MSU Ph.D. student researching how environmental chemical exposure impacts human health during pregnancy
FSHN Ph.D. student Diana Pacyga’s research focuses on evaluating how environmental chemical exposure impacts human health, particularly during pregnancy.
Diana Pacyga is a dual major doctoral student in Human Nutrition and Environmental Toxicology, a multidisciplinary dual-degree graduate program in the Michigan State University (MSU) Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition (FSHN) and Environmental and Integrative Toxicological Sciences (EITS).
FSHN graduate students study the impacts of the food and health delivery systems and form a continuum between production agriculture and consumer food use. Toxicology graduate education and research focuses on the harmful health effects of environmental or other chemicals and offers training in basic biomedical science and credentials in the discipline of toxicology that can open additional career opportunities.
Pacyga has received multidisciplinary training in the fields of nutrition, toxicology, reproduction, epidemiology and biostatistics. Her research focuses on pregnancy and midlife as vulnerable life stages with the overall goal of evaluating how environmental chemical exposures, diet quality and/or cardiometabolic health during these critical windows impact women’s and child lifelong health.
“I was always interested in understanding the risk factors and underlying causes of human health and disease, which led me to pursue a bachelor’s degree in molecular and cellular biology,” Pacyga said. “However, my time as an undergraduate research assistant in a neurotoxicology laboratory sparked my interest in research, as well as evaluating how exposure to environmental chemicals impacts human health, particularly during critical life stages such as pregnancy. Many of the environmental chemicals that humans are exposed to travel with the food supply and may target cardiometabolic pathways in the body, which inspired me to pursue a Ph.D. in Human Nutrition.”
She has served as president of the department’s Graduate Student Association, student representative of the College Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee and student representative and social media chair of the Departmental Graduate Affairs Committee. She is also a professional member of the Society of Toxicology, the International Society for Environmental Epidemiology and the American Society for Nutrition. Through her numerous publications, presentations, outstanding research and workshops, she is a strong force within our Spartan community.
After completing her doctoral program, Pacyga plans to pursue postdoctoral training from an established nutritional epidemiology and environmental health research group. Ultimately, her career goal is to become an independent academic researcher at a renowned research institution.
Pacyga is one of the 2022 CANR Alumni Association Scholarship recipients.
Name: Diana Pacyga
Hometown: Lake in the Hills, Ill.
Degree working on: Ph.D. in Human Nutrition and Environmental Toxicology
Expected graduation date: May 2023
Research focus: My research focuses on pregnancy and midlife as vulnerable life stages with the overall goal of evaluating how environmental chemical exposures, diet quality, and/or cardiometabolic health during these critical windows impact women’s and child lifelong health.
What inspired your interest in your advanced degree area?
I was always interested in understanding the risk factors and underlying causes of human health and disease, which led me to pursue a B.S. in molecular and cellular biology. However, my time as an undergraduate research assistant in a neurotoxicology laboratory sparked my interest in research, as well as evaluating how exposure to environmental chemicals impacts human health, particularly during critical life stages such as pregnancy. Many of the environmental chemicals that humans are exposed to travel with the food supply and may target cardiometabolic pathways in the body, which inspired me to pursue a Ph.D. in human nutrition.
Why did you choose to study at MSU?
I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and really valued being at a land-grant institution, which is why I decided to pursue graduate school at MSU. MSU is also one of the few land-grant institutions that offer interdisciplinary training in nutrition, reproduction, epidemiology, toxicology and biostatistics, which were fields I wanted to get training in to accomplish my research goals.
What has been one of your best experiences within graduate school so far?
One of my most memorable experiences in graduate school is starting the Food Science and Human Nutrition (FSHN) Graduate Student Association (GSA), which is a registered student organization at MSU. Formally established in Fall 2021, the overall goal of the FSHN GSA is to provide support for the academic success and professional growth of students and address the need for a social sphere in the department. While it was challenging starting the organization, I am very proud of what we accomplished as we were able to host many social and professional development events to support new and incoming students.
What do you want others to know about this program?
If you are interested in pursuing a graduate degree in Food Science, Human Nutrition or Dietetics, the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition (FSHN) at MSU has graduate programs that will provide you with valuable training to pursue careers in these fields. With regards to the Human Nutrition program, specifically, the program provides students with a solid foundation in nutritional sciences, but it is also flexible enough that students can receive interdisciplinary training in multiple fields of interest. The faculty and staff are also very supportive, and the department has a great community of graduate students, which has made it possible to establish the FSHN Graduate Student Association (GSA).
What are some of the best things about being an MSU student?
The best part of being a graduate student at MSU is that the institution offers numerous professional development and training experiences right on campus. Additionally, and as indicated previously, MSU offers interdisciplinary training in diverse fields, which is wonderful for students who have an interest in multiple fields. Furthermore, MSU has a very supportive and collaborative research environment. The beautiful campus is also a plus.
Any thoughts or advice for current or new students?
My advice for current and new graduate students is to take time to enjoy their graduate experience and build connections with other graduate students at MSU. My advice for undergraduate students is to be flexible enough to try new things and take advantage of what MSU has to offer with regard to research and professional experience.
What are your future plans?
My immediate plan after completing my doctoral program is to receive postdoctoral training from an established nutritional epidemiology and environmental health research group. My ultimate career goal is to become an academic researcher at a renowned research institution like MSU.
