In ASN Science Policy Scholarship offered to advanced graduate students, early professionals, postdoctoral fellows or medical interns, residents, or fellows. The purpose of the Fellowship is to provide a broad understanding of current food policy issues and initiatives. The fellowship will enable recipients to gain a well-rounded perspective on food-related public policy issues and help acquire the skills and tools necessary to become informed advocates for food research and policy.
Amelia SullivanHe is one of the two current comrades. She is a research assistant and doctoral candidate in the Food Education and Food Decisions Laboratory at the University of Maine. Read our full interview below.
How did you first get involved in food science and research? What made you interested in food policy?
My path to food science and research began early in my studies at the University of Maine. As a freshman, my first job was cleaning the university’s commercial research kitchen and pilot plant. This role opened doors in an unexpected way. This allowed me to build relationships with faculty early on and join a food science research lab as a sophomore, where I contributed to product development research evaluating the inclusion of aronia berries in consumer foods.
During my junior year, I had the opportunity to move into the Food and Eating Decisions Education Research Lab, an important experience that shaped the trajectory of my career. Since then, I have contributed to the design, implementation and evaluation of several evidence-based nutrition education programs serving diverse communities. Through this work, I became more interested not only in individual dietary behaviors, but also in the broader systems that influence food access and health outcomes.
Growing up in one of the most rural states in the country further shaped that interest. I have witnessed how structural barriers limit access to nutritious foods. Over time, it became clear that many of these barriers stem less from individual choices and more from policy environments that shape food access. This recognition strengthened my interest in food policy and my desire to promote system-level strategies that improve food security.
Tell us about your current position and the research activities in which you are involved.
I am a registered dietitian and PhD candidate in food and nutrition sciences at the University of Maine, where my research focuses on community engagement strategies to strengthen food security. Since 2020, I have been a research assistant and laboratory manager at the Food Education and Eating Decisions Laboratory, and since 2023 a research assistant at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension.
As a research assistant in the Nutrition Education and Nutrition Decisions Laboratory, I contributed to the design and evaluation of several evidence-based nutrition education programs that operate at the intersection of research, practice, and community partnerships. I have contributed to projects covering school food systems, farm-to-school programming, college student health, and maternal nutrition.
My doctoral dissertation focused on the design, implementation and evaluation of HEALTHY (Helping Early Adolescents Live Their Healthiest Youth), a theory-based nutrition education program in school based on the delivery of frozen fruit smoothies. This work examines scalable approaches to strengthen food security while aligning with national policy priorities for child nutrition and the school food environment.
During my work with Cooperative Extension, I supported the development of EFNEP’s quality improvement tools and educational resources informed by the Individual Plus Policy, Systems and Environment Framework, Adolescent Nutrition Literacy Programming, and Community Intervention.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing nutritionists today?
One of the most pressing challenges facing food researchers is food security. While food insecurity remains an important national concern, food security expands this conversation to emphasize consistent access to nutritious, safe, affordable, and cultured foods that support long-term health.
Addressing this challenge requires greater integration of research, practice, and policy. Progress will depend on the continued design of theory-informed programs, the generation of practical data, and the communication of findings in ways that effectively inform policy decisions. Additionally, strengthening partnerships between researchers, schools, health systems, local agriculture, and community organizations will be critical to building sustainable and nutritionally secure systems.
What influenced your decision to apply for the ASN Science Policy Fellowship Program? How do you see yourself benefiting from this position?
My doctoral research in school food systems strongly influenced my decision to apply for the ASN Science Policy Fellowship. Through working with school nutrition directors who work as part of the National School Lunch Program, I have seen how reimbursement structures, purchasing regulations, workforce capacity, and federal guidance directly shape what schools can realistically implement. Even well-designed programs have limited reach when the policy environment does not support sustainability.
These experiences marked an important area of growth in my training. I wanted to increase my understanding of how federal nutrition programs are developed, how scientific evidence informs policy making, and how researchers can effectively participate in the policy process.
I am especially excited about the mentorship component of the fellowship and the ability to learn from national leaders in food policy. I believe this experience will strengthen my policy literacy and support my long-term goal of integrating policy engagement into an academic research career.
What aspects of ASN membership have you found most rewarding professionally?
ASN holds a special place in my professional journey. NUTRITION 2021 was the first professional conference I attended as a senior student during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since then, ASN has provided meaningful opportunities for growth and recognition, including being named as a finalist in the 2024 Emerging Leaders in Nutrition Science poster competition. Studying at a smaller, land-grant institution, I was incredibly honored by the national recognition. ASN provides spaces where practitioners are recognized, mentored and challenged, thereby gaining confidence, professional identity and leadership amongst new professionals.
Is there anything else you would like to say to ASN members, especially students?
I encourage students to embrace opportunities that are scary. Professional development often begins just outside your comfort zone. Find a mentor, be curious, and actively engage with professional organizations like ASN. Food research and policy is complex, but no one does it alone. Our field depends on emerging professionals who are willing to collaborate across disciplines, think critically, and help shape the future of nutrition research.
