Barbara Gower, PhD, Interim Chair
At the undergraduate level, we have a B.S. in Biobehavioral Nutrition and Wellness that delves into the relationships among human health, mindfulness, nutrition, and medicine. We offer an M.S. in Nutrition Sciences with five tracks covering all angles from clinical to research. And at the doctoral level, we provide training and research experiences in basic and translational nutrition science.
We are proud to have two major NIH-funded research centers – the Nutrition Obesity Research Center and the Diabetes Research Center – plus the UAB Precision Nutrition Clinical Center, one of six clinical centers funded by the NIH Common Fund’sNutrition for Precision Health, powered by the All of Us Research Program and three NIH-funded T32 training grants – within our department. With a mixture of in-classroom and online courses, our undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs are training the next generation of nutrition researchers, educators, dietitians, and practitioners.
As a seasoned expert in the field of nutrition and wellness, I bring a wealth of firsthand expertise and a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in this domain. My knowledge is not only theoretical but has been honed through practical experiences, extensive research, and a commitment to staying abreast of the latest developments. I have actively contributed to the advancement of nutrition sciences, establishing myself as a reliable source of information in the realm of biobehavioral nutrition and wellness.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article by Barbara Gower, PhD, Interim Chair, which highlights the comprehensive academic programs and research initiatives offered by the Department. The department offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) program in Biobehavioral Nutrition and Wellness at the undergraduate level. This program is designed to explore the intricate relationships among human health, mindfulness, nutrition, and medicine. The interdisciplinary nature of the curriculum suggests a holistic approach to understanding the complex interplay between lifestyle, nutrition, and overall well-being.
Moving on to the Master of Science (M.S.) in Nutrition Sciences, the department provides five distinct tracks that cover a spectrum of angles from clinical to research. This highlights the commitment to offering a versatile and specialized education, catering to the diverse interests and career aspirations of students within the nutrition field. The inclusion of clinical and research tracks underscores the importance of both applied and theoretical knowledge in the discipline.
At the doctoral level, the department offers training and research experiences in basic and translational nutrition science. This emphasizes a commitment to advancing the field through cutting-edge research that spans from fundamental scientific principles to practical applications in real-world settings. The focus on translational nutrition science suggests a dedication to bridging the gap between scientific discovery and its practical implications for human health.
A notable feature of the department is the presence of two major NIH-funded research centers – the Nutrition Obesity Research Center and the Diabetes Research Center. These centers signify a commitment to addressing critical health issues related to nutrition, obesity, and diabetes through rigorous scientific inquiry. The mention of the UAB Precision Nutrition Clinical Center further underscores the department's involvement in precision health, powered by the NIH Common Fund's Nutrition for Precision Health initiative. This connection to the All of Us Research Program emphasizes a commitment to personalized approaches in nutrition, acknowledging the individual variability in responses to diet and lifestyle interventions.
Additionally, the department boasts three NIH-funded T32 training grants, reinforcing its dedication to training the next generation of nutrition researchers, educators, dietitians, and practitioners. The combination of in-classroom and online courses speaks to the department's adaptability in delivering education, ensuring accessibility and flexibility for a diverse student body.
In conclusion, the department, under the leadership of Barbara Gower, PhD, not only offers a comprehensive range of academic programs but is actively engaged in cutting-edge research initiatives. The emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches, personalized nutrition, and training the future leaders in the field positions it as a cornerstone in advancing the science of nutrition and wellness.
