Department News

CAES Field Notes - Checking in with Nutrition

Researchers with the UC Davis Department of Nutrition and the Western Human Nutrition Research Center on campus work together to advance long-term wellbeing in our communities. 

They conduct human clinical trials in areas like precision nutrition and metabolic research to better understand how foods, nutrients and other components affect our health and wellness. With funding support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Institutes of Health, this work delivers real benefits to everyday lives.

Take a look at some of our work in action.

 

Perspectives from the UC Davis Department of Nutrition on the 2025- 2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans

The 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans were published on January 7, 2026. These Guidelines are the latest version of dietary guidelines released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) every five years. The purpose of these guidelines is to outline updated federal recommendations that influence nutrition policy, public health programs, research, and education nationwide.

New Department Chair Announcement: Professor Gerardo Mackenzie

After serving 15 productive years as Department Chair, Professor Francene Steinberg is transitioning leadership as Department Chair to Professor Gerardo Mackenzie. Dr. Steinberg has skillfully guided the Department through significant changes at UC Davis. For instance, she oversaw the recruitment of 10 new faculty members, revamped the Nutrition Sciences and Clinical Nutrition majors, and adeptly steered the Department through the challenges posed by the pandemic. 

Public Scholarship and Engagement Funds 13 Community-University Collaborations

From improving healthcare access to addressing food insecurity and racial disparities, 13 newly funded public engagement projects at UC Davis will drive positive change in communities in California and around the world.

The campus-community projects were recently awarded 2023 Public Impact Research Initiative (PIRI) grants from UC Davis Public Scholarship and Engagement. Awardees were selected from more than 25 applicants across UC Davis.

UCD Nutrition Department recruiting for Academic Administrator in Maternal and Child Nutrition

Academic Administrators are appointees who administer programs that provide service closely related to the teaching and research mission of the University. The duties of an Academic Administrator are largely administrative, although teaching and research responsibilities may be assigned. The Academic Administrator oversees complex units with a substantial amount of independence and works closely or jointly with faculty.

UCD Nutrition Department recruiting for Assistant Professor of Nutrition Science and Metabolic Regulation

The College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, at the University of California announces an Assistant Professor faculty position (9-month in the Department of Nutrition). Applications are encouraged from candidates with a strong background in a current or emerging area that will fit within our department’s disciplinary focus in Nutritional Biology, Metabolic Regulation and Precision Nutrition. The Department of Nutrition is seeking applicants with a strong focus on regulation of human metabolism, identifying sources of variability, and precision nutrition for health.