Sanford Health and NDSU announced recipients of $250,000 in seed funding to conduct collaborative research on human nutrition, weight management and other dietary-related areas as part of an initiative developed between the two organizations. The research will address key objectives of the Profile by Sanford program. 

Eighteen applications with total budgets of $1.4 million were received for $250,000 of available funding. Three NDSU projects selected for funding include:

• Kyle Hackney, assistant professor of human nutrition and exercise science: “Protein and Muscular Health with Aging." Hackney’s research will explore how dietary protein and key amino acids are related to optimal muscular health with aging.
• Leah Irish, assistant professor of psychology: “Temporal Dynamics of Sleep and Energy Consumption and Expenditure." Irish’s research will examine how sleep, physical activity and diet interplay and explore the potential role of sleep in weight management.
• Katie Reindl, assistant professor of biological sciences: “Dietary Flaxseed to Prevent Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in American Indian Smoker." Reindl’s research will evaluate how the use of dietary flaxseed may be used as a chemopreventative strategy. The research will examine the effects of flaxseed on proinflammatory and anti-oxidant biomarkers.

NDSU researchers will have opportunities to collaborate with investigators from Sanford Research. All research projects selected for funding must be completed by June 30, 2016. Findings relevant to Profile will be considered as the program evolves and expands. Profile is a weight-management program developed by Sanford physicians and researchers that uses customized meal plans, health coaches and real-time technology.

Sanford is providing $250,000 annually for five years for the seed-grant program.

“This collaboration with Sanford Health carries opportunities for researchers and students to investigate questions important to human health and ultimately, work to contribute to solve health challenges for our citizens,” said NDSU President Dean L. Bresciani. “The private sector collaboration with Sanford Health serves as an illustration of university partnerships that benefit the communities we serve.”

David Pearce, president of Sanford Research, said, “This collaborative partnership allows us the opportunity for continued meaningful research in the arena of human health and weight management. We look forward to working with NDSU researchers as we evaluate the research findings for potential use in the Profile by Sanford program as it continues to evolve and improve.”

Kelly A. Rusch, NDSU vice president for Research and Creative Activity, said, “The wide range of proposals received for funding illustrates the interdisciplinary nature of research related to human health. Research proposals were received from the areas of plant and animal sciences, nursing, pharmaceutical sciences, veterinary and microbiological sciences, landscape architecture, engineering, psychology, human nutrition and exercise science and biological sciences.”

Profile launched in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, opening its first storefront in November 2012. Today, it has 25 locations in 10 states, including two in Fargo-Moorhead, with more planned openings by the end of 2015.

As a student-focused, land-grant, research university, we serve our citizens.