Graduate Programs

Research in the Dao Lab focuses on human nutrition, obesity and its comorbidities, and the gut microbiota. We use a multi-disciplinary approach to identify biological and psychosocial targets for tailored lifestyle interventions for weight management and healthy eating. A primary focus is on populations that are disproportionately impacted by the obesity epidemic. There are diverse research opportunities for prospective students, ranging from data analysis of the gut microbiome in relation to dietary intake and clinical outcomes, to community-based research to identify lifestyle and psychosocial factors associated with overweight.

Contact: Dr. Carlota Dao

Research in the Erickson laboratory pertains to optimizing production of colostrum through manipulating dairy cow nutrition and colostrum’s subsequent utilization by the calf. The effects of water-soluble vitamin supplementation in dairy cow diets on colostrum production and on ruminal development in the calf is currently being studied. We are also studying the unique characteristics of the Jersey cow in her ability to produce colostrum. Other research has focused on alternative feeds for growing heifers along with feed additives and their effects on ruminal development and protozoal disease incidence. We continue to study alternative ingredients in cow diets to help dairy producers reduce their costs of feeding. If this research interests you, consider reaching out to Dr. Pete Erickson.

The flavorful and nutrition-packed kiwiberry is an emerging specialty crop in the northeast and globally, and UNH has the only research and breeding program in the country dedicated to its systematic improvement. Trait development, genetics, horticulture, post-harvest physiology, nutrition and marketing are among the research areas, and as an ANFS graduate student, you can play an important role in our progress. If applied research on a new specialty crop for our region’s producers and consumers appeals to you, check out the research program of Dr. Iago Hale and consider applying to our M.S. program in Agricultural Sciences.

Contact: Dr. Iago Hale

The UNH cucurbit breeding program conducts breeding efforts primarily in squash, pumpkins, and melons. The research program seeks to understand the genetics of important stakeholder traits such as marketable yield, disease resistance, nutritional quality, and appearance. In order to meet breeding and research objectives, we employ traditional breeding and genetics methods alongside modern statistical, computation, and genomics tools. Plant breeding is a broad, interdisciplinary endeavor. As such, students in the program will gain expertise in a wide variety of areas tailored to their research interests.

Contact: Dr. Christopher Hernandez
Program website: Cucurbit Breeding & Genetics at University of New Hampshire

Research in the Mena Lab focuses on child nutrition and promoting healthy lifestyle habits at home and in early care and education (ECE) settings. A primary focus is on children under the age of 6 and families disproportionately impacted by obesity and food insecurity (risk).  We use a socioecological approach to identify targeted approaches for enhancing home-ECE environments to support the development of healthy eating habits in early childhood. There are a variety of research opportunities for prospective students, ranging from data analysis of diet quality in relation to home-ECE concordance of food and nutrition environments and health outcomes, to community-based research to identify home-ECE factors associated with diet quality and chronic disease risk in pediatric populations. 

Contact: Dr. Noereem Mena

Dr. Rahman's EAE Lab works on climate-smart technological implications for semi-controlled and controlled environment agriculture. Being a multi-disciplinary lab,  EAE lab tries to overcome each specific challenge of controlled environment agriculture (CEA), from the substrate to the roof cover and anything in between, through sustainable technologies. Their research areas include but are not limited to sustainable HVAC technology development, substrate development, energy, and water optimizations for CEA. EAE lab always welcomes novel ideas and enthusiasm for research toward CEA.

Contact: Dr. Md Sazan Rahman

Research in the Seely lab is focused on the integration of dairy cow biology and precision livestock technologies. With a specific emphasis on epidemiological methods, our research aims to optimize and validate technologies to improve dairy cattle health, well-being, and productivity. Areas of research include the exploration of rumination and activity collars to detect early lactation disease as well as novel sensor development to optimize calf health.

Contact: Dr. Claira Seely

The Sideman Lab takes an integrated approach to research and extension activities that focus on high-value specialty crop production and methods of extending the growing season for New Hampshire farmers. We are particularly interested in researching strategies to minimize production costs and ecological impacts, while producing economically viable yields of high-quality crops. Recent projects have focused on identifying new crops, cultivars and production practices, including season extension technologies, that expand opportunities for vegetable and berry production in northern New England.

Contact: Dr. Becky Sideman

Tomato is one of the most economically important horticultural crops, contributing significantly to both fresh and processed markets. However, tomatoes have a short shelf life, making them vulnerable to postharvest losses throughout the food supply chain. Softening, a ripening-associated process, plays a key role in determining postharvest quality, including shelf life and disease resistance. Due to its well-studied genetics, abundant resources, short life cycle, and efficient transformation system, tomato serves as an ideal model for studying fruit softening in climacteric fruits. Insights from tomato research are also applicable to other fleshy fruits. Controlling softening while preserving essential quality traits like flavor is crucial for fruit quality and the food supply chain. The lab integrates molecular genetics, bioinformatics, and genomics to tackle key unresolved questions in the field. Students in the program will develop a strong foundation and gain practical experience across a variety of discipline. The lab is seeking highly motivated graduate and undergraduate students to join our research team.

For more information or to inquire about opportunities, please contact:
Dr. Duoduo Wang: Duoduo.wang@unh.edu