Pa. — Penn State Department of Nutritional Sciences faculty member Muzi Na, associate professor of nutritional sciences, was recently named a 2026 Excellence in Nutrition Fellow of the American Society for Nutrition (ASN)
The American Society for Nutrition is the leading professional organization for nutrition researchers, clinicians and professionals. Being named an ASN fellow is one of the highest achievements designated by the society. The designation recognizes members for their significant contributions and impact on the field of nutrition. Fellows are selected based on their ongoing achievements and leadership in advancing nutritional sciences
“As a mid-career researcher, I am deeply humbled by this recognition,” Na said. “It is an incredible honor to stand alongside so many esteemed colleagues whose work has shaped the field. This recognition serves as a meaningful validation of my dedication to nutritional sciences and motivates me to keep pushing the boundaries of our discipline.”
Contributions to the field
Na is the primary investigator of The Diet, Disparities, Development, & Degeneration Lab (The 4D Lab), where her research seeks to combat food insecurity across diverse life stages in both global and domestic settings
Her research examines how food insecurity and nutrition affect health across the lifespan, using both observational research and intervention studies. Na’s work has included examining maternal and early childhood nutrition across more than 40 countries and evaluating nutrition interventions in Niger, contributing to UNICEF guidance and programming
In the United States, she studies the relationship between food insecurity and chronic disease in older adults, including the potential protective role of SNAP on brain aging. Her current research builds on this work by testing accessible dietary interventions that could help support cognitive health
“My career is driven by a mission to advance nutrition health equity worldwide,” Na said. “Through cutting-edge research and active advocacy, I strive to inform evidence-based policy, programming and intervention solutions.”
This recognition from ASN builds on Na’s previous honors from the society. In 2025, she received the American Society for Nutrition’s Mead Johnson Award, which recognizes an early-career investigator for outstanding research conducted within the first 10 years of postgraduate training
Na said she credits the support of her department, colleagues and students in being instrumental to her success
“I am deeply grateful to be part of Penn State’s Department of Nutritional Sciences and its collaborative community, which makes it a privilege to conduct research alongside such brilliant colleagues,” Na said. “Above all, I am continually inspired by the curiosity and dedication our students. They are at the heart of everything we do and constantly drive our lab forward.”
In addition to Na being named a fellow at ASN’s annual conference this year, her graduate student Qi Chen received the Robert Suskind and Leslie Lewinter-Suskind Pediatric Nutrition Student Award. Na said seeing her students receive national and international recognition has been one of the most rewarding aspects of her career
Future impact
Looking ahead, Na said she plans to investigate how accessible nutritional interventions can improve cognitive health and help address the effects of food insecurity
She is equally committed to amplifying her scientific impact through teaching and service. By cultivating her students’ critical thinking and scientific communications skills, Na said, she aims to train the next generation of rigorous nutrition researchers. In addition to her research, she plans to continue contributing to the field through editorial leadership roles with peer-reviewed journals
Na emphasized that receiving the Excellence in Nutrition Fellowship reflects the collaborative nature of scientific research
“Scientific discovery is fundamentally a team effort,” Na said. “While I am incredibly grateful for this milestone, it belongs just as much to the supportive community at Penn State, my inspiring students and my collaborators.”
Na was honored during ASN’s annual conference, NUTRITION 2026, which was held in July in National Harbor, Maryland. This meeting brings together researchers, academics and clinicians to discuss developments and discoveries in the field and to provide networking opportunities for attendees
Last Updated August 11, 2026
Contact
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