Source: TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY submitted to
NUTRITION BENCH-TO-COMMUNITY ENGAGED SCHOLARS IN TEXAS (NUTRITION BEST) REEU PROGRAM
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
ACTIVE
Funding Source
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
1025903
Grant No.
2021-68018-34615
Cumulative Award Amt.
$500,000.00
Proposal No.
2020-09346
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
May 1, 2021
Project End Date
Apr 30, 2026
Grant Year
2021
Program Code
[A7401]- Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates
Project Director
Moustaid-Moussa, N.
Recipient Organization
TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY
(N/A)
LUBBOCK,TX 79409
Performing Department
Nutritional Sciences
Non Technical Summary
The Nutrition Bench-to-Community Engaged Scholars in Texas (Nutrition BEST) REEU program addresses the AFRI Farm Bill priority areas of food safety, nutrition and health and will train undergraduate students in basic nutrition and obesity research or community nutrition and obesity prevention, as well as data and literature analyses. We hypothesize that an intensive integrated student experience which encompasses research training at Texas Tech University (TTU) and enhanced by summer internships with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension will increase student retention in food safety, nutrition and health related degrees and careers.Our objectives are to (1) Develop and implement strong mentoring, research ethics and leadership training programs; (2) Engage students from underrepresented groups from majors at TTU and South Plains College in impactful research and integrated experiential learning through Extension; and (3) Increase the number of students from underrepresented groups who pursue graduate education or careers in food safety, nutrition and health. Students will receive tailored mentorship to enhance retention and success, professional development and research ethics, as well as knowledge about graduate school and career options supported by engaging in seminar series featuring presentations from experts/organizations who have diverse backgrounds and training in REEU-targeted areas of foods, nutrition and agriculture. Our comprehensive training program will accomplish REEU goals including employment and graduate enrollment in foods and nutrition.
Animal Health Component
30%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
70%
Applied
30%
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
7023840101050%
7031499208050%
Goals / Objectives
We propose the following three measurable objectives relevant to this AFRI (EWD), specifically addressing USDA Strategic Goal 7: Provide ALL Americans Access to a Safe, Nutritious, and Secure Food Supply; and AFRI EWD Goal 3: Developing Pathways:Develop and implement a strong mentoring and leadership training program that prepares underrepresented students for graduate education and careers in nutrition, foods, and agriculture.Engage underrepresented students in impactful research and integrated experiential learning through Extension that will lead to graduate education and careers in nutrition, foods and agriculture.Increase the number of underrepresented students who pursue graduate education or careers in food, nutrition and Extension.
Project Methods
* The Nutrition BEST REEU scholars program will support undergraduate scholarsthrough concurrent research experience in one of three areas (basic sciences; literature, imaging and data analyses; and community nutrition research), and summer internships with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.* Students will be recruited from Texas Tech University as well as South Plains Community College, both Hispanic and Minority serving institutions, respectively.* The program will also include year-round activities on responsible conduct of research, leadership skill development, social and behavioral sciences, as well as cultural and global competence and engagement.* Students will be matched with mentors (primary or colaborating mentors)* Peer mentoring will be used to support nutrition research and Extension.* The evaluation Plan will include comprehensive, mixed-methods approach and longitudinal data. Methods will include student surveys, interviews with students and mentors, and academic data and outputs such as presentations and publications

Progress 05/01/23 to 04/30/24

Outputs
