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2025 UAB DEPARTMENT OF NUTRITION SCIENCES CHAIR’S REPORT uab.edu/nutritionDear Friends, I am proud to introduce the Department of Nutrition Sciences 2025 Chair’s Report. We had a busy year here in the department. I hope you enjoy perusing the following pages and celebrating our successes with us. Education Our education programs continue to thrive and attract talented students from all over the country. Our undergraduate major completed its fourth year and underwent a name change, from Biobehavioral Nutrition and Wellness to Nutrition Sciences, to align with our other programs. Eric Plaisance, PhD, vice chair for Nutrition Sciences and undergraduate program director, oversaw the research for and implementation of this change, which was well received. In 2025, 88 students declared Nutrition Sciences as their undergraduate major. Our Master of Nutrition Sciences Clinical Track/ Dietetic Internship (CT/DI), under the leadership of program director Keith Pearson, PhD, RDN, was re-accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) through June 30, 2033. Our Dietitian Education Program, led by Lizzy Davis, PhD, RDN, and Christine Ferguson, PhD, RDN, CSG, enrolled their largest cohort yet, with 31 students in the fall, for a total of 56 students for the year. Both of these programs prepare students to take the registered dietitian nutritionist credentialing exam. Our doctoral program, directed by Paula Chandler-Laney, PhD, had 17 pre-doctoral students and graduated four new PhDs in 2025. Through two T32 programs, the department supported eight pre-doctoral trainees and three postdoctoral trainees in obesity-related research. Read about our students’ successes on page 4. Research Our research faculty and staff had a productive year. DNS investigators were principal investigators on 46 active grants (with 12 new grants funded in 2025) and had 78 manuscripts published in peer-reviewed journals. Our researchers have been funded to study the effects of ketones on cognitive function, how diet affects the endocrine system, the effects of diet on damage- associated mitochondrial proteins, and much more. See what we’ve been up to on page 10. CHAIR’S LETTER Barbara Gower, PhD Professor and Chair Department of Nutrition SciencesClinic The Metabolic Health Clinic, under the leadership of Amy Goss, PhD, RDN, had a strong year. The clinic provides personalized diet plans to patients with type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, and fatty liver disease, enabling us to translate our research findings into clinical care with a focus on precision nutrition. You can learn more about the MHC on page 26. Renovations In June, we celebrated completion of the Susan Mott Webb Nutrition Sciences Building renovations, which included a beautiful new façade and foyer, a refreshed clinic waiting area and cutting-edge whole-room indirect calorimetry suite on the second floor, new classrooms and hangout spaces for students on the fifth floor, and new teaching and metabolic kitchens on the sixth floor. The calorimetry suite, directed by Kathryn Whyte, PhD, RDN, and the kitchens, directed by Kelly Berg, RDN, have been in high demand for studies since their launch. Read more about what’s going on there on page 22. As you’ll see in these pages, we have an amazing group of faculty, staff, and students here in the Department of Nutrition Sciences, and I am very proud of the work we’ve accomplished together. Thank you, everyone! Barbara Gower, PhD Professor and Chair Department of Nutrition Sciences Contents 4 Education 10 Research 20 Honors & Recognition 22 Webb Building 26 Metabolic Health Clinic 27 Scholarships 28 Alumni EngagementEDUCATION The UAB Department of Nutrition Sciences is recognized for our ongoing contributions to the field of nutrition science. We offer an undergraduate major in Nutrition Sciences and a Nutrition minor, and students may opt to complete an undergraduate certificate in Nutrition and Dietetics. Our graduate programs include multiple master’s degree tracks with a clinical or research focus, as well as a PhD in Nutrition Sciences. Our graduate students and postdoctoral fellows have the opportunity to work one-on-one with faculty and gain exposure to a wide range of topics in nutrition and obesity. 