Nutrition faculty undertake research in a multi-disciplinary manner. In addition to nutrition and dietetics, they have a broad range of backgrounds such as, biochemistry, endocrinology, epidemiology, health promotion, health education, immunology, molecular biology, neuroscience, pharmacology, and physiology.
Meet Our Graduate Assistants
Hometown: Kaduna state, Nigeria
Research Advisor: Dr. Abbasi
Research Topic: Roles of Vitamin A and Vitamin D in Regulating Adipose Tissue Browning and Thermogenesis
"My assistantship at Auburn has been a defining experience, strengthening my commitment to research and my ability to contribute to science."
Hometown: League City, TX
Research Advisor: Dr. Kevin Huggins
Research Topic: Omega-3 supplementation on skeletal muscle protein synthesis.
“Auburn has been a place of learning and growth, where I’ve discovered my passion for sports nutrition while being surrounded by a strong sense of tradition and a family that supports every step of the journey.”
Hometown: Sylvania, AL
Research Advisor: Dr. Kelsey Rushing
Research Topic: Exploring Weight Stigma and Environmental Body Image Messaging in College Students Using Photovoice and the Fat Attitudes Assessment Toolkit (FAAT)
“Auburn and the Department of Nutrition have been a true blessing, giving me the opportunity to grow in knowledge while the people and relationships have been the best part.”
Hometown: Birmingham, AL
Research Advisor: Dr. Michael Greene
Research Topic: The Impact of Dietary Mushrooms on Cognitive Impairment
“My assistantship aligns with my love for chronic disease prevention, through increasing awareness of global hunger solutions and food systems.”
Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky
Research Advisor: Dr. Elaine Molaison
Research Topic: Assessing the acceptability of school lunch items based on cost and nutrition in local middle and elementary schools.
“I’m deeply grateful to Auburn and my assistantship for offering countless opportunities for academic and professional growth, along with continuous guidance and support from professors and mentors.”
Hometown: Cullman, AL
Research Advisor: Dr. Michael Greene
Research Topic: Utilizing the Mediterranean Diet to promote Better Health in Pre-Diabetic Women
“My graduate assistantship as a Graduate Area Coordinator for Auburn University Housing enables me to develop my leadership skills in a supervisory role while mentoring resident assistants on how to effectively support themselves, our team, and the residents they will be guiding.”
Hometown: Clanton, AL
Research Advisor: Dr. Onikia Brown
Research Topic: The influence of parenting styles within a dual parent household on the development of eating disorders among adolescents between the ages of 13-18.
“I am thankful to have a Graduate Teaching Assistant position within the Department of Nutritional Sciences because I am able to give back to the professors and staff that guided me to where I am now.”
Hometown: Beaver Dam, KY
Research Advisor: Dr. Carol Connell
Topic: College-age individuals' ability to identify social media misinformation
“This assistantship is a blessing - I have learned the behind-the-scenes work of extension, material development skills, and familiarity with dietary guidelines resources that I will reference for the rest of my profession!”
Hometown: Madison, AL
Research Advisor: Dr. Michael Greene
Research Topic: Exploring college students’ attitudes and adherence to the Mediterranean diet among those enrolled in Intro to Nutrition courses.
“Auburn is a community where I’m able to both give and receive support, creating an environment where we all grow together in knowledge, character, and purpose.”
Hometown: Grant, Alabama
Research Advisor: Dr. Carol Connell
Research Topic: The impact of child engagement activities during caregiver nutrition education sessions on caregiver stress and feeding strategy implementation in families of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“Through my work with the Health Extension for Diabetes program, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with agents and communities across Alabama while contributing to research that helps families build healthier habits and stronger relationships.”
Hometown: Enterprise, AL
Research Advisor: Dr. Katie Funderburk
Research Topic: Understanding the Impact of SNAP-Ed Produce Voucher Programs
“Auburn is the place that ignited my passion for the study of science and the service of my community.”
Hometown: Trussville, AL
Research Advisor: Dr. Rushing
Research Topic: Nutrition Education and Food Insecurity Among ROTC Cadets and Midshipmen
“Through Auburn and this assistantship, I have been able to continue my educational goals while receiving the support I need!”
Hometown: Johns Creek, GA
Research Advisor: Dr. Kevin Huggins and Dr. Michael Roberts (kinesiology)
Research Topic: Caffeine's effect on strength training and the amount of force/power being exerted during exercise
“ This assistantship is something that I will forever be grateful for as it has allowed me to step out of my comfort zone to learn about different areas of nutrition, while also developing a new interest in research as a whole.”
Hometown: Igede, Ekiti State, Nigeria
Research Advisor: Dr. Michael Greene
Research Topic: Role of fibroblasts in colon cancer liver metastasis
“Auburn University is where hope comes to life.”
Hometown: Canton, GA
Research Advisor: Dr. Michael Greene
Research Topic: Link between Colorectal Cancer Metastasis and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis
“Auburn is a place of growth, fostering both intellectual and character development, leading you to achieve what once felt impossible.”
Hometown: Akure, Ondo State
Research Advisor: Dr Micheal Greene
Research Topic : Investigating mechanisms of colorectal cancer metastasis within the peritoneal cavity and identifying therapeutic strategies to limit metastatic progression.
“Auburn gives me the opportunity to engage in impactful research while growing as a scholar and leader.”
