معرفی
David H. Holben, PhD, RDN, LD, FAND, is a Professor of Nutrition and the Gillespie Distinguished Scholar at the University of Mississippi, affiliated with the School of Applied Sciences and Department of Nutrition and Hospitality Management. He leads the Office of Food and Nutrition Security and directs NIH-funded programs like LEARN Science (kindergarten through 2nd grade STEM education) and FoodMASTER (nutrition-based STEM initiatives). Holben’s research focuses on food insecurity, nutrition education, and health disparities, with over $4M in federal/state/industry grants.
Education: PhD and MS in Human Nutrition from Ohio State University (1995–1996). He is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Fulbright Scholar, and former US Army Dietitian with extensive rural health experience in Appalachia, the Southern US, and Canada. Awards include the 2020 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Medallion Award and White House recognition for LEARN Science.
Research Interests: Linking dietary patterns to chronic disease and food security across lifespans, STEM education for youth, and optimizing solutions for vulnerable populations. Key projects include community gardening, food bank interventions, and evaluating meal-kit programs in rural areas. Holben has authored dozens of peer-reviewed articles on food insecurity, nutrition science, and public health.
Grants & Funding: NIH SEPA (LEARN Science/FoodMASTER), USDA grants, and state partnerships. His work addresses food access, diabetes management in underserved communities, and health equity through education and policy.
Labs/Teams: LEARN Science Project, FoodMASTER Initiative, and collaborations with the Office of Food and Nutrition Security. Current priorities include expanding STEM education and combating food insecurity through innovative programs.