88 Undergraduate Majors 37 Nutrition Minors 103 Master’s Students 17 PhD Students 3 Postdoc Fellows5 uab.edu/nutrition Undergraduate Student Facts (2025) ➤87% Institutional Scholarships ➤29% First Generation Students ➤30% Honors College ➤36% Pre-Professional Tracks ➤3 D1 Athletes ➤2 Marching Band Members ➤9 Military Affiliations ➤6 UAB Employees EDUCATION Nutrition Sciences Major and Nutrition Minor Our undergraduate program completed its fourth year in 2025. Eric Plaisance, PhD, vice chair for Nutrition Sciences, is program director for the undergraduate major and the nutrition minor, Carleton Rivers, MS, RDN, is program director for the Nutrition and Dietetics Certificate, and Deidre Murray, MA, is program manager. In the fall of 2025, the Biobehavioral Nutrition and Wellness (BNW) undergraduate major was renamed Nutrition Sciences to increase recognizability of the degree with prospective students and stakeholders. Students enrolled in the program at the time of the change had the option to graduate with a B.S. in Biobehavioral Nutrition and Wellness or Nutrition Sciences. The department had a record enrollment of 602 students in undergraduate classes, 88 of whom were declared BNW majors. Sixteen students graduated from the program in 2025. The under- graduate program had a 98% acceptance rate of students pursuing pre-professional programs, including nursing, pharmacy, and physician’s assistant programs, a master’s in education program, the UAB Nutrition Sciences Dietitian Education Program (DEP), and the UAB Nutrition Sciences PhD program. Nutrition and Dietetics Certificate The Nutrition and Dietetics Certificate Program, which began in 2024, enrolled seven undergraduates in 2025. This undergraduate certificate is designed for students majoring in Nutrition Sciences who wish to pursue the academic pathway required for eligibility to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). The Nutrition Sciences major, combined with the Nutrition and Dietetics Certificate, holds candidacy accreditation as a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) through the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) and is on track for its full accreditation site visit in 2026. Nutrition Sciences Stakeholders Committee In 2025, the department created a Nutrition Sciences stakeholders committee that includes internal academic leadership and faculty, as well as external partners representing clinical, community, school nutrition, healthcare, and food-systems settings. These individuals have experience in nutrition education and community and clinical training and employ graduates across diverse practice areas. Their ongoing feedback will inform and strengthen the department’s undergraduate nutrition programs, ensuring that curricula, experiential learning opportunities, and student outcomes remain aligned with current professional expectations and workforce needs.6 UAB Department of Nutrition Sciences 2025 Chair’s Report Spring Graduating Class Holli Marshall and Makenna Bentley tied for the BNW Spirit and Service Award Jesse Perry won the BNW Research and Innovation Award Kendall Henry won the BNW Strength and Resiliency Award Fall Graduating Class Nick Szewczyk won the BNW Spirit and Service Award Thomas Ward won the BNW Strength Award EDUCATION Bridget Goins, a junior in the Nutrition Sciences/ Nutrition and Dietetics Certificate program, pursued research with Christine Ferguson, PhD, RDN, CSG, and presented with her at the National Conference for Undergraduate Research (NCUR) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and at the UAB spring 2025 Service Learning and Undergraduate Research Expo. Bridget attended the University of Alabama’s Food and Nutrition Research Experience for Undergraduates summer program and won first place in their poster competition. She also spearheaded a food waste sustainability project in the Metabolic Kitchen. Angelica Vercher, a junior in the Nutrition Sciences/Nutrition and Dietetics Certificate program, organized Blazegiving for students who could not go home for Thanksgiving. “I can’t imagine how difficult it would be to go through the holiday season without being around your loved ones,” Angelica said. “I wanted to bring a home-cooked, home-styled Thanksgiving meal to [students] on