Francis tackles adult nutrition, wellness as assistant professor
Sarah Francis, a new assistant professor in food science and human nutrition, will focus on adult nutrition education in her research and work with Iowa State University Extension.
By
Laura Dillavou
Sarah Francis approaches adult nutrition programming from a social marking standpoint – that is, she seeks to understand what an audience wants, what it actually needs, and then develops a program based upon that balance. Her favorite part? Modifying it to be the best, most useful program of its kind for a specific population.
“I love the research process,” said Francis, a new assistant professor in food science and human nutrition. “You have the questions, the steps, working with the people, and finally, you see your efforts at work in a program that is helps people live better lives.”
Francis has traveled the globe to find her passion for community health and adult nutrition. After stints in the Peace Corps and at the University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension, Francis said her new position with Iowa State University is a perfect fit.
“It has always been my goal to be in a position where I am developing [nutrition] programming for a state,” Francis said. “I am so impressed with the strong rapport between the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition and Extension. I’m already getting ideas for collaborations and future research.”
Seventy-five percent of her time will be spent working with Iowa State Extension and county field specialists, and the other 25 percent reserved for research. While not in a physical classroom, Francis’ work will take her into communities, educating adults about nutrition, meal plans, and overall wellness.
As she prepares to go out into the field, she said Iowa is a prime location to initiate some of her latest approaches to eating and nutrition.
“I want to encourage people to enjoy eating and not fear it,” Francis said. “Iowa may be a place where people are still familiar with the ‘art’ of home cooking – using fresh, natural products from the garden and farm, and simplifying how we process and prepare foods.”
Until then, she will be kept busy preparing for the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciencesannual session, where she will presentgrant data examining the effect of heart-healthy nutrition education classes in Wyoming populations.
The road to Iowa
A native of North Carolina, Francis obtained her master’s degree from Western Carolina University (Cullowee, N.C.) and doctoral degree from the University of North Carolina Greensboro before serving in the Peace Corps in Turkmenistan.
Upon her return to the states, she began "her calling" - working with adult nutrition programming through the University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension.
