The nutrition community brings together individuals with a wide range of experiences, perspectives, and ideas. This diversity is one of the greatest strengths of our professional society. Through this member spotlight series, we celebrate the accomplishments and impact of our members across the field.
Meet Dr. Diane Stadler, Professor of Medicine and Director of the Graduate Programs in Human Nutrition at Oregon Health & Science University, ASN member of 35 years, and dedicated leader. In a conversation with ASN’s Member Engagement Coordinator, Sara Genell, Dr. Stadler reflects on her nutrition journey.
From the first ASN meeting attended in 1996, to her current role on the Scientific Program Committee (SPC) for NUTRITION 2026, her involvement reflects a deep commitment to scientific exchange and community. She describes the SPC as an “innovative nutrition think-tank” and looks forward to contributing to the NUTRITION session, Systematic Reviews: Understanding Quality, Applying Findings, and Driving Impact, which will equip attendees to confidently interpret and apply nutrition research.
In addition to her work with the SPC, Dr. Stadler serves as the Academic Nutrition Departments and Programs (ANDP) Representative to the ASN Board of Directors and is a past Chair of the ANDP Community, where she values the opportunity to share knowledge, learn from peers, and navigate challenges together.
Sara Genell: Thank you, Dr. Diane Stadler, for joining me today for this interview. We have a lot to cover, so let’s get right into it. What sparked your interest in nutrition through a genetic and development lens?
Dr. Diane Stadler: Discovering nutrition occurred serendipitously for me. When I was 11, my mother volunteered me as a “mother’s helper” for a family in our neighborhood. This family had two young children, and the older of the two had Tay-Sachs disease. This was a sobering and scary experience for me. I didn’t understand the condition, and I didn’t feel like what I was doing to help the family was making a difference. Later, in high school and college, I learned the genetics and biochemistry of conditions like Tay-Sachs, which led me to focus on a similar yet distinct condition, phenylketonuria (PKU), specifically maternal PKU, for my thesis project as an undergraduate. Gaining an appreciation for the power of nutrition in treating metabolic conditions like PKU and its impact on fetal development in mothers with PKU, created a path for me to make a difference, the difference I hadn’t been able to make when I was younger. After a short stint working in a genetics lab, I enrolled in the MS in Nutrition program at Virginia Tech and, on the side, completed the requirements to apply to a nutrition fellowship at the Kennedy Institute/Johns Hopkins Hospital. My experience at the Kennedy Institute allowed me to take a deep dive into working with children (and their parents) with very rare metabolic conditions and developmental disabilities. With this experience, I joined the clinical staff at the University of Iowa as the metabolic dietitian in the department of pediatrics and became steeped in the clinical, research, and educational opportunities that, a few years later, led me to join and complete the doctoral program in human nutrition.
Genell: I think many of us can relate to having an experience early in life that goes on to mold our curiosity into a purpose later in life, so thank you for sharing that. You first joined ASN 35 years ago! Can you tell us a little about your early days in ASN and why you decided to join during your doctoral program?
Dr. Stadler: There were a few factors that contributed to my decision to join ASN, formerly known as the American Society for Nutrition Science (ASNS) and the American Society of Clinical Nutrition (ASCN), as a doctoral student. First, all the faculty in my program at the University of Iowa were members of ASNS and ASCN, and each year they attended and presented at the annual “Federation Meetings” (FASEB), which later became Experimental Biology, and then the NUTRITION meeting. The first meeting I attended was in 1996, in Montreal, when I presented part of my dissertation research as a finalist for the Young Investigator’s Award. This was a welcoming and exhilarating experience. Later during the meeting, my mentor, Charlie Rebouche, pulled me aside and encouraged me to watch the director of my program, Dr. Samuel Fomon, engage with members during a social event. I stepped back and watched. That experience instilled in me the importance of extending my hand to introduce myself, starting a conversation, finding common interests and experiences, and offering to make connections and facilitate collaborations. Just thinking about this brings a smile to my face.
Genell: I understand what you mean, one of my favorite parts of the NUTRITION meeting, is seeing members’ networks grow and strengthen day by day. Speaking of NUTRITION, you are on the Scientific Program Committee (SPC), can you tell us a little bit about what the SPC does?
Dr. Stadler: Serving on the Scientific Program Committee is like being a member of an innovative nutrition think-tank. Members of the committee suggest, review, and prioritize proposals for session topics. They expand on topics and recommend presenters and innovative formats. They ensure a diverse range of topics and opportunities for students and early-career scientists to showcase their work. They think creatively and suggest new ways to engage the audience and promote deliberation of critical issues—during and after poster sessions, presentations, workshops, and with comfortable gathering spots. Becoming a member of the SPC not only expands your ASN community, but it also helps you realize existing connections that you didn’t know existed.
Genell: You are speaking in a session titled ‘Systematic Reviews: Understanding Quality, Applying Findings, and Driving Impact’. What do you have planned for this session?