campus.” More than 30 students, faculty, and staff enjoyed a festive meal together in the newly renovated fifth floor kitchen and lounge area of the Webb Building. Learn more at go.uab.edu/nutritionmajor or contact us at UGnutrition@uab.edu or 205.975.2984. Student Highlights BNW Student AchievementsCT/DI Highlights Under the leadership of Dr. Keith Pearson, the CT/DI was re-accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) through June 30, 2033. The program graduated its 61st cohort of dietetic interns in August. Student Achievements ➤Riley Cowart and Mackenzie Pitt received the Carol Brewster Craig Endowed Scholarship. ➤Cameron Pinson received the Outstanding Dietetic Intern Award. ➤Annelise Rudd, Alexis Tabbs, and Kayla Zellous received the Rebecca L. Bradley Endowed Scholarship. ➤Kayla Zellous received the E. Neige Todhunter Award. DEP Highlights The DEP, under the leadership of Drs. Lizzy Davis and Christine Ferguson, had 56 students enrolled in 2025. Seven students graduated in the spring, and 12 graduated in the fall. The fall cohort was the largest to date, with 31 students. Student Achievements ➤Joy Banks, Madison Chastain, Devin Lambert, Ashley Pigford, and Hunter Russell received the Carol Brewster Craig Endowed Scholarship. ➤Lizzy Bumpas and Danielle North were named fall Outstanding DEP Students. ➤Catherine Santley received the spring Outstanding Graduate Award. ➤Addy Bias and Kylie Pinkney received the Howerde E. Sauberlich Endowed Award for Excellence in Nutrition Sciences Research. ➤Razel Gargollo was featured in a CCTS In Focus: Bionutrition edition on mastering knife skills. 7 uab.edu/nutrition MS in Nutrition Sciences The Master of Science in Nutrition Sciences is a comprehensive program combining coursework with life experiences that teach students how to save lives, prevent disease, and improve quality of life. MS Program Director Brenda Bertrand, PhD, RDN, works with DEP Director Lizzy Davis, PhD, RDN, DEP Assistant Director Christine Ferguson, PhD, RDN, CSG, CT/DI Director Keith Pearson, PhD, RDN, Program Manager Marian Carter, EdD, and Dietetics Practice Coordinator Ashleigh Green, MS, RDN, to oversee five degree tracks. ➤Dietitian Education Program (DEP) Coordinated program with online course- work and internship that can be complet- ed anywhere in the country in preparation for the registered dietitian nutritionist credentialing exam. ➤Clinical Track/Dietetic Internship (CT/ DI) One-year online program with in-per- son dietetic internship that prepares stu- dents for the registered dietitian nutrition- ist credentialing exam. ➤Clinical Track – Prior Learning Option (CT-PLO) Online program that allows RDNs to earn an MS in Nutrition Sciences degree. ➤Lifestyle Management & Disease Pre- vention Track (LMDP) Online program that prepares students to provide general nutrition information to the public. ➤Research Track (RT) Mentored program that prepares students to pursue a PhD or research career in nutrition sciences. Learn more about our MS program at uab.edu/shp/nutrition/education/mas- ters or email msnutrition@uab.edu. AREAS OF STUDY ➤Obesity and Body Composition ➤Lifestyle Wellness ➤Diet Interventions ➤Diabetes and Glucose Metabolism ➤Cancer ➤Diet Patterns and Disease Prevention ➤Inclusive Research for People with Disabilities ➤Aging and Skeletal Muscle Health ➤Adaptive Thermogenesis ➤Maternal-Child Health ➤Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease PhD in Nutrition Sciences EDUCATION ➤Carly Drake was awarded Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year by the Birmingham District Dietetic Association and won Best Abstract in the doctoral category at SHP Research Day. ➤Alysha Everett was a recipient of the Howerde E. Sauberlich Endowed Award for Excellence in Nutrition Science Research and tied for second place for Best Poster in the doctoral category at SHP Research Day. ➤Amanda Finn won second place at the DNS Student Summit and was featured in a Forbes magazine article on student advocacy for science funding. ➤Tori Holland was a recipient of the Dr. W. Timothy Garvey Endowed Scholarship for 2025–2026. ➤Bre McDonald was selected as a 2025–2026 Albert Schweitzer Fellow, was recipient of the spring 2025 Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholarship, was selected to attend