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UNL nutrition specialist looks to make contacts, build programNebraska Building contacts and exploring areas for future programming have kept Dr. Lisa Franzen Castle busy during her first 60 days as Extension nutrition specialist at the University of Nebraska Panhandle Research and Extension Center. In September Castle replaced Dr. Linda Boeckner, who was appointed director of the Panhandle Center. She is responsible for educating Nebraskans about nutrition, health and wellness, as well as conducting research into nutritional education and changes in behavior. Castle said minority health issues related to obesity and obesity-related chronic diseases, as well as older adult nutrition, physical activity, and quality of life concerns, are potential areas of future research and Extension programming. "Currently, my focus is to be involved in Extension programming at many levels, whether it is helping with existing programs, evaluating programs, creating and developing new ones, or finding ways to expand programs to new audiences," she said. "I am also working hard on becoming better connected with not only those in my immediate community, but also want to build contacts with other specialists, educators, and professional members of the community in an effort to foster productive communication and future working relationships." "I also think it is important to identify potential partners in adult nutrition and physical activity within and outside the University system." Castle also holds the rank of assistant professor in the Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences in UNL's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Her assignment includes not only the Panhandle district, but also statewide responsibilities for nutrition education. Her duties are divided 75 percent to Extension and 25 percent to research. Extension duties include planning, marketing, teaching, conducting and evaluating educational programs and materials related to nutrition, health and wellness education for adults. Research duties will consist of conducting applied research in nutrition education and nutritional behavioral changes for adults. Castle received her Ph.D. in August from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities with a major in nutrition and a minor in anthropology. She has been a registered dietitian since 2007. She received her master of science degree in entomology in 2006 from UNL. She also received a bachelor's degree from UNL in 2003 in dietetics, with a minor in insect science. Prior to coming to the Panhandle, Castle had been a graduate research assistant in Minneapolis-St. Paul since August 2006. Her research focused on community nutrition, socio-cultural aspects of dietary behavior, and how acculturation and environmental change are associated with changes in eating patterns and body mass index of Hmong immigrants in the Twin Cities. This past summer she worked with an intervention study aimed at low-income mothers with the objective of increasing their nutrition knowledge and physical activity levels.
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