Target Audience:Undergraduate students from the South Plains (or other) Community College and Texas Tech University, primarily females and underrepresented minorities and groups in foods, nutrition, human sciences, and agriculture Changes/Problems:No changes have been made to any of our original goals. As in previous years, challenges with applicants were related to many applicants being pre-med or other medically oriented professions and less interested in agriculture, foods, nutrition, or human sciences. It is worth noting that as a result of exposure to the REEU program, other non-REEU students became informed and interested in nutrition and agriculture, and at least one student shifted her major to nutrition and dietetics and is applying for the 20023-25 REEU cohort. Two others recruited for us from other majors. We had some challenges related to recruitment efforts through the community college, in part due to the problems stated above, but this year, we have reached out to other colleges within our university other student programs that can co-exist with ours and have held meetings the Director for Center for Transformative Undergraduate Experiences (TrUE) which resulted in reaching out to their students that match our criteria and intensified communications with the South Plains Community College Dean of Arts and Sciences, Department Chair/Associate Professor of Biology. We already see results from these efforts with more applicants from the community college. There were some conflicts in class schedules and/or students' schedules in general, but I have only seen one per semester encounter such an issue. We made some accommodations such as Zoom recordings, follow-up meetings, and/or makeup assignments and provided other alternative opportunities when possible. The PD, program manager, and mentors followed up with students when they missed any session. The team will be meeting in the summer of 2024 to discuss this year's evaluation outcomes and the improvements needed. We also provided more information about expectations for upcoming cohorts. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?As described above, the program trained seven undergraduate BEST Scholars in FY23. Students generally learned basic and community research techniques and approaches, study design, data analyses, imaging tools, literature research tools, and professional writing and presentation. This was accomplished through weekly meetings to communicate with students and receive feedback from them. Students received training in RCR, leadership, and professionalism from fall 2023 to spring 2024, including 1) how to conduct responsible research ethically, 2) participatory critical thinking within their fields, 3) learning different communication styles, 4) teamwork and collaborations, and 5) professionalism and leadership skills. Training and exposure to life skills and experiences through community and research guest speakers, including 1) Texa A&M AgriLife Extension, family & community health educators, 2) Food/policy advocate and community gardening expert, 3) (Lemond) registered dietitian, and director of nutrition services presented on diet myths, social media impact, and different sides of nutrition from sports nutrition, pediatrics, disordered eating, and genetic testing with applications in an individual's nutrition 4) experienced young farmer presentation on farming operations, growing crops, plant, and soil health in a molecular level, farm funding, benefits to the community, and sustainable agriculture, including how to plan crops and lay out plans to acquire new fields; this was accompanied by a visit of his farm that produces microgreens, mushrooms, and other produce. Students, a mentor, and the program manager participated in the field trip to the farm and learned not just the farming aspect but also the business and research involved from community needs, growing a business, and produce/land testing in-house and outside companies. Three of our students presented their research at the fall 2023 TrUE Impact Symposium via a three-minute oral presentation along with two REEU 2022-23 students, one of which received 8th place. In Spring 2024, in addition to continuing RCR training, the program focused on introducing/transitioning students into graduate school and preparing for their poster presentations at the TTU Undergraduate Research Conference (URC). Student training incorporated study design, purpose, experimentation, data analyses, impact statements, and a required abstract writing and poster presentation. One of our students received 2nd place in the Lubbock Economic Development Alliance (LEDA) Outstanding Impact Award Agriculture Impact category, and one of our 2022-23 students received 4th place in the LEDA Outstanding Commercialization category during the 2024 URC conference. Two of our REEU students are presenting posters at the Nutrition 2024 Conference of the American Society for Nutrition this June 2024 in Chicago. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?• All student research findings were disseminated through student presentations of their research and internship experiences at the TTU Impact symposium and the TTU undergraduate conference. This year, one of the (2023-24) BEST scholars has submitted a paper as co-author. Student research was also shared with youth and adults in the community they interacted with through the Extension internships. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Now that we have completed our second year of the grant with two full cohorts, our leadership team and mentors will be meeting once again in the summer of 2024 to review/assess the program and discuss with the evaluator the student/mentor recommendations and data collected from all stakeholders' surveys. Based on student and mentor recommendations, we plan to move earlier the tutoring for graduate school to the fall semester to assist the junior and senior applying to graduate schools. During the next reporting period, we anticipate training a new cohort of 5-9 underrepresented students in nutrition, biology, kinesiology, human sciences, agriculture, and/or environmental engineering (based on interviews conducted). We continue to expand our recruitment strategies within TTU and the South Plains Community College. We have held a meeting with the community college dean, chair, and professors to inform the administrators and faculty about the program and help us facilitate access to more community underrepresented students.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? In this 3rd year of funding, we continued recruitign from both TTU and South Planis Community College (SPC) and oru last years mentors assisted as well. We also implements some changes based on last year evaluator findings from interviews to training program.Interested students contacted the PD and/or the program manager assigned to assist with our REEU Nutrition BEST program. Those who were not eligible were still advised by the PD and connected to other research mentors at TTU; those who were eligible completed an online application and were interviewed by the PD, program manager, and program evaluator and/or a Co-PDs. Our second full cohort was comprised of seven females, and four out of the seven students were from underrepresented minority groups (57%), which included 3 Hispanic (43%) and 1 African American (14%) student. Student majors varied from nutrition/dietetics (5), animal science (1), and Kinesiology (1). Students and mentors received training at the start of the program (fall 2023) that discussed expectations from both sides. During the Nutrition BEST training, our BEST scholars were exposed to diverse career opportunities and real-life skills and opportunities through attendance and interactions with community and guest speakers, as well as a field trip to a local farm. Prior to and during their one-year research experience, students received training in research compliance and safety, Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR), leadership, team building, preparation/ tutoring for graduate school, and assisting with their applications. All performed research on an assigned project with an approved faculty mentor. Three students participated in oral presentations and presented their research experience during the TTU Transformative Undergraduate Experiences (TrUE) Impact Symposium (Fall 2023). All seven students presented their research findings as posters at the TTU Undergraduate Research Conference in Lubbock in the spring of 2024. We have provided students with networking opportunities not only through our community and research guest speakers but also with their peers, lab members, some of whom were peer mentors, and professionals within our community, including farmers, Extension educators, and experienced faculty mentors. Three students completed the Extension Internships in summer 2023 in Lubbock, and Houston areas with AgriLife Extension. Our program evaluator completed various pre and post-surveys with the students, as well as research and Extension mentors, which showed overall advancement and gained experiences in professional development, research, and career advancement in foods, nutrition, and agriculture while equipping students with practical skills to enter the workforce and/or graduate school. Of this year's students, three are graduating this 2024 Spring. One student is graduating in Kinesiology with a minor in biology and chemistry, and she has been accepted to the Texas Tech University's Graduate School in the Kinesiology program, focused on diet and exercise interventions research. In addition, she will be staying in her current lab and will be a teaching assistant. Two of the students are graduating from the Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics program; one has been accepted to Texas Tech University's Dietetic program, and the other student is planning on becoming a Registered Dietitian and also plans to apply to nursing school in order to continue her education and broaden her opportunities in health care with nutrition emphasis. Update on our students from our Fall 2022- Spring 2023; three have graduated and have been accepted into Graduate schools at Texas Tech University, UT Dallas, and Texas Women's University and one has applied to a graduate Program at the University of Kentucky and was also accepted at Texas Tech Davis College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2024 Citation: Presentations from 2022-2023 REEU Nutrition BEST Scholars: Montserrat Arciniega Exploration of Prevalence of Disordered Eating Behavior Among Food Insecure College Students. Presenter: 203 Abstract: A1203 Haley Walker Regulation of hepatic gene expression in DNAJB3 Deficient mice Presenter: 079 Abstract: A2079 Ana Rohde Effects of Tart Cherry and Fish Oil on Systemic Inflammation and Hepatic Fatty Acid Metabolism in Diet-Induced (B6) and Genetically Obese (TH) Mice Presenter: 097 Abstract: A2097 