the NIDDK Clinical Methods for Nutrition and Obesity Research training at Pennington Biomedical Research Center with a travel stipend, and was awarded the Graduate Student Government’s 2025 Fall/ Spring Professional Development and Travel Award. Student Awards & Honors Program Director Paula Chandler-Laney, PhD, oversees the PhD in Nutrition Sciences with support from Program Manager II Michele Gould, MPH. Our PhD students and postdocs have the opportunity to work alongside experts in the field and in two NIH-funded research centers: the Nutrition Obesity Research Center (NORC) and the Diabetes Research Center (DRC). Students learn the science of nutrition as it relates to maintaining the health of individuals and populations, as well as the biochemical basis and application of nutrition to promote health and prevent disease. 2025 PhD Graduates First Position after Graduation ➤Allyn Abadie, MA, PhD – Head of Performance/ Principal Scientist, Arena Labs ➤Ciera Bartholomew, PhD – Scientific Consultant, Content Strategy & Evidence Synthesis, Unicity International ➤Leandra Durham, MS, PhD – National Institute of Digestive & Kidney Diseases Postdoctoral Fellow ➤Alysha Everett, MS, PhD – Research Scientist, UAB, Nutrition Sciences Obesity T32-Funded Postdoctoral Trainees ➤Kiu Chui, PhD, RDN ➤Katie Ellison, PhD, RDN ➤Olivia Altonji, PhD 8 UAB Department of Nutrition Sciences 2025 Chair’s Report➤Alanis Stansberry was a recipient of a Les Dames d’Escoffier scholarship. ➤Meghan Taylor won third place at the DNS Student Summit. ➤Silvia Lopez Torres was a recipient of a Howerde E. Sauberlich Endowed Award for Excellence in Nutrition Science Research, was selected to be the inaugural Alliance Pharma Nutrition Science Fellow, and won the DNS Trainee of the Year award. ➤Abigail Williamson received a travel award to attend the 2025 Geroscience Symposium, where she won the Excellence in Research Award for her poster presentation, received a travel award for the 53rd Annual American Aging Association (AGE) meeting in Anchorage, Alaska, was chosen to represent AGE at the 74th Annual Scientific Meeting of the British Society for Research on Ageing in Manchester, UK, received a pre-doctoral trainee appointment on the T32 Interdisciplinary Training in Pathobiology and Rehabilitation Medicine Program, and won first place at the DNS Student Summit. ➤Megan Word was a recipient of the Dr. W. Timothy Garvey Endowed Scholarship for 2025–2026. Learn more at go.uab.edu/nutritionphd or contact Paula Chandler-Laney at pchandle@uab.edu. T32-Funded Pre-Doctoral Trainees Obesity (T32HL105349) ➤Amanda Finn, BS ➤Amelia Fouts, BA ➤Gretchen Hoelscher, MS ➤Bre McDonald, MS ➤Alanis Stansberry, BS ➤Silvia Lopez Torres, BS ➤Marian Yurchishin, MS ➤Tamara Al-Daghastani, MS Pathobiology and Rehabilitation Medicine (T32HL007457) ➤Abigail Williamson, BS Student Grants & Publications ➤Abigail Williamson resubmitted her F31 grant application titled “The Effect of B12 Availability on Skeletal Muscle Physiology and Mitochondrial Biology” (mentor: Anna Thalacker-Mercer, PhD). ➤Amanda Finn had a first-authored paper published in Obesity. ➤Marian Yurchishin had three co-authored papers published: two in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism and one, a first- authored paper, in Obesity. ➤Bre McDonald had her first co-authored paper published in Sports Medicine and Health Science. ➤Daniel Mensah was first author on a paper with co-authors Alysha Everett, Amelia Fouts, and Gretchen Hoelscher, et al. published in Pediatric Obesity. Conference Presentations PhD students and postdoctoral fellows attended and provided oral and poster presentations at the American Diabetes Association, Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo (FNCE), NUTRITION 2025, ObesityWeek, the 2025 Geroscience Symposium, the AGE 53rd Annual Meeting, the 74th Annual Scientific Meeting of the British Society for Research on Ageing, the Southern Muscle Conference, Paralyzed Veterans of America Conference, and more. T32 Postdoctoral Obesity Training Program Achievements ➤Kiu Chui received the Dory Award celebrating resilience and perseverance at the Postdoctoral Appreciation Awards Ceremony. ➤Katie Ellison was elected vice chair of the 2025– 2026 Postdoctoral Association Executive Board. 9 uab.edu/nutritionNext >