By Jamie Martin
Washington State University (WSU) is pioneering an educational collaboration through its Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine and the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences.
This partnership has birthed a new joint major, the Human Nutrition and Food Systems program, aiming to blend agricultural sciences with human health insights.
Starting with foundational agriculture courses at CAHNRS, students will delve into how farming practices influence food production. The program then transitions to advanced nutrition studies at the NEP, exploring the biochemical processes of food digestion and nutrient absorption.
“This partnership came naturally,” stated NEP Chair Glen Duncan. “We are returning to our roots in agriculture with a modern approach to nutrition science embedded within medicine.”
The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding from soil science to societal health impacts, equipping students for roles in dietary counseling, food security, and beyond. Graduates are expected to be highly competitive in sectors such as industry research, academic research, and regulatory affairs.
This academic initiative is supported by a substantial USDA grant, funding the Soil to Society research project. This project aims to enhance the nutritional value of key crops like wheat and barley, which are crucial to both local agriculture and national food supply.
“Our goal is to improve human health by increasing the consumption of nutritious, whole grain-based foods,” explained Kevin Murphy, program director.
WSU’s commitment to this interdisciplinary approach highlights the growing recognition of the need to integrate agricultural production with nutritional science to tackle health challenges effectively.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-valentinrussanov
Categories: National