Advancing education in nutrition science—Tufts students share insights from SCIENCE in Session

OCTOBER 27, 2020

CRN program advances nutrition science education for the next generation

Investing in the future of science-based nutrition policymaking, each year CRN awards a small group of select graduate students from Tufts University's Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy with funding to attend CRN's annual science workshop, Science in Session. “As a growing number of Americans are looking to registered dietitians or nutritionists as reliable sources of information on dietary supplements, it is important to CRN that we increase access to reputable, educational resources for the future of nutrition health care practitioners," CRN's Andrea Wong, Ph.D., said.

This year's recipients, Tatyana Camejo, Maria Creuheras, Kees Schipper and Sarah Ann White, shared about their Science in Session experiences and takeaways from their favorite presentations—learn more in the stories below.


“The experience of hearing discussions from truly renowned speakers …strengthens my knowledge of supplements and supports my education in nutrition and policy.”

Maria Creuheras, 2020 Tufts educational award recipient


 

Future leaders in nutrition learn about promising future of personalized nutrition

With promising research pointing to the potential benefits of personalized nutrition to support both wellness and disease prevention, one size no longer fits all for dietary recommendations. Tufts students Schipper and White highlight Jeffrey Blumberg, Ph.D.'s SCIENCE in Session presentation, which pointed to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) vision of personalized nutrition for all as outlined in its 2020–2030 strategic plan for the nutrition research program.

Tufts students Kees Schipper (above) and Sarah Ann White (below) share insights on personalized nutrition following SCIENCE in Session.
 

"Dr. Blumberg’s presentation really resonated with me, especially when he said that there are more sick people in the United States than healthy. I plan to work in public health, and personalized nutrition is a potential way to combat this," White noted. Read more about Dr. Blumberg's presentation here.

 

 

Workshop sessions deep dive into DRIs, key nutrients

Day Two of SCIENCE in Session offered engaging presentations from leading nutrition scientists on a variety of topics, including concurrent sessions on establishing Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) for omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin K2, as well as lutein and carotenoids and magnesium.

Tufts student Tatyana Camejo tuned in to "Magnesium: Evidence basis for revising existing DRIs" with Rebecca Costello, Ph.D.