NRI Researchers Awarded for Outstanding Scientific Communication
Two researchers at the UNC Nutrition Research Institute (NRI), Hannah Petry and Robert Weimer, MS, recently received notable poster awards, highlighting the important research being conducted in NRI labs. Poster awards recognize researchers not only for the quality of their scientific findings but also for their ability to clearly communicate complex information. These awards can significantly enhance a researcher’s career, providing opportunities for further funding, professional growth, and meaningful collaborations. For early-career scientists, such recognition offers motivation, validation, and valuable connections within the scientific community.
Bridging the Gaps in Prenatal Nutrition Education
Petry joined the NRI in 2022 as a graduate student in the lab of Sandra Mooney, PhD. Since her arrival, Petry has earned multiple poster and travel awards. Her latest abstract ranked among the top 10% of nearly 600 submissions, earning her a finalist position in the Emerging Leaders in Nutrition Science Poster Competition.
Petry’s research addresses critical gaps in prenatal nutrition education. Inspired by her family’s experiences with inconsistent nutritional guidance during pregnancy, Petry’s goal is to improve communication and offer clearer nutritional guidance for expectant mothers. “After seeing how several of my family members were at a loss in understanding nutrition through their pregnancy journeys and getting conflicting opinions on what foods to consume during this crucial time, I wanted to help properly communicate to expectant mothers and guide them during pregnancy,” Petry explains. Her research focuses on developing effective, research-backed nutrition strategies for expectant mothers and their babies.
Advancing Precision in Nutritional Assessment and Care
Robert Weimer is a new NRI team member joining the Tate lab this year. In a recent presentation at the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition 2025 Conference (ASPEN25), his abstract received a Poster of Distinction award, placing it within the top 5% of submissions. Weimer’s research, titled “Validation of Published Sarcopenia Cutpoints to Diagnose GLIM-Defined Malnutrition as Identified by Protein Depletion in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis,” examines the accuracy of current diagnostic criteria for malnutrition. His research reveals inconsistencies in current medical guidelines and emphasizes the need for more accurate diagnoses, especially for patients with liver disease.
Weimer’s research supports the Tate lab’s ongoing work, which focuses on improving methods for nutritional assessment and developing personalized care plans. Their research improves weight management strategies to help prevent disease and promote better health outcomes.
These awards received by Hannah Petry and Robