Why FSU?

The nutrition program is a top ten program in the country!

Motivation to pursue a graduate degree

I want to change food and health policy and disseminate research to the public in a way that is applicable and helpful for their lives.

Importance and impact of research

Some say that all disease starts in the gut, and I tend to agree. My project focuses on both gut health and bone health in osteopenic men. This topic is important because men are an understudied population in regard to bone health, but as they age their fracture risk goes up; when an elderly man gets a fracture, his mortality rate is 50 percent higher than a female with the same fracture. My research endeavors to rebuild bone and provide preliminary data that may explain the mechanisms of why prunes help rebuild the bone.

Advice for prospective graduate students

Graduate school is hard, and PhDs are even harder. Don't do it unless it's something you truly want, or you might end up quitting. Once you do make the decision to go, just remember that you do belong there, you can finish, and it will all get better and be worth it in the end.

Accomplishments during graduate career

I was a health blogger for TransAmerica. I was inducted into the Fellow's Society. I received a grant from uBiome. I was an invited speaker for the Fellow's Forum, the University of Miami, and the FSU Retired Faculty Luncheon. I present an abstract at ASN each year. Lastly, I received a DAP (department) grant.

Career aspirations

I want to be a researcher and professor, get involved with health and nutrition policy, and start my own business (supplement company).