Doctoral Seminar
The Doctoral Seminar in Nutrition meets twice a month and brings together nutrition faculty, students and external speakers to present and discuss theoretical, methodological, and practical issues in nutrition.
The seminars also address professional issues related to doctoral work, job hunting, and employment opportunities for doctoral graduates.
Required for all nutrition doctoral students, the seminar series is designed to foster a sense of community among students and faculty through intellectual discussions and presentations; expose students to various research topics, theory, and practices in clinical and community nutrition-related topics through talks and colloquia by external speakers; encourage discussions around nutrition issues; and serve as a space for professional development workshops and conversations.
Research
Our faculty conduct research in a variety of areas of applied nutrition including nutrition in cardiovascular disease prevention in diverse populations, protein needs of older adults, nutrition and physical activity, food policy, and food access and online grocery shopping, among other topics.
Students work collaboratively with faculty on a range of activities, including study design, data collection, and primary and secondary data analysis. Research results are then submitted for presentation at scientific and/or NYU conferences and for publication in peer-reviewed journals. Students may develop their own research questions as a part of the research of a faculty member, or develop an independent research project, contingent on access to the target audience or data necessary for the project as well as identification of a faculty member who is willing to guide the project.
In their first year, students identify a research topic and begin data collection for a systematic review. Students are expected to submit the review for publication by the end of their second year. In their second year, students are expected to conduct a research study and present findings at a scientific meeting. By the end of year three, they should submit a manuscript for publication.
Nutrition doctoral students may become involved as a research assistant while completing their degree, during the semester or the summer. Students apply for available positions through Handshake. These opportunities are paid positions and are awarded in addition to a stipend or research fellowship. Serving as a research assistant helps students improve their methodological skills. Typical responsibilities included: data collection, data analysis, attending research meetings, and publishing and presenting findings.
Teaching Experiences
Nutrition doctoral students can work as a course assistant or adjunct instructor while completing their degree, during the semester or the summer.
Students typically take on teaching responsibilities in the later years of their doctoral study. These opportunities are paid positions and are awarded in addition to their stipend or research fellowship. Serving as a course assistant helps students improve their teaching skills, especially if they desire a career in academia. Typical duties include: grading student assignments, grading exams, guest lecturing, answering student emails, and leading recitations and exam review sessions.
