Author: Danielle Lamont Major: Nutrition and Dietetics
Uploading Nutrition Data
As a senior at the University of Arkansas, I am honored to have the ability to earn research experience before entering my field. My name is Danielle Lamont, and I am a student at Bumper’s College with a major in Nutrition and Dietetics and a minor in Human Development and Family Sciences. My mentor is Dr. Jamie I. Baum of the Food Science Department, principal researcher on the research project my thesis derives from. I have also been lucky enough to work with Dr. Aubree Hawley, who, at the time I joined the project, was the graduate student forming this study for her dissertation. Both Dr. Baum and Dr. Hawley have been incredible role models throughout this time.
My research topic is the effect of high-quality whey protein on the lives of post-menopausal women. Specifically, it studies the effect of whey protein on tryptophan levels, food intake, and sleep quality. This study, SHAPE, has application to the growing older adult population in the United States, in both maintaining and re-attaining high quality of life. I did not come up with this project; it was presented to me as an option. One day during class, Mrs. Bailey, retired director of the dietetics program, announced that a professor at the Food Science Department needed some assistance with data entry. She also mentioned that there was a possibility of turning this opportunity into a thesis project. I was still in need of a focus for my thesis, so I requested a meeting with Dr. Baum, and she accepted me as an Honors mentee. From that point, I was fortunate to have a variety of laboratory preparation experiences, a multitude of time spent navigating the Nutrition Data System for Research (NDSR) database, and quite a bit of time learning how to run a participant test day.
Perhaps the most valuable skill I have earned through this project is navigating a nutrition database. As with any other database, nutrition databases can be tricky to navigate; one food item described only slightly differently than the database prefers can yield completely useless results. Practicing with nutrition databases, not only the search tools, but also report generation, will be an asset when I am a Dietetic Technician or Registered Dietitian. It has certainly already been a benefit just through dietetics course assignments. Another highly beneficial skill I have developed from this study is the ability to run an indirect calorimetry machine. This medical tool measures gas exchange by capturing gases expelled from the mouth and nose. In hospitals, dietitians can request that nursing staff complete indirect calorimetry tests, but it will be helpful that I am able to perform those tests and have some ability to assess results.
Though I chose a degree that most often uses quantitative methods of research, I tend to prefer and have a greater gift for qualitative research. My preference for qualitative science has been a challenge over the past few years, since so much of this study is based on biochemical data and self-reported data rather than participant perception. Before joining SHAPE, however, I did not fully understand how much I prefer qualitative. As for what I have learned about my research topic, I have been delighted to learn that the results of this study suggest an improvement in sleep quality in just 16 weeks of daily, high-quality protein intake. This is encouraging, as poor sleep quality can inhibit healthy, active lifestyles, and, in turn, healthy, well-balanced diets. I am excited to dive into the literature and the study results in the next few months!
As mentioned above, Dr. Aubree Hawley worked closely with me to teach me how to prepare study day materials (including study folders, testing equipment, test tubes for blood samples, etc.). Angela Tacinelli, Master’s student at the time, also mentored me, specifically with indirect calorimetry equipment and the nutrition database. Sam Walker, also a graduate student at the time, lent his own expertise as well. These students were all working as a team under the guidance of Dr. Jamie I. Baum. Dr. Baum, my faculty mentor, provided guidance and has helped hone a focus for my thesis. She also has provided valuable career and academic advice for both the Arkansas area and for my new home of Michigan.
This spring semester, I will be composing and defending my thesis. I will also be graduating this spring and hope to attain a position in the dietetics department of a local hospital or long-term care facility. While adapting to the career position, I will be studying for the Registered Dietetic Technician exam. After working for 1-2 years as a Registered Dietetic Technician, I plan to return to academics for a master’s degree that will allow me to study nutrition in rural areas or nutrition on military bases.