Dr. Stadler: We’re thrilled to offer this session, and, as the title implies, for the audience to gain a deeper appreciation of the defining characteristics, the methodology, and the ability to confidently interpret and apply the findings of nutrition-related systematic reviews. We will use stories to illustrate how to navigate the critical components of the systematic review process, a “create your next adventure” experience to show how decisions at the design stage influence study inclusion, data analysis (qualitative vs quantitative meta analyses), and outcomes, “flash talks” to describe how to interpret and apply findings, inform policy guidelines, and drive future research. We will wrap up with best practices for disseminating the findings of the systematic review through poster and oral presentations, and for publishing as a comprehensive report vs. a manuscript.
Genell: What do you hope attendees will take away from your session?
Dr. Stadler: Our goal is for attendees to walk away with a stronger understanding of the complexities of conducting systematic reviews; the sometimes-unintentional consequences of decisions made during the design stage; the benefits and limitations of this methodology; and the ability to interpret and apply the findings to inform policy guidelines and future research.
Genell: Besides your own session topic, can you tell us what topics you are most excited to be featured during this year’s annual meeting?
Dr. Stadler: There are so many! I’ve been involved in global nutrition work in Asia, Africa, and Central America, so the presentation on interventions to support maternal and infant nutrition and health are high on my list. The use of GLP-1 receptor agonists and their impact on food and nutrition consumption will add to this story—specifically, identifying nutrients of concern and making sure that sustainable healthy dietary changes are adopted to promote weight loss maintenance. Given our changing environment, agricultural landscape, and international commerce, the Presidential Symposium on “One Health in a Global Context” is particularly relevant and more important than ever. And, the talks on new technologies, from AI to large data science to organoids and organs-on-a-chip will be fascinating…just to name a few!
NUTRITION 2026: Where the Best in Science & Health Meet
Don’t just hear about the conversations shaping the future of nutrition—be in the room. Explore the program, featuring sessions on AI-powered dietary tools, obesity and GLP-1 therapies, food additive regulation, and the future of dietary guidance.
Register today and join your colleagues next month at NUTRITION 2026!
Genell: In addition to the SPC, you have been involved in other volunteer opportunities within ASN such as leadership with the Academic Nutrition Departments and Programs (ANDP) as past Chair and now as the ANDP Representative to the ASN Board of Directors. What motivates you to remain actively involved in the ASN community?
Dr. Stadler: I have met some of the most incredible people through my engagement with ASN. These partnerships became friendships that provided valuable resources and sounding boards as we each progressed through the academic ranks and assumed new responsibilities. As with many ASN members, my ability to give back to the ASN community has changed and grown over time. I consider giving back to the ASN community a professional responsibility to help grow, support, and recognize the next generation of nutrition scientists, clinicians, and educators. By doing this, I honor those who supported me, and lift up those who will be filling their shoes. Coming full circle creates a sense of peaceful fulfillment.
Genell: ANDP brings together leaders of nutrition departments and programs across the country, and with the new ASN Presidential Student Scholarship offering complimentary memberships to graduate students at member institutions. What impact have you seen this benefit have on students in your program?
Dr. Stadler: I am so proud that ASN established the Presidential Student Scholarship for complimentary membership for students at ANDP-affiliated institutions. Complimentary membership enables all nutrition graduate students and others interested in nutrition at these institutions to learn from, to grow as professionals, and to contribute to their professional organization. This scholarship breaks down financial barriers to membership during a time when financial stress is high and promotes inclusion and opportunity. All of the nutrition graduate students joined ASN when the scholarship was announced. In addition, we offered the same opportunity to our medical students and the number who joined was impressive and the opportunity was appreciated. Having access to DiscoverNUTRITION has provided access to information and learning opportunities that would have otherwise been missed. Being a part of the larger nutrition community is empowering and confidence-building.
Genell: How has being part of a community of department leaders through ANDP influenced the way you lead?
Dr. Stadler: The events of the past 6-7 years have presented challenges that couldn’t have been anticipated (e.g., COVID, severe climate events, e.g., wildfires, floods, etc., that have closed schools, transitions from in-person to virtual learning formats, shifting funding priorities and resources). Being a member and serving in a leadership role with ANDP has allowed me to share what I know and to learn from others. Being a part of this group has reinforced the importance of having a critical mass, of sharing ideas and being able to ask relevant questions, and of joining together to impart influence. In particular, my leadership style, my confidence, and my reach has expanded beyond my program and academic institution to across the state, the region, and nationally.
Genell: Thank you again for your participation in this interview. One last question for you to wrap up: what keeps bringing you back to ASN’s annual meeting?
Dr. Stadler: I love the cutting-edge science. The clinical and translational applications. The discussion of critical and impactful issues. The opportunity to be convinced to change my mind. The opportunity to create new friendships and renew collaborations. I hope to connect with all the readers of this interview at NUTRITION 2026 later this year.
