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WASHINGTON — The future of nutrition science took center stage at this year’s Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) conference, where two standout graduate students were awarded the prestigious CAPS program honors. The program, a joint initiative between CRN and the American Society for Nutrition Foundation (ASNF), selected Opeyemi Ogedengbe from the University of Maryland and Gwoncheol Park from Florida State University, providing them with a unique opportunity to engage with leading experts in dietary supplements and functional food science.
The CAPS (CRN and ASNF Program for Scholars) awardees attended the “Science in Session” symposium on October 9 at Salt Lake City’s Grand America Hotel, part of the kickoff to CRN’s annual CONVERGENCE conference. This year’s symposium, themed “Living Well Longer: Bioactive Innovations for Healthy Aging,” highlighted groundbreaking research in dietary supplements aimed at promoting longevity and health.
“We are always excited to engage with talented students who are interested in learning more about human nutrition and want to make valuable contributions in advancing the science,” said CRN Senior Vice President of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs Andrea Wong, Ph.D. “We hope their attendance and participation in our symposium will give them greater insights into the research they are currently conducting.”
Both students expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to expand their research knowledge. Ogedengbe, who studies the connection between diet and metabolic diseases like diabetes, emphasized the professional value of the experience: “I am confident the CRN symposium will offer me the experience and knowledge needed to translate this intervention effectively, along with enhancing my research skills and overall professional development.”
Park, who studies the relationship between nutrition and the gut microbiome, described the event as an invaluable learning experience that aligns with his career aspirations. “My aim was to discover microbiome-based therapeutic interventions for human disease and promote healthy aging,” he noted. “The topics of the Science in Session program align perfectly with my research interests. I believe this is an extraordinary opportunity that will push my boundaries and open doors to a broader world.”
Since its inception in 2021, the CAPS program has been dedicated to supporting early-career nutrition researchers. It fosters a new generation of scientists committed to understanding how dietary supplements contribute to overall health. Through awards like these, CRN and ASNF aim to advance nutrition science and support the critical role of supplements in achieving long-term wellness.
