Falk College strives to achieve excellence in education not only through good teaching but also through participation in active research. Our students benefit by learning from researchers who are working at the cutting-edge of knowledge, within well-equipped laboratories, and in projects that are both domestic and abroad. We encourage both undergraduates and graduate engagement to achieve not only a rewarding educational experience but also enhanced career opportunities upon graduation. Learn more about the different types of research awards.
Extramural AwardThe Role of Peanut Intake and Nutritional Status on Pediatric Inflammation via DNA Methylation
Children living in poverty experience chronic stress from the instability of basic needs such as housing, food, and safety. In particular, food insecurity can lead to consumption of affordable, available foods, which are often ultra-processed. Exposure to chronic stress during childhood contributes to a higher risk of developing inflammation and oxidative stress. This can lead to other physical and mental health consequences such as increased likelihood of asthma, depression, and obesity. The goal of this study is to identify the nutritional effects on inflammation and oxidative stress in 4-year-old children living in poverty in New York state.
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2021-2022 Fellowship or HonorJessica Garay 2021-2022 American Society of Nutrition (ASN) Science Policy Fellow
Over the next year, Professor Garay will engage in meetings with various stakeholders involved in federal legislation, including representatives from various federal agencies as well as individuals who have worked on Capitol Hill. Professor Garay will have opportunities to advocate for health related legislative issues, and will serve as an ex officio member of the ASN Committee on Advocacy and Science Policy.
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Intramural Sponsored ProjectWiSE Faculty Covid Resource Grant
This grant supported two graduate students who assisted in a literature search on the topics of vegetarian diet prevalence in athletes, measurement of inflammatory markers, diet assessment in female athletes, and omega-3 fatty acid bioavailability. As a result of this literature search, we are now working on a manuscript that synthesizes these topics together.
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2019-2020 Falk Tenure-Track Assistant Professor Seed Grant AwardHealth Behaviors among Pregnant Women with Prior Pregnancy Loss
During pregnancy, the presence of maternal stress significantly increases the risk for adverse birth outcomes, including preterm birth and intrauterine growth restriction, both of which can result in low birth weight. Exposure to stress during pregnancy may affect food choices, exercise habits, use of tobacco or other drugs, and sleep patterns. Levels of psychosocial stress specifically may be particularly elevated for pregnant women who have previously experienced a miscarriage or stillbirth, which occurs in 1 in 4 pregnancies.
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2019-2020 SU CUSE GrantEffects of Maternal Stress, Dietary Intake, and Physical Activity Behaviors on Adverse Birth Outcomes
Maternal exposure to acute or chronic stress during fetal development leads to adjustments that have both short- and long-term consequences. Our proposed study is a multi-disciplinary investigation of maternal stress exposure, maternal stress response, and adverse birth outcomes (including pre-term birth and low birth weight). We plan to conduct a prospective cohort study of pregnant women to assess whether dietary intake and/or physical activity (PA) mediate or moderate the relationship between maternal stress exposure and adverse birth outcomes.
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Extramural AwardInflammatory Markers and Diet Quality among Vegetarian Versus Non-Vegetarian Female Collegiate Athletes
At present, it is unclear if the anti-inflammatory effects of a vegetarian diet directly benefit competitive athletes who engage in high-intensity exercise. Therefore, Redmond aims to directly measure levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory biomarkers and assess overall diet quality (using the DII) between vegetarian and non-vegetarian female collegiate athletes. This study was developed in response to observed interest in vegetarian diets among female athletes as well as growing opportunities for dietitians to provide nutrition education to collegiate athletes about overall diet quality. The results of this study can be used to highlight the need for sports nutrition professionals to closely monitor collegiate athletes and provide evidence supporting the potential benefits of a vegetarian diet for female collegiate athletes.
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