Posted 5/28/2008

Center provides focal point for nutrition related research at USC

Dr. Angela Liese has been named director of the Center for Research in Nutrition and Health Disparities, Arnold School Interim Dean Dr. Tom Chandler has announced.

Angela Liese

Liese has been serving as interim director of the center.

“Angela's scholarship, grantsmanship, teaching and service to the community and university are exemplary. Please congratulate and wish her well,” Chandler said.

Liese said the center provides a focal point for nutrition related research at USC.

“We facilitate communication amongst faculty and staff with interest in nutrition and health disparities research through monthly seminar series and annual retreats. The center supports investigators with grant application assistance and post award grants management services,” she said.

Liese, who also is an associate professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, joined the Arnold School faculty in June 2000.

She earned a master’s degree in nutrition from the University of Bonn, Germany; a master of public health from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and a doctorate from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

In 2007, she was the recipient of the James A. Keith Excellence in Teaching Award, one of the most prestigious honors bestowed by the Arnold School.

The Center for Research in Nutrition and Health Disparities promotes and conducts research on the role of nutrition in reduction of health disparities across racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups.

Currently, projects managed through the center include the topical areas: childhood diabetes and overweight, nutrition and physical activity, diabetes and weight loss in adults, the school food and the built nutritional environment. Research types range from studies focusing on determinants of diseases, to community based intervention research, to policy research and methodological research.