Ashley Eastling A transdisciplinary study of agronomic biofortification of lettuce: Color characteristics of hydroponically grown butterhead lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. Salanova) biofortified with ascorbic acid. Presenter: 044 Abstract: A4044 Megan George The Effects of 4-Weeks of High-Intensity Interval Training on Glucose Tolerance in Overweight Individuals: Preliminary Results Presenter: 092 Abstract: A4092 Brenna Estrada The Effects of Integrating Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation and Exercise Intervention on Lipid Profiles in Overweight Adults Presenter: 233 Abstract: A4233 Mahdieh Nazari Anxiety and food insecurity of white lactating women in South Africa: A pilot study Presenter: 395 Abstract: A4395 Presentations from 2022-2023 REEU Nutrition BEST Scholars: Tasnim Gadalla Effects of Tart Cherry on Lifespan in Nematode Models of Alzheimer's Disease Presenter: 105 Abstract: A2105 Bryan Estrada Effects of Fish Oil on Liver Tissue in an Amyloidogenic Alzheimer's Mouse Model Presenter: 251 Abstract: A1251 Gretchen Plocek Trichoderma spp. Negatively Impacts Hydroponically Grown Black Summer Pac Choi (Brassica rapa var. C Presenter: 031 Abstract: A1031 Savannah Hunnicutt Exploring the change in fruit and vegetable intakes among freshmen and sophomore college students during a six-month period: A pilot study Presenter: 206 Abstract: A3206


Progress 05/01/22 to 04/30/23

Outputs
Target Audience:Undergraduate students from the South Plains Community College and Texas Tech University, primarily females and underrepresented minorities and groups in foods, nutrition, human sciences and agriculture Changes/Problems:Challengeswith applicants were related to many applicants being pre-med or pre-dental or other medically oriented professions and less inyterested in agriculture, foods, nutrition or human sciences. It is worth noting that as a result of exposure to the REEU program, other non-REEU students became informed and interested in nutrition and agriculture, and at least one student shifted her major to nutrition and dietetics, and applied for the 20023-24 REEU cohort. We had some challenges related to recruitment efforts throughthe community college, in part due to above stated problems. There were some conflicts of class schedule and/or students' schedules in general. We made some accommodations such as Zoom recordings, follow up meetings, and/or makeup assignments and providing other alternative opportunities when possible. The PD, program manager, and mentors followed up with students when they missed any session. The team will be meeting in summer 2023 to discuss this year's evaluation outcomes and improvements needed. We also provided more information about expectations for upcoming cohorts. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?As described above, the program trained seven undergraduate BEST Scholars in FY23. Students generally learned basic and community research techniques and approaches, study design, data analyses, and imaging tools, literature research tools and professional writing and presentation. This was accomplished through weekly meetings to communicate with students and receive feedback from them. Students received training in RCR, leadership, and professionalism both in fall and spring 2023 including 1) how to conduct responsible research ethically, 2) participatory critical thinking within their fields, 3) learning different communication styles, 4) team work and collaborations, and 5) professionalism and leadership skills. Training and exposure to life skills and experiences through community and research guest speakers including 1) Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, family & community health educators, 2) Food/policy advocate and community gardening expert, 3) Experienced young farmer presentation on farming operations, growing crops, plant and soil health, farm funding, benefits to the community, and sustainable agriculture; this was accompanied by a visit of his farm that produces micro greens, mushrooms, and other produce. Most students and some mentors and program manager participated in the field trip to the Farm. Students presented their research at the fall 2022 TrUE Impact Symposium via a three-minutes oral presentation. One of our REEU student received an award as Symposium Outstanding Presenter from her AgriLife Extension summer internship presentation. In Spring 2023, in addition to continuing RCR training, the program focused on introduction/transitioning students into to the graduate school, and preparing for their poster presentations at the 2023 TTU Undergraduate Research Conference (URC). Student training incorporated study design, purpose, experimentation, data analyses, impact statement, and a required abstract writing and poster presentation. For summer 2023 Three students will be completing Extension internships at various TX counties mentored by a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agents and Educators (200 hrs.) in various areas related to youth or adult education and primarily working with BLT- Better Living for Texas (SNAP Ed program) agents in Lubbock, and Fort Bend counties. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? All student research findings were disseminated through student presentations of their research and internship experiences at the TTU Impact symposium and the TTU undergraduate conference. This year, one of the BEST scholars published a peer reviewed paper, and will be presenting her REEU research at a national conference. This will allow the student to network with other national experts in her field, outside TTU. Student research was also shared with youth and adults in the community they interacted with through the Extension internships. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Now that we have completed our second-year of the grant with one full cohort, our leadership team and mentors will be meeting in summer 2023, to review/assess program and go over student/mentor recommendations, data collected from surveys and external evaluator. During the next reporting period, we anticipate training a new cohort of 5-7 strong female/underrepresented students from nutrition, and other agricultural sciences. We will continue to expand our recruitment strategies within our TTU and the Community College.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Lack of trained workforce in the agricultural, food, nutrition, and human sciences sectors in the U.S. motivated us to develop the Nutrition Bench-to-Community Engaged Scholars in Texas (Nutrition BEST) program. The goal of this program is addressing these workforce challenges, by training undergraduate students who are females and/or from diverse backgrounds in Human Sciences, Biology, Nutritional Sciences, Dietetics, Animal and Food Sciences, and Plant and Soil Science and other science majors, to produce the next generation of researchers, scholars and leaders capable of using research tools to enhance learning in nutrition, agriculture, health and obesity prevention. During the first year (FY22) of our REEU program, we primarily focused on training program planning and development, as well as recruitment of students; and working with two students to pilot our research, leadership and Extension internship training. In year, FY 23 (second year of the grant), we recruited and mentored seven undergraduate students. Nutrition BEST flyers were used to recruit target students from Texas Tech University (TTU) and the South Plains Community College (SPC). The mentors that we identified in our application, and various colleges and university student success unit assisted with the recruitment. Interested students contacted the PD and/or the program manager assigned to our training program directly. Those who were not eligible were advised and connected to other research mentors at TTU; those who were eligible, completed an online application and were interviewed by the PD, program manager and program evaluator. FY23 cohort was comprised of five females (71%); and five out of the seven students were from underrepresented minority groups (71%), which included 3 Hispanic (43%), 1 African American and 1 Native American student. Student majors varied from nutrition/dietetics and food science to environmental engineering; cell and molecular biology; biology/plants. During the Nutrition BEST training, our BEST scholars were exposed to diverse career opportunities and real-life skills and opportunities through attendance and interactions with community and guest speakers, as well as a field trip to a local farm. Prior to and during their one-year research experience, students received training in research compliances and safety, Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR), leadership, preparation/ tutoring for graduate school; and performed research on an assigned project with an approved faculty mentor. Both students and mentors received training at the start of the program (fall 2022) that discussed expectations from both sides. One student presented her Extension internship experience during the TTU Transformative Undergraduate Experiences (TrUE) Impact Symposium (Fall 2022 oral presentations), where the student won 8th Place as Symposium Outstanding Presenter. All seven students presented their research findings as posters at the TTU Undergraduate Research Conference in Lubbock, in spring 2023. We have provided students networking opportunities not only through our community and research guest speakers, but also with their peers, lab members, some of whom were peer mentors, as well as professionals within our community, including farmers, Extension educators and experienced faculty mentors. The program evaluator completed various pre and post surveys with the students, as well as research and Extension mentors, which showed overall advancement and gained experiences in professional development, research and career advancement in foods, nutrition and agriculture while equipping students with practical skills to enter the workforce and/or graduate school. A student from our pilot cohort entered last year the doctoral nutrition program at UNC Chapel Hill. Others are current students, and have not completed their degrees yet.

