Research

You might already know that Iowa State University’s Food Science and Human Nutrition faculty conduct world class research that adds tremendous value to Iowa and our nation’s agriculturally based economy.  What you might not know is that FSHN scientists are involved in many types of research related to our well-being and health.  Below are just a few examples of the research currently going on in our department:

• Scientists are working to identify new ways to support our country’s energy needs through the development of new biofuels, including algae and other forms of biomass.
• A team of FSHN faculty are looking at factors that can improve the health of mothers and their babies in utero.
• Researchers are studying how to help the growing population of families who have overweight children.
• Extension faculty are exploring low cost ways to keep our aging population healthy and active through innovative solutions such as exergaming.
• A multi-disciplinary team of researchers is studying the importance that gut microbes play in human health, an area still poorly understood.
• Faculty are working to develop more accurate and rapid methods to detect food-borne pathogens.
• Dairy researchers are working to improve the shelf life and taste of our nation’s milk supply.
• Researchers are studying the impact of bioactive compounds that are in the everyday food we eat.

The Food Science and Human Nutrition department uses the most up-to-date facilities and labs to conduct its research, including the Center for Crops Utilization, the Nutrition and Wellness Research Center, Midwest Dairy Foods Research Center and the Midwest Grape & Wine Industry Institute.

If you are interested in learning more about the research going on in our department, please contact us at 515-294-3011 or email us.