Winter 2017 Newsletter

Image of metabolomic network map courtesy of Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland.
To learn more about this field and new STRIDE research in this area, please read a Conversation with Michael La Frano.

Letter From the Director: What’s in a Name?

We all know (and hopefully love) STRIDE. So, it’s hard to even think about changing its name. Maybe we don’t need to change it. However, I’ve noticed when talking with people unfamiliar with STRIDE that I have to insert a qualifier. I usually say, “STRIDE – it’s the Center for Obesity Research at Cal Poly.” Sometimes, I feel brave and will attempt to unpack the acronym; “S.T.R.I.D.E. It stands for…Science…no, I mean…Solutions….through Translational…no we removed ‘Translational’ three years ago… Solutions Through Research in Diet and Exercise. Yes. That’s it,” I’ll say.

Although the spelled-out versions have changed, the STRIDE name has been around for seven years, and people on campus and in our local community have gotten to know STRIDE and what it stands for — at least conceptually, if not acronymically. On the other hand, most of us cannot remember the acronym’s expansion. And, the name is pretty nondescript.

What do you think? Please take the poll here or shoot me an email at sphelan@calpoly.edu. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Read the letter ›

STRIDE Applauds Biology Class that Pairs Students With Healthcare Service Learning Opportunities

A pre-med student worked winter quarter with a local doctor making house calls and delivering low cost, urgent care services as part of her coursework. Some of her classmates prepared nutritionally balanced meals for cancer patients while others delivered overdose prevention seminars. All of these students were enrolled in Biology 470/471, Service Learning For The Health Professions.

Kinesiology Professor Conducts Research Through Simms/Mann Faculty Fellowship

Alison Ventura, a professor in the Kinesiology Department is conducting the research though her 2015 Simms/Mann Faculty fellowship. The fellowship, sponsored by the Simms/Mann Institute for Education and Community Development, provides professional development to faculty from the California State University and California Community Colleges in the fields of early childhood education, psychology, and nursing.

Faculty and Student Highlights

STRIDE Hires Mobile Health Unit Project Coordinator

For years, Shelby Bachelder has advocated for women and children: referring them to community resources, finding funding for critical services, and providing translation assistance to those who need it. Bachelder recently brought her expertise to STRIDE, where she serves as the Center’s new Women & Infants Mobile Health Coordinator.

STRIDE Welcomes Staub as New Administrative Support Coordinator

STRIDE will provide support with grant applications and budget support for affiliate researchers thanks to Susan Staub, who was recently hired as the Center’s new Administrative Support Coordinator. Staub joined STRIDE in January from the Cal Poly Dean of Students office where she also worked as an Administrative Coordinator.

A Conversation with Michael La Frano, new STRIDE Affiliate and Assistant Professor, Food Science & Nutrition

STRIDE is excited to welcome Professor Michael La Frano as one of its newest research affiliates. The interview below describes La Frano’s work, how he is involved with STRIDE, and opportunities to collaborate with him.