From the classroom to the Olympics
Tessa Janecke, a senior in nutritional sciences and a member of the Penn State Women’s Ice Hockey team, made history as the University’s first Winter Olympic gold medalist while balancing elite competition and her academic journey.
Advancing Athlete Health Through Nutrition
Kayla Nelson, a 2025 alumna of Penn State Nutritional Sciences, is supporting student-athlete health and performance at North Carolina State University through her work in sports nutrition.
Metabolic receptor mutation may lead the way to better medications
A new study from Josh Gross uses a naturally occurring mutation in the ghrelin receptor to identify novel cellular signaling mechanisms. These findings may have implications for future medication development and precision medicine that could improve human health outcomes.
Variety: Spice of life or risk factor for overeating?
When there were more types of food available at a virtual reality buffet, people selected more food, demonstrating how food variety may drive overeating.
Start your undergraduate journey
Start your undergraduate journey
Explore this undergraduate degree for students interested in how the human body transforms food into usable energy that fuels our daily lives.
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Learn about graduate training
Learn about graduate training
Discover how research and graduate training provides students with the knowledge needed to contribute to the field of nutritional sciences.
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Explore research areas
Explore research areas
Understand the variety of research areas and current projects that push the boundaries of knowledge in the field.
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The Diet Assessment Center
The Diet Assessment Center
Explore how the department collects and analyzes dietary data to help researchers understand what, how, and when people are eating.
Learn moreNutritional Sciences student Tessa Janecke continues to demonstrate leadership on and off the ice, earning the 2026 Ernest B. McCoy Memorial Award for excellence in both academics and athletics. An Olympic gold medalist and record-setting forward for Penn State Women’s Hockey, her achievements reflect exceptional dedication, leadership, and impact on the national and international stage.
