Maria Stewart, PhD; Associate Professor;

About my work and research areas:

My research lab focuses on health effects of dietary fiber. Most recently, I have investigated bacterial break down of dietary fibers from tropical fruits. I am interested in the identity of metabolites and rate of metabolite production. I also conduct nutrient analysis (proximate analysis) on tropical fruits. My research is considered translational because, in addition, to bench work to establish proof of concept and mechanism, I also extend my research to the “real-world” setting through clinical trials. I recently completed a clinical trial at a local hospital to evaluate the glycemic response to high-amylose rice.

New Projects/Activities:

Nutrient content of Hawaii-grown avocados Quantification and in vitro fermentation of banana fiber

How can students take part in my current work?

Students who are interested an experience in laboratory research and want to extend their lab findings to a real-world context are encourage to apply to my group. I have a small research group, so graduate students in my lab receive direct training and mentoring from me. I emphasize skill development through out graduate education.

Fun Facts:

I currently enjoy mountain biking, and I used compete in cyclocross at the semi-professional level. Home landscaping is my latest hobby: in the past three years, I’ve planted 7 different types of fruit trees in my yard.

Interconnected Animal and Human Nutrition

The intercollegiate PhD program in nutrition at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa has made it possible for me to move forward in the direction of comparative and comprehensive nutrition. I started my professional career as a veterinarian and concentrated on animal nutrition. While exploring in depth, I came to comprehend the interconnection of animal and human nutrition as a major research avenue which is as important as zoonosis epidemiology. Conducting research in animal nutrition not only makes advancement for animal growth and better health but also serves as a model for understanding the similar physiology and metabolism in humans. Further, providing human with balanced and healthy animal product is one of the major responsibilities of animal scientists who have to efficiently coordinate with human nutrition specialists.

I am glad to join the PhD program in nutrition at UHM and expect to advance my knowledge in the field while working with experienced researchers. It is very pleasing to find that this program is well suited for specializing in a specific area besides obtaining comprehensive knowledge in nutrition for its wide-ranging application in human health in the society. The climate in Hawaii is simply great and the people around are very friendly which make the working environment stress free. The faculty, colleagues and supervisors are very cooperative and encouraging. Moreover, the opportunity to serve as a teaching assistant in a range of courses has contributed significantly in the improvement of my practical skills and communication competencies. I hope that this program will provide me a platform to explore more on the ways to tackle metabolic problems widespread in some population either due to deficiencies or over-abundance of some nutrients in the body.

– Amit Kumar Singh, BVSc & A.H

In my career as a dietitian, it has always been important to me that I am making the greatest impact on the lives of people and families that I serve, so much so that I measure my success on that impact. In growing as a professional, my understanding for how I can contribute to the health of others has also evolved.  Instead of treating each individual suffering from chronic diseases as a result of unhealthy weight, I am hoping to contribute to a solution that will prevent chronic disease and eliminate the disparities between ethnic and socioeconomic groups.

The PhD program at University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa is allowing me to work towards providing evidence for these solutions, all the while working alongside likeminded community organizations and individuals. At the mid-way point through the program I have seen how my impact on a community has grown by being able to learn from and collaborate with many well respected researchers in Hawai‘i and the Pacific. In the future I can also see how the relationships I have built here with my mentors and peers will continue to support my professional growth and contributions to preventing disease and reducing health disparities.

– Monica Esquivel, MS, RD

As a UHM alumna, I returned to the Human Nutrition, Food, and Animal Science Department because of the fascinating Pacific-focused research. Being a Pacific Islander and dietitian, I value how food choices and behaviors are influenced by the islands’ unique cultures and geographic characteristics. Obesity prevention research incorporating the essence of island cultures is feasible and supported through this PhD program.

Thus far, I have benefited from the program by having experts in the areas of nutrition, epidemiology, biostatistics, indigenous health, and related sciences willing and available to provide guidance. Another benefit to studying at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa is being close to home. The diversity of both students and faculty offer unique insights that advance my research and “expand my horizon,” which creates a comfortable learning environment.
– Tanisha Aflague, MS, RD

I am glad to be a part of the Nutrition PhD program here at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa because Hawaiʻi is the ideal place for my particular research; being in this program allows me to accomplish my research goals. The unique culture of Hawaiʻi is very welcoming and the islands feel like home to me, so getting to follow my dream here is truly an amazing experience. The Nutrition PhD program has helped me to learn more about Native Hawaiian and Indigenous culture, health, and history so that I am better able to help my family and community and to do meaningful and ethical research. Because Hawaiʻi is the world’s central meeting place, I have been able to meet many different people from various parts of the world. Connecting with such a diverse group of individuals has allowed me to learn much more than any other place I have been. Overall, I hope my experience here at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa will provide me with the experience, knowledge, and opportunities necessary to build my career in the area of Native Hawaiian, Indigenous, and Mixed Race culture and health so that I can not only help my community and others, but serve as a voice for them in policy as well.

– Michelle Mosley, MS, CBA

Deciding to pursue my PhD in Nutrition at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa was the best decision I made. The University of Hawaiʻi has given me the opportunity to expand my knowledge in nutrition, specialize my skills and find a balance between working hard at my endeavors while maintaining space for my personal life. Upon entering the program professors and fellow PhD students made me feel welcome and wanted. In my first year working on a PhD in Nutrition I have already begun research on my dissertation, audited classes as needed to help refresh and strengthen my nutrition knowledge, and begun work as a Teaching Assistant.

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa has not only helped me deepen my knowledge in the Nutrition field, but also foster a healthy learning environment. Working on a PhD can at times be stressful and over whelming. Living on an island that has year round perfect weather and numerous opportunities for outdoor activities creates a work environment that allows me to balance studying while still enjoying my life. Having opportunities to step away from my studies, relax, and enjoy myself has helped with staying fresh mentally and enjoying the PhD program.

– Michelle Rathke, MS

Dear prospective PhD in Nutrition students,

I am delighted to share with you details of my experiences as a recent graduate of the PhD in Nutrition program at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa (UH) to demonstrate why you too should consider completing your doctoral training at UH.

At UH, I catered my coursework to suit my training needs and interests.  There are many great courses available to students at UH, both within and outside of Nutrition Department.  The PhD in Nutrition program at UH was incredibly flexible, allowing me, with the help of my supervisor, to choose the courses that were right for me.  In my case, this included courses in epidemiology to help me complete my dissertation research, and courses in negotiation and agricultural law for my professional development and interest’s sake.

At UH, I developed the skills and experience needed to work as an instructor.   During my doctoral training, not only was I able to work as a teaching assistant for seven different courses (with three separate instructors), I was hired as a sessional instructor, teaching my own section of the introductory nutrition course.  In these roles, I learned all aspect of course development and instruction, and gained practical experience teaching, which is an incredible asset for people such as myself who are interested in pursuing a career as a university professor.

At UH, I had the support I needed to complete my dissertation research in a timely manner.  My research focused on fish and omega-3 fatty acids in pediatric liver disease.  Prior to this, I had limited experience conducting human nutrition research.  However, with the support of my supervisor, the faculty, and our research collaborators, I was able complete five research studies, all published in peer-reviewed journals, in just three and half years.

Overall, the training that I received in the PhD in Nutrition program at UH provided me with a depth and breadth of nutritional science knowledge, and diverse range of skills related to instruction and research, which will help me to achieve in my career goals.

– David St-Jules, PhD (Harvard University)