are not a scientist?
AN: I enjoy hiking with my dogs and kiddos. I have started to bake sourdough at my kids request. And I am learning to play ice hockey!
IALS: Thank you so much Alissa!
Learn more about Prof. Nolden's research.