Food Science and Human Nutrition Newsletter | Fall 2023 Recap
The Food Science and Human Nutrition newsletter publishes twice per year, in January and June.
Greetings, alumni and friends! I’m pleased to bring you stories from fall semester in this issue of Food. We celebrated Pat McKlem, the College of Health and Human Sciences Honor Alumna, and the 10th anniversary of our Fermentation Science and Technology Program, which recently earned accreditation by the Institute of Food Technologists Higher Education Review Board. Meet our four new faculty members, and learn about faculty and student research. Scroll, read, and click or tap to learn more about your areas of interest.
As we move into the spring semester, we are finishing up an overhaul of each of our majors that will go into effect in Fall 2024, including name changes and exciting curriculum updates. We’re grateful to alumni, industry partners, and students for valuable input in this process to align our programs with career paths in our evolving fields. We’re also starting some exciting new renovations in the Gifford Building.
Alumni and friends, keep us updated on your successes, and consider joining us for the upcoming Research Day on March 5. You’re always welcome in the Gifford Building; I hope you will swing by and say hello next time you’re in the area.
Warm regards,
Chris Gentile, Professor and Department Head
College of Health and Human Sciences Honor Alumna Pat McKlem (’70)
The Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition celebrated with alumna Pat McKlem, who returned for Homecoming and Family Weekend and the Distinguished Alumni Awards. McKlem built on her B.S. in food science and nutrition through her career in health care, from a dietitian to network director for VA Health Care Systems in Arizona, New Mexico, and west Texas, while staying connected to Colorado State University through leadership and giving.
Seasers’ ‘love affair’ with CSU spans 25 years
For decades, the Seasers have cheered on the Rams at athletic events, hired students to work in their restaurant business, created scholarships, helped with fundraisers, and advised CSU leaders in academic and financial strategy.
Supporting community nutrition in rural Alaska
Savannah Guy works as a health promotion community educator with the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. Guy provides community education and cooking demonstrations for low-income families in rural villages.
Rob Duran (’12) applies his degree at Lucio Concepts
Duran is currently a Regional Manager for local restaurant group, Lucio Concepts – the group that brings Blue Agave Grill and Vatos Tacos and Tequila to Fort Collins, Colorado.
Scholarship program in the CSU College of Health and Human Sciences contributes to the success of student-veterans
The College of Health and Human Sciences has a student-veteran population of 3% with the most veterans enrolling in academic programs in the Departments of Health and Exercise Science, Construction Management, and Food Science and Human Nutrition, the focus of the scholarship program.
First-generation student changes focus to nutrition in graduate school
Murphy previously earned her bachelor’s degree in art education at CSU. She is navigating prioritizing a family and furthering her education and career.
Expanding skills and networking at Grand Hyatt Denver internship
Ilkhomiddin Nabijonov, a student from Uzbekistan studying hospitality and event management has developed his skills to a new level while establishing his place in a global field.
Outstanding graduate finds happiness in fermentation science and technology
During her junior year, Brunner changed her major despite her success in her current degree path. The switch allowed her to be more passionate about her work.
Exploring traditional fermentation techniques to improve public health and nutrition
John Wilson is fostering curiosity in fermentation science, building on his family’s long tradition of passing down fermentation skills through the generations.
Teaching students about culinary tourism through real-world experiences in the industry
Christina Minihan is combining her background and research in culinary tourism and advertising with an experiential teaching style to provide students with service-learning opportunities.
Researching food and nutrition insecurity and impacts on chronic disease
Sarah Stotz is focusing her research on nutrition-related chronic diseases serving American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
CSU alumnus and brewing expert is sharing his expertise with students
Charlie Hoxmeier is applying his training as a microbiologist and experience in the brewing industry to make topics within fermentation science and technology more accessible for students.
Sarah Johnson discussed meaningful mentorship lessons and functional foods research on college podcast
Johnson joined the Health and Human Science Matters podcast to discuss her research on functional foods – such as blueberries and microgreens – to benefit human health across the lifespan.
Judges needed for research poster sessions at College of Health and Human Sciences Research Day – March 5
The 5th Annual CHHS Research Day 2024 will be held on Tuesday, March 5, in the Lory Student Center Grand Ballroom.
Scott Wrigley investigates gut microbiome and cardiovascular disease
Scott Wrigley was recognized with the Excellence in Research and Scholarship award at CSU’s Graduate Student Showcase in November 2023.
Bri Risk explores probiotic influences on physiological processes
Bri Risk was recognized with the Excellence in Research and Scholarship award at CSU’s Graduate Student Showcase in November 2023.
Your CSU network on LinkedIn
Find your classmates and mentors, track the latest research, find employees or your next job, and more on LinkedIn with the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition!
