The nutrition community is made up of individuals with diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas. This diversity is the main strength of our professional society. Through this member attention serieswe celebrate our diversity and the great achievements of our members in the field.
meet Sabrina Sale Martinez, MS, PhD, RDNassociate professor at Florida International University, a longtime member of ASN and a dedicated leader within the university ASN foundation (ASNF). Recently appointed Secretary of the ASNF Board of Trustees, Dr. Sals Martinez brings a deep commitment to advancing nutritional science through research, mentorship, and community outreach. His career, shaped by early exposure to research opportunities and sustained by strong leadership, reflects the power of investing in the next generation of nutrition professionals.
In conversation with ASN Member Engagement Coordinator, Sarah Genall, she shares how supporting students and early career investigators through the ASN Foundation is helping to build a stronger and more just future for food science.
Sara Genal: Thank you, Dr. Sals Martinez, for joining me today for this interview. For our readers who haven’t met you yet, please introduce yourself and share what sparked your interest in cardiometabolic risk factors and the gut microbiome.
Doctor Sabrina Martinez Sale: I am an Associate Professor and Dietitian/Registered Dietitian at Florida International University (FIU) in the Department of Diet and Nutrition, with a research program focused on how lifestyle factors influence health outcomes across the lifespan. Complementing this work, I also lead projects investigating the relationship between the gut microbiome and cardiometabolic risk factors. I am an investigator at the FIU-Research Center for Minority Institutions (FIU-RCMI). Much of my work involves active local communities in South Florida, including Hispanic/Latino populations of diverse heritage. Working with this group and seeing my own family’s health problems also made me more aware of how the environment shapes these risks and the importance of measuring all levels of exposure. I hope to better understand the complex patterns and interactions of biological and environmental factors, especially as we see higher rates of obesity and other diet-related chronic diseases in these communities. In the long term, this work will help us develop and evaluate evidence-based and culturally appropriate interventions to promote a healthy gut microbiome and reduce chronic disease across the lifespan.
General: How did you first hear about ASN and what inspired you to become actively involved so early in your career?
I heard about ASN from mentors who attended my graduate school every year, which was part of experimental biology at the time. The research groups I worked with encouraged us to attend the conference and submit abstracts for presentation. As a graduate student during my doctoral studies, I decided to get involved with a Student Interest Group to gain leadership experience, gain confidence, and interact with students from other universities.
General: We are very fortunate to have you actively involved in the ASN community. You have been a member of the ASN Foundation Board of Trustees since 2023 and have recently been appointed Secretary. What inspired you to step into a leadership role at the Foundation?
I’ve always been more of an introvert, but I’m finding that true growth happens outside of my comfort zone. By deliberately seeking out opportunities to interact with others and take on leadership roles, I can develop skills that not only enhance my professional abilities, but also allow me to encourage and support those around me. These are valuable investments in my personal and professional development.
General: What has serving on the Board of Trustees meant to you personally and what is the Foundation’s vision for it? “creating the future of food” influenced how you think about your role as a field manager?
As a recently appointed and promoted professor, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact that mentorship, skill development, and research support can have on students and early career professionals. I am passionate about creating ways to equip young scientists with the tools to thrive in a competitive research environment. Current funding challenges threaten to limit our ability to develop critical skills, conduct innovative research, and contribute to the advancement of food science.
General: Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of food science and the Foundation’s role in advancing it?
The role of professional societies such as ASN is critical in driving the future of nutrition. The community serves as a hub for collaboration, innovation and advocacy, all of which can shape research priorities and influence policy. ASN is committed to creating inclusive pathways for students and early career professionals through mentorship, skill development and grants/awards initiatives that enable them to contribute to the field. With a commitment to equity in our field, we can ensure that nutritional science continues to improve health outcomes and strengthen the scientific community. All of these opportunities are exciting to be a part of, and especially as I now get to impact the students who work with our teams and seek opportunities for career development and leadership opportunities.
General: Staying with the early career members, how do you see them shaping the future of food?
ASN’s early professional members provide fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a willingness to challenge traditional approaches. This membership segment is ASN’s largest and is the main driver of growth. When early career members participate in collaborative projects and advocate for justice, they ensure that the field evolves to meet the diverse needs of the public. Engaging early career members strengthens the scientific community and accelerates the translation of research into impactful policies and practices that improve health outcomes and advance the field.
General: What advice would you give to an early career member who wants to get more involved?
Like Nike, just do it! Getting involved as an early career member is important to building a strong foundation in the field, especially if you need more access to comprehensive resources for career development. ASN can provide access to mentoring, networking opportunities, training and funding/awards that can enhance your research and professional development. Active engagement not only expands your skill set and network, but also allows you to contribute to the advancement of food science.
General: Thank you very much for your time. As a final thought, what would you share with nutrition students and professionals about investing in the future of food science?
Early exposure to nutrition-related research and recruitment opportunities is important. When I was a university student, I didn’t even know such careers existed. Fortunately, I was able to benefit from programs aimed at supporting early career investigators in this field. This influence should begin in the formative years of education. Investing in the training of early career investigators is critical to addressing gaps in health outcomes and developing real solutions for communities facing declining health outcomes.
ASNF operates solely through the generosity of its donors. This philanthropic model allows the Foundation to support high-impact ASN programs that might otherwise go unfunded. Through scholarships, pilot grants, fellowships, and recognition awards, ASNF provides critical financial support to students, early career researchers, and mid-career professionals—to build a strong and consistent pipeline of nutrition leaders at every stage of their careers.
Securing the future of food science
