A Beneficial Collaboration

Tracy Backstrom

Document Type

News Article

Publication Date

11-22-2016

Campus Unit

College of Nursing & Professional Disciplines

Abstract

One of the key focuses for the College of Nursing & Professional Disciplines (CNPD) this year was set by Dean Gayle Roux at the annual retreat: Collaboration. A group of Nutrition & Dietetics (N&D) students got a first-hand look at one of CNPD’s longest-running collaborations last week when they toured the Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center (GFHNRC), a division of the USDA Agriculture Research Service. CNPD has been working with GFHNRC for decades, collaborating on projects, hosting guest lecturing scientists and providing students research experience.

On Friday, a group of 15 students from a “Research in Nutrition & Dietetics” class and “Community Nutrition” class visited the GFHNRC, located just across campus, to learn more about all the important research being conducted at this state-of-the-art facility. Students met with eight researchers in their labs, where they were able to hear about the research problems being studied, see the equipment being used, and imagine how a career dedicated to research might feel. Included in the tour were labs devoted to energy metabolism, carotenoid research, lipid research, behavioral studies, bone metabolism, cancer prevention, and epigenetic research. Scientists shared their techniques, insight and enthusiasm for their work. UND N&D professor Dr. Dayeon Shin accompanied the class as they learned about the practical aspects of research and the satisfaction of discovery happening right here in Grand Forks.

CNPD is fortunate to enjoy this unique collaboration with the GFHNRC. Our N&D students benefit from access to state-of-the-art facilities and dedicated scientists, and the N&D faculty work hard to nurture the relationship to ensure its continuation for decades to come.

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