Congratulations to our 2023 winners!
Learn more about our 2023 CAPS awardees:
These students attended CRN's 2023 Science in Session event.
Hear what the 2023 CAPS winners have to say about their Science in Session experience:
Joseph R. Arballo, MS (he/him/his)
Ph.D. student, Nutritional Biology, University of California, Davis
Pictured here is mentor Eric Ciappio, Ph.D., R.D., Strategic Development Manager, Nutrition Science Balchem, with honoree Joseph Arballo.
During my graduate work for my masters at the University of Illinois nutritional sciences program, I designed a method to provide an equal dosage via a lipid medium of the bioactive lycopene, a potent antioxidant with a wide range of bioactive effects. The difficulty of the chemistry and finicky nature of this potent antioxidant intrigued me and my research into the method development to study the metabolism of nutrients and bioactives began. I would go to the University of California, Davis to pursue my Ph.D. in Nutritional Biology, where I spearheaded the first mouse biology program in the Ji laboratory, designing a dietary vitamin A deficient rodent model allowing us to explore clinical vitamin A deficiency in mice in ways we previously were unable too. Now, we investigate how vitamin A deficiency impacts developmental neurocognition, gut health, and how vitamin A deficiency alters oxidative metabolism.
Josephine Dudzik, MS, RD, CDN (she/her/hers)
Ph.D. student, Nutrition and Dietetics, New York University
Pictured here is mentor Susan Hazels Mitmesser, Ph.D., Vice President, Science & Technology, Pharmavite, with honoree Josephine Dudzik.
My career goals closely align with my professional values of a dedication to scientific advancement and achievement. Following the successful defense of my dissertation, I plan to immediately progress into at least one post-doctoral fellowship position. I hope to dive further into the field of nutritional epidemiology during which I can collect data on topics such as dietary intake, dietary supplement usage, or health behaviors and investigate their association(s) with health-related outcomes, including presence of chronic disease and health-related quality of life. Following my post-doctoral fellowships, my goal is to hold a faculty position as an assistant professor of research in a research intensive university or academic medical center during which I can continue research in my field(s) of interest and continue to gain mentored experience from late-stage investigators. As an early-stage investigator, my primary goals are to continue developing my research skills, contribute to the growing body of literature on nutrition science, and build new skills under accomplished scientists. I plan to take on advanced research designs including (pragmatic) randomized controlled trials, large-scale epidemiological studies, and translational research.
Inah Gu (she/her/hers)
Ph.D. student, Food Science, University of Arkansas
Pictured here is mentor Angela Mastaloudis, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer, Brassica Protection Products, with honoree Inah Gu.
My dissertation research focuses on how volatiles in berries impact human health benefits. My research aims to extract and identify volatile compounds in different kinds of berries (blackberry, black raspberry, and blueberry) and investigate the effect of berry volatiles on chronic diseases. Berry volatiles are responsible for the aroma of berries and are widely used in food and cosmetic products. As berry volatiles affect fruit ripening, quality, storage, and even the perception and acceptability of consumers, there have been many studies about the berry volatile compounds but limited to identification, quantification, and sensory analyses. However, very limited information is available on the health-beneficial effects of berry volatiles. My research thus far has suggested that berry volatiles have a potential for functional food components with gastrointestinal protective, antiinflammation, and lung cancer preventive effects, not just used as a flavoring additive.
I want to pursue my career path in the professoriate in the future. Inspired by the many teachers, lecturers, and professors I have studied under, I have always been interested in teaching. As a senior graduate student, I enjoy the time mentoring other graduate students and undergraduate honor students. In addition, pursuing M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Food Science drastically increased my interest in research. This led me to decide pursuing my career path in the professoriate. My long-term goal is not only to be a researcher, but also to be a good colleague and a good professor, a source of inspiration and courage for my peers and my students. I hope to be a leading scholar making important contributions to Food Science and protecting people against disease and helping them stay healthy.