The nutrition community is made up of individuals with diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas. This diversity is the fundamental strength of our professional society. Through this member spotlight series, we celebrate our diversity and the vast achievements made by our members in the field.
Get to know ASN Sustaining Partner Chair, Dr. Shalene McNeill, and her journey from a South Texas cattle ranch to a prominent role in nutrition science through her conversation with ASN’s Member Engagement Coordinator, Sara Genell. Discover how her upbringing fueled her passion for agriculture and nutrition and how ASN mentorship and collaborations have shaped her career. Read our full interview below.
Sara Genell: Thank you, Shalene, for participating in this Member Spotlight Interview. To start, could you introduce yourself and share a bit about your journey?
Dr. Shalene McNeill: Thank you so much for this opportunity. I’m a registered dietitian and nutrition scientist with a passion for exploring the connections between food, health, and agriculture. My journey into this field has been an adventure. I began with an undergraduate degree in biomedical sciences at Texas A&M University, where I became intrigued by the idea of applying human and animal sciences in real-world settings through nutrition. Growing up on a South Texas cattle ranch, where my dad was a foreman, I developed a deep-rooted connection to the agricultural community. It’s this connection that fuels my work today as I serve beef farmers and ranchers as their lead human nutrition scientist. After 20 years in this role, I can honestly say that I still love what I do. I’m incredibly grateful to contribute to the understanding of beef’s role in the human diet and to support nutrition discovery on behalf of this salt-of-the-earth community that cares so much about investing in nutrition research.
Genell: That’s such a unique and meaningful journey! How did you first get involved with ASN, and what impact has it had on your career?
McNeill: ASN has been instrumental in shaping my career, especially because I was a first-generation college student and started my college education with little direction. I was fortunate to have invaluable mentorship from many ASN members throughout my graduate training and early career. These mentors encouraged me to explore the intersection of nutrition science and agriculture, which was a perfect blend of my academic interests and my personal background. I’ll always remember leaders like the beloved late Joanne Lupton, who championed my early career development. She helped me secure my first academic teaching position and sparked my interest in serving the industry. Over 20 years of membership, ASN has opened doors to exciting research collaborations, science communication opportunities, and a network of dedicated scientists and professionals. It’s truly been an anchor for my career.
Genell: You’ve clearly had a deep connection with ASN. What inspired you to take on the leadership role of Sustaining Partner Chair, and what are your goals in this position?
McNeill: With my youngest daughter heading off to college, I finally found the time to take on a leadership role in a professional organization that I deeply believe in. I chose ASN because of the confidence and respect I have for the leaders who came before me, and I wanted to contribute to the ongoing progress of this great society. As the Sustaining Partner Chair, my goal is to elevate the role of industry within ASN, ensuring that our partnerships are not just supportive but also transformative for the field of nutrition science. I’m excited about the potential for ASN to foster deeper connections—whether it’s researcher to researcher or across academia and industry—to facilitate mutual learning and innovation. By working together, we can not only advance public health but also enhance public understanding of the vital contributions that nutrition science brings to society.
Genell: I am eager to see what you are able to accomplish during your time as Sustaining Partner Chair. What is the importance of building successful industry-academic partnerships in nutrition science? Do you think ASN should continue to support activities in this area?
McNeill: Absolutely! Industry-academia partnerships are vital because they bring scientific contributions to life in real-world, tangible ways. These collaborations allow for the practical application of academic discoveries—industry provides the innovation, training, solutions, and funding needed to amplify the impact of nutrition science on society. ASN plays a critical role here as a trusted convener, facilitating these partnerships and ensuring that they are productive and ethical. By continuing to support these activities, ASN can help bridge the gap between research and real-world application, making a meaningful difference in public health and nutrition. We all know that funding is critical to the future of nutrition research – and without industry’s investment in science, nutrition research discovery would be significantly limited. ASN can continue to be a leader in supporting the essential role of industry-academia partnerships to foster the important, evolving nature of nutrition research.
Genell: Thanks for sharing! Finally, what advice would you give to students or early career professionals looking to break into the nutrition industry?
McNeill: My advice? Develop your ability to communicate science to a wide range of audiences. In the industry, you need to be able to discuss complex research ideas with fellow scientists, but also explain those ideas in layman’s terms to CEOs or even a beef cattle farmer. Effective communication is key to leading successful research programs for industry. So, start honing those skills and don’t hesitate to reach out to industry professionals you meet through ASN. They’re always on the lookout for talented scientists and would love to hear from you. Networking within ASN is a fantastic way to start building those connections and finding your path in the industry.