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2023 Citation: Estrada, Bryan, et al. Effects of Fish Oil on Brown Adipose Tissue in an Amyloidogenic Alzheimers Mouse Model, Abstract T19. Undergraduate Research conference Abstract Proceedings. https://www.depts.ttu.edu/true/urc/2023/directory/index.php. April 2023. Gadalla, Tasnim, et al., Effects of Tart Cherry on Lifespan of Alzheimers Disease Nematode Models. Abstract P205. Undergraduate Research conference Abstract Proceedings. https://www.depts.ttu.edu/true/urc/2023/directory/index.php. April 2023. Gould, Brawnson et al., Designing aeroponic systems for optimal plant growth. Abstract P24. Undergraduate Research conference Abstract Proceedings. https://www.depts.ttu.edu/true/urc/2023/directory/index.php. April 2023. Hunnicutt, Savannah A. et al., Freshman 15: Myth or Fact- How vegetable, fruit, and snack consumption affect college students BMI. Abstract P361. Undergraduate Research conference Abstract Proceedings. https://www.depts.ttu.edu/true/urc/2023/directory/index.php. April 2023. Maki, Krithika, et al., Acceptance and Intention to Consume Sorghum?Menus among College Students. Abstract P32. Undergraduate Research conference Abstract Proceedings. https://www.depts.ttu.edu/true/urc/2023/directory/index.php. April 2023. Plocek, Gretchen et al., Evaluating Trichoderma sp. and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens as biofertilizers for Black Summer Pac Choi (Brassica rapa var. Chinensis) produced in Deep-Water and NFT Hydroponic Systems. Abstract P31. Undergraduate Research conference Abstract Proceedings. https://www.depts.ttu.edu/true/urc/2023/directory/index.php. April 2023. Washington, Jorja et al., The Anti-Cancer Effects Of Various Plant Bioactive Compounds In Breast Cancer Cells; Abstract A236. Undergraduate Research conference Abstract Proceedings. https://www.depts.ttu.edu/true/urc/2023/directory/index.php. April 2023.


Progress 05/01/21 to 04/30/22

Outputs
Target Audience:* Undergraduate students interested in nutrition, food and agriculture * faculty mentors * program evaluator * supporting staff * populations served by Extension durign student internship experiences Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Enrolled students were provided Responsible Conduct in Research Series training this semester. These series focused on general research methods training, ethics, leadership and time management skills and cover a wide variety of research-ethics and leadership topics. One of the 2 current students completed the Extension internship program, including programs focusing on healthy eating in teenagers at the South Plains Food Bank, and programs for seniors, focusing on gardening cooking skills and healthy eating. These experiences significantly enhanced their professional development in problem solving, collaboration, and critical thinking. Students also presented their research at the TTU Undergraduate Research Conference in March 2022 How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?This year was primarily focused on planning and development of the program, while also allowing 2 qualified students to participate and gather pilot data for program improvement. The two students have presented their results at the TTU Undergraduate Conference in March 2022 and participated in RCR trainings. Results from the pilot students are being used to determine strategies and planning for future participant and program enhancements. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Now that we have developed the necessary curriculum, training, and recruitment strategies, we we are currently interviewing a full cohort of candidates for summer and fall 2022 enrollment. We anticipate recruiting 6-8 students. Our next focus will be on mentor training as we get ready for the summer/fall cohorts. We will also finalize the speakers schedule for the professional development and seminar activities. Leadership team will continue meeting regularly as originally planned, and the evaluator will conduct interviews with students and assess the program.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? During this firstyear of our REEU training grant, which started last summer, we focused on setting up the program and creating advertisement flyers andtraining materials. The leadership team also met to review this information and provide feedback. We also conducted apilot training to test our educational and research training program with two students, one of whom completedboth research at Texas Tech University,and a TAMU AgriLife Extension internship experience this past year. The other student is currently completing her research experience and will join fall cohort and conduct Extension internship next summer 2023. With institutional support, part of a program manager time was assigned to assist with the REEU program. The program evaluator, program manager, PD/Co-PDs, research, and Extension mentorsall met and provided feedback on the process and materials and training developed, student applications and interviews. The RCR and leadership training plans have already been developed and the 2 students in the program have completed those trainings. Overall, the "pilot"student reported that this program has supported her decision to continue with post-baccalaureate studies in nutrition, entering a Ph.D. program out of state in coming fall semester. The experience has improved the student's knowledge in research methods, problem solving, collaborating, and critical thinking in nutritional research. The student also stated that having the mentorship of not only the faculty mentor, but graduate and postdoctoral co-mentors gave insight to experiences and expectations. In addition, we have received numerous applications for next cohort, some of which did not qualify for the program (medical/Premedical emphasis) with 10 qualifying for further interviews that are now being conducted.

Publications