Dr. Pratibha Gupta: A pioneer in nutrition and health research at Central State University

Central State University recently celebrated the remarkable achievements of Dr. Pratibha Gupta by presenting her with the prestigious 2024 President’s Award for Faculty Excellence in Research. This honor recognizes her groundbreaking work in the fields of nutritional biochemistry and nutrigenomics, where she is making a significant impact on public health. 

As a Research Associate Professor of Food Nutrition and Health at the John W. Garland College of Engineering, Science, Technology, and Agriculture (CESTA) and a dedicated member of the 1890 Land-Grant Programs, Dr. Gupta has devoted nearly 16 years to advancing research that connects scientific knowledge with community health needs.  

A wealth of knowledge powering public health initiatives 

Dr. Gupta’s impressive educational journey includes bachelor’s degrees in botany, zoology, and chemistry, master’s degrees in biochemistry and food biochemistry, and a Ph.D. in cancer immunology and biochemistry. Her postdoctoral research at Case Western Reserve University delved into diverse fields such as hematology-oncology, ophthalmology, and psychiatry. She also served as a project scientist at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, focusing on important work in biomarker toxicology. 

At the heart of Dr. Gupta’s research are the urgent health challenges affecting communities, particularly obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Her innovative work in nutrigenomics — the study of how nutrition influences gene expression — aims to develop precision nutrition strategies tailored to individual genetic profiles, paving the way for healthier lifestyles and enhanced disease prevention. 

In a landmark achievement, Dr. Gupta secured a $600,000 USDA-NIFA Capacity Building Grant in 2022 to explore how nutrigenomics can revolutionize obesity prevention. Her groundbreaking study investigates the interplay between diet, physical activity, and gene expression, with the goal of crafting personalized nutrition plans that empower individuals to take charge of their health. 

Dr. Gupta is passionate about the power of customized nutrition. “If people follow their own personalized nutrition, they can make significant improvements in their health,” she said, aiming to transcend the limitations of generalized dietary advice. “My research offers precision nutrition that is unique to each individual's genetic makeup.” 

Additionally, her investigations delve into the medicinal properties of herbs and spices, where she studies their molecular effects on human cells to validate traditional dietary practices. “Your food is your medicine,” Dr. Gupta emphasized, highlighting the direct impact of what we consume and how it affects our health on a cellular level. 

Empowering students and strengthening communities 

Dr. Gupta’s commitment extends far beyond her research. She is deeply invested in mentoring students and engaging with the community. Her hands-on research opportunities empower students with the skills to make a meaningful contribution to science. She has had these students in her lab since the study started: Daniel Mcintosh, Sierra Munroe, Samantha Charles, Edmond Kollie, Raymond Rolle Vandeleezza Hepburn, and Saraysia Nelson. One of her students, Samantha Danielle, a talented first-year Biology major and USDA-NIFA 1890 Scholar, eagerly collaborates with Dr. Gupta on nutrition research projects and aspires to pursue a medical career. 

In her quest to educate the public, Dr. Gupta partners with local organizations, including churches and senior centers, conducting workshops that emphasize the importance of disease prevention through proper nutrition. She skillfully leads sessions on mindful eating, meal preparation, and stress management techniques like yoga and meditation to promote overall health. 

A vision for a healthier future 

Looking forward, Dr. Gupta envisions expanding her research into the concept of food as medicine, integrating her findings into practical solutions for real-world applications. Her upcoming projects will focus on how personalized nutrition can further aid in post-surgical recovery and bolster immune function. 

Reflecting on her recent recognition, Dr. Gupta expressed sincere gratitude for the support she’s received from Central State University. “As a researcher, you don’t work for recognition — you work to make a difference. But when your contributions are acknowledged, it reaffirms your mission to keep pushing forward.” 

With an unwavering drive for discovery and a commitment to improving public health, Dr. Gupta is a transformative force in the future of nutritional science, inspiring both her students and the wider community at Central State University and beyond.