Nutrition & Integrative Physiology (NUIP)
Our department houses an active group of researchers, educators, and trainees dedicated to understanding how maintenance of metabolic health combats the development and progression of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
We maintain active engagement with other programs within University of Utah Health and endeavor to translate new research findings into clinical procedures and community outreach programs that improve quality of life. We welcome you to peruse our website to get a sense of the breadth of our research interests, degree programs, and outreach initiatives.
OUR GOALS
- Understand the metabolic underpinnings of chronic disease
- Produce the next generation of exceptional registered dietitians and research scholars
- Improve long-term health outcomes
- Apply rigorous evidence-based standards to improve interdisciplinary health care
More Life in Nutrition and Integrative Physiology
Here at the College of Health, we offer degrees in Nutrition and Integrative Physiology. Our students get hands-on learning, discovering how to improve not just health, but life.
2025 Quarterly Newsletter
Research & Discovery
Learn about NUIP's recent advancements in research & discovery.
IN THIS ISSUE:
- A Novel Mouse Model of Inactivity Induced Metabolic Syndrome
- Velayutham Lab Highlights the Importance of Maintaining a Healthy Gut Microbiome in Achieving the Health Benefits of Dietary Phytonutrients
- New Faculty, Erik Blackwood, PhD, Receives $3.7M NIH Grant to Study Cardiometabolic Disease and Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction
- Haumana 'O Pasifika Program Celebrates Success
- NUIP Maintains Remarkable Research Growth
- Exceptional Faculty Publications
- NUIP Welcomes New Research Faculty
Innovations in Education
Learn about NUIP's recent advancements in Innovations in Education.
IN THIS ISSUE:
- The University of Utah Hosts 2024 Teaching Kitchen Symposium
- Survey of Cardiovascular, Muscle, and Pulmonary Physiology
- NUIP Rolls Out New 1-Credit Hybrid Elective "Nutrition Therapy for Eating Disorders"
- New IPE Experience at the Rose Park Primary Care Clinic
- New Undergrad Independent Study Course Explores Careers in Dietetics
- The Metabolic Research Kitchen Offers Hands-On Training Experiences for Students
- Students Learn About Indigenous Foodways
- Welcome New Teaching Faculty!
Community Engagement
Learn about NUIP's recent advancements in community engagement.
IN THIS ISSUE:
- Metabolism, a Smashing Hit at the Inaugural Summer Science Day
- Nutrition Education for Summer Campers at the Salt Lake City Urban Indian Center
- Culinary Medicine Continues 5 Year Partnership with Red Butte Garden
- Professor Jim Martin Shares Research with Cycling Community on Popular Podcast
- Examining Outcomes Associated with a Farm-Based Job Training Program
- NUIP's Access and Engagement Workgroup
Awards & Recognition
Learn about NUIP's recent awards and recognition of excellence in our department.
IN THIS ISSUE:
- External Awards
- College of Health Excellence Awards
- Postdoctoral Fellowships
- NUIP Department Awards
- NUIP Graduating Class of 2025
- NUIP in the Media
Letter from the Chair
"Built thematically around the topic of 'translational metabolic health', our researchers, clinicians, educators, and trainees are dedicated to understanding how nutrient homeostasis influences the development and progression of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Our research bridges virtually all of the sciences which study human biology (e.g. anatomy, biochemistry, epidemiology, genetics, etc.) and our scientists and clinicians maintain active engagement with other programs within the Health Sciences Center. We endeavor to translate new research findings into clinical procedures and community outreach programs that improve quality of life."
Scott Summers, PhD | Chair and Distinguished Professor, Nutrition & Integrative Physiology
Nutrition & Integrative Physiology: At A Glance
The Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology (NUIP) aims to understand how maintaining metabolic health combats the progression of disease. It engages other programs with University of Utah Health to translate new research findings into clinical procedures and community outreach programs that provide quality of life.
Education
NUIP trains leaders in dietetics, nutrition, and metabolism research. Its programs impart knowledge in a culture that produces exceptional graduates. Students come from a broad variety of backgrounds and experiences and display academic excellence, community service, and leadership potential. The department's students experience a dynamic learning environment that prepares them to serve all community sectors.
Department Statistics
Research
The department's research portfolio has undergone a major expansion, exemplified by the increase in annual research funding over the last several years. Department scientists use a variety of research techniques and model systems to understand how nutrient metabolism influences health and disease, bridging virtually all sciences dealing with human biology. Research programs benefit from outstanding core facilities and strong collaborations with other Centers and Institutes within University of Utah Health.
Departmental and Affiliated Research Units
Clinical and Community Engagement
NUIP's University of Utah Center for Community Nutrition (UUCCN) educates members of the local community about diabetes and healthy lifestyle choices. Many UUCCN programs are affiliated with the Driving Out Diabetes Initiative.
Programs include evidence-based workshops, food demonstrations, and group discussions for school-aged youth, underserved lower-income families, and people experiencing homelessness. It also works to establish community partnerships to increase access to healthy foods for underserved communities. Since launching in 2017, the UUCCN has reached over 190,000 individuals across five mountain west states.
UUCCN also offers training opportunities for students throughout the College of Health.
Future Goals
- Continue to build upon our record of research excellence by expanding our base, with the goal of achieving top 3 rankings in grant support and publications amongst Nutrition Science Departments.
- Continue to expand and diversify our clinical training and community engagement programs to better serve the people of Utah and the lntermountain West.
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Contact Us
801-581-6730
801-585-3874 (fax)
250 South 1850 East
HPER North, Room 214
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
