NPI director Lorrene Ritchie is USDA NIFA featured researcher in honor of Women’s History Month

Mar 31, 2022

Nutrition Policy Institute inaugural director and UC Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources cooperative extension nutrition specialist, Lorrene Ritchie, was featured in the USDA National Institute for Food and Agriculture's Women's History Month spotlight on March 21, 2022. In the spotlight–which highlights leading women helping advance agriculture-related sciences–Ritchie shared about her NIFA-funded research, a typical workday, how she has overcome personal challenges, her role models and the people and things that inspire her, and also provided advice to girls and young women desiring to enter the field of nutrition. “First, find good mentors and collaborators. You don't know what you don't know, and they can help you navigate the possibilities! Second, do not be afraid to pursue big ideas. You can be a change-maker at all levels of research. Third, build as you go. No one study is going to solve all nutrition problems – there is so much science to do! Over time and collectively, you can make a difference in the everyday lives of people!” The full spotlight is available on the USDA NIFA website.


By Danielle L. Lee
Author - Director of Communications & Research Engagement