Nutrition Science

June 7, 2024

Determinants of Indigenous Diet Quality and Their Association With Inflammation and Biological Age in the NHLBI Strong Heart Family Study

This thesis analyzed dietary and health marker data from Indigenous tribes in the NHLBI Strong Heart Family Study to assess for associations between diet quality, inflammation, and biological age. The thesis also reviewed the historical and social determinants of Indigenous diet quality and identified the concept of Indigenous Food Sovereignty as a direction for future…

Nutrient Drug Interaction Probability Scale (NDIPS): A Creation and Validation Process

This thesis project involved the creation of a screening tool to assess the probability of drug-nutrient interactions. Additionally, a set of internal and external trials were set in place to validate the tool’s value and accuracy with the collaboration of practicing clinicians. The central aim of the project was to develop a personalized healthcare model…

Exploring the Relationship between Dietary Supplement Use and Serum Biomarkers Among Postmenopausal Women in a Controlled Feeding Study

Utilized data from a controlled feeding study conducted in the Seattle area among postmenopausal women of the Women’s Health Initiative, a large cohort study, in order to assess the association between commonly used dietary supplements and serum biomarkers. Self report is a common source of bias in nutrition research, and this project helps to build…

December 19, 2023

Increasing Statewide Support for Eating Disorders Among Adolescents

Partnered with the Washington State Department of Health to create a healthcare provider-facing informational handout about adolescent eating disorders to increase awareness and share resources. Detailed types of eating disorders, signs and symptoms, risk factors, potential long-term consequences, recommendations for providers, screening tools, and treatment centers. Community Partner: Washington State Department of Health, Children and…

November 30, 2023

Using Non-Linear, Machine Learning Methodology to Assess the Potential Metabolomic-Based Biomarkers of Total Fat and Percentage Fat Intake Using a Controlled Feeding Study

Understanding and identifying objective dietary biomarkers is a crucial component of nutrition research today. By investigating the relationship between biomarker profiles and dietary intake using machine learning methodologies, there could be a way to more objectively assess study participant nutrient profiles and better understand the relationship between nutrient intake and disease. The aim of this…

October 10, 2023

Dietary Inflammatory Index Scores of the 3-Week Habitual Diet at a State Hospital

This project assessed the inflammatory potential of patients’ diets at a state hospital. The findings showed that their daily nutrient intake was inversely associated with a risk of depression and depressive symptoms, cognitive impairment, cardiovascular disease, and specific cancers.

August 14, 2023

Effect of Cocoa Extract Supplementation on Mental Health and Risk of Incident Late-Life Depression: A Secondary Analysis of the COSMOS Trial

A secondary analysis of the COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS) Trial investigating the effects of cocoa extract supplementation on subjective mental health and incident late-life depression in older adults.

June 26, 2023

Investigation of the Correlation Between Food Science and Oral Health

The purpose of this internship was to investigate the bidirectional relationship between nutritional and oral health by critically examining information gained through clinical observations, the results of patient dietary interviews, and access to patient demographic data. Community Partner: Bellevue Dental Oasis

August 18, 2022

Is a Traditional Mexican Diet Better Suited for Mexican-Descent Women?

This study evaluates whether the the US Dietary Guidelines for Americans, including the USDA-provided Spanish translation, are effective for adopting and maintaining a healthy diet aimed at improving health outcomes in US women of Mexican decent, or if a more culturally tailored approach might be warranted.

Healthy Food, As Told by TikTok: A Thematic Analysis of the Most Liked #healthyrecipes on TikTok

Thematic analysis revealed that the most popular TikTok creators of “healthy” recipes characterize healthy food as some combination of utilizing practical skills to maintain a home cooking routine, incorporating functional or plant-based ingredients, delivering on exciting sensory experiences, and providing permission to eat certain foods based on specific health parameters.