Career and Professional Development
Shalene McNeill, PhD (she/her/hers)
Executive Director, Nutrition Science, Health and Wellness
National Cattlemen's Beef Association
Pleasanton, Texas, United States
Disclosure(s): No relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
Eric Ciappio, PhD, RD (he/him/his)
Nutrition Science
Balchem Human Nutrition & Health
Surfside Beach, South Carolina, United States
Disclosure information not submitted.
Alexandra Cowan-Pyle, PhD (she/her/hers)
Research Scientist
Institute for Advancing Health Through Agriculture
Texas A&M University System
Cary, North Carolina, United States
Disclosure information not submitted.
Mario Ferruzzi, PhD
Dean and Professor
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia, United States
Disclosure information not submitted.
Tricia Psota, PhD, RDN (she/her/hers)
Partner - Scientist & Storyteller
Nutrition In Demand
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Disclosure information not submitted.
Andrea Wong, PhD (she/her/hers)
Senior Vice President, Scientific & Regulatory Affairs
Council for Responsible Nutrition
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Disclosure information not submitted.
In today’s fast-evolving and unpredictable landscape, nutrition scientists across academia, industry, and government face rapid changes — from shifting research priorities, to evolving funding landscapes and organizational restructuring. Changes in federal research funding, policy directions, and public health initiatives are not new—but recent shifts at the federal level create new challenges and unchartered territory across many areas of nutrition science. Given these changes, cross-sector collaborations are more important than ever and represent a powerful tool to move the field forward. This workshop will explore strategies for navigating transitions while strengthening collaborations across sectors. Attendees will gain insights into adapting to disruptions and fostering effective partnerships. Through an expert panel and interactive discussions, participants will leave with practical insights to thrive in dynamic workplaces and gain perspectives on the value of cross-sector collaborations in driving the future of nutrition science.
Chair: Shalene McNeill, PhD (she/her/hers) – National Cattlemen's Beef Association
Moderator: Eric D. Ciappio, PhD, RD (he/him/his) – Balchem Human Nutrition & Health
Panelist: Alexandra E. Cowan-Pyle, PhD (she/her/hers) – Texas A&M University System
Panelist: Mario G. Ferruzzi, PhD – Virginia Tech
Panelist: Tricia L. Psota, PhD, RDN (she/her/hers) – Nutrition In Demand
Panelist: Andrea Wong, PhD (she/her/hers) – Council for Responsible Nutrition