Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA)

The American Society for Nutrition (ASN)’s mission is to advance the science, education, and practice of nutrition with a vision of a healthier world through evidence-based nutrition. We recognize that it will take a steadfast approach involving the nutrition community, to include individuals with diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas to make our vision a reality. This is a fundamental strength of our professional society.

ASN is committed creating sustainable change as it relates to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) and to establishing an environment that champions diversity, and creates a sense of belonging for all members of the nutrition community in pursuit of its mission.

Diversity in Nutrition and Health Sciences

Join the ASN Foundation’s important effort by becoming a donor today.

IDEA Activities, Initiatives, and Resources

ASN Foundation Undergraduate Diversity Research Fellowship

The ASN Foundation Undergraduate Diversity Research Fellowship (UDRF),  developed in conjunction with ASN’s Student Interest Group (SIG) and funded by generous donors to the ASN Foundation’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Campaign, were created to promote diversity in the field of nutrition through long-term change. The UDRF is designed to provide direct funding for undergraduate research projects that may have an impact to the broader field of nutrition.

This award competition will give historically underrepresented undergraduate students research and travel funding to participate in a poster competition on their completed research project at the American Society for Nutrition’s annual flagship meeting, NUTRITION.

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2022- 2023 UDRF Awardees:

Alessandra D. Sommer
(First Place)

Shanvanth R. Arnipalli
(Second Place)

Luz S. Villa Robles
(Second Place)

Gabrielle Tan
(Third Place)

Niliarys Sifre


Young Investigators Underrepresented in Nutrition Award Competition

The Young Investigators Underrepresented in Nutrition Award Competition, organized by the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility Committee (IDEA), provides an opportunity for young investigators from underrepresented communities within the biomedical and life sciences to participate in the annual meeting by discussing their research findings.

Finalists strengthen presentation and professional skills associated with a career in the sciences.

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2023 Finalists

Alexa Barad, MS, RD (First Place)

Jose Haro Reyes, MSc (Second Place)

Janine Comrie (Third Place)

Karen Corleto, MS

Edward Moncada

Olugbenga Balogun

Support Opportunities at ASN’s annual meeting, NUTRITION


ASN is committed to making it annual meeting, NUTRITION, accessible to everyone who wishes to participate.   By minimizing financial barriers, we ensure the best components of ASN’s annual flagship meeting — learning, connecting and sharing — are accessible to all.

Learn More and Apply

ASN is offering the following attendee support opportunities for NUTRITION 2024:

  • Abstract Submission Waivers
  • Registration Fee Reduction and Hardship Waivers
  • Scholarships for Individuals from Underrepresented Groups
  • Family Support Grants

Additional DEI Resources


ASN’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility Committee

The Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility Committee (formerly the Minority and Diversity Affairs Committee) was founded in the early 2000’s and has progressively evolved to support the overarching goals for ASN’s IDEA initiatives.

The IDEA Committee reports to the ASN Board of Directors through the Membership Committee and its chair, Dr. Barbara Lyle.

Committee Charge:

The Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility Committee shall enhance the participation and engagement of minority and diverse students, scientists, and professionals in the activities of ASN. The committee shall foster diversity, equity and inclusion throughout ASN, including its volunteer leadership, programs, services and products. The committee will promote professional and leadership development to increase diversity, including supporting members in establishing long-term professional relationships with ASN. The committee shall also encourage more research in the area of nutrition health disparities among diverse groups and provide opportunities for research advancement and growth in professional practices. The goals of the committee are to support, promote and increase the representation of diverse groups, particularly the minority members within ASN.

2023-2024 Members

Petra Tsuji, PhD, MPH (Chair)
Towson University

Joachim Sackey, PhD (Vice Chair)
Rutgers University

Monica Agarwal, MD, MEPH
University of Alabama at Birmingham

Sophia Amenyah, PhD
Bournemouth University

Maria Carlota Dao ,PhD
University of New Hampshire

Sonia Poonamjot Deol, PhD
University of California, Riverside

Yasmeen Nkrumah-Elie, PhD
ChromaDex

Jennifer Nasser, PhD, RD
Drexel University

Karyn Onyeneho, PhD
National Institutes of Health

Ashley Toney, PhD
Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute

Sonia Vega- López, PhD
Arizona State University



ASN is Here to Listen

Email us at info@nutrition.org to share your story, feedback, or suggestions for IDEA focused initiatives, activities and resources. Any information you share will be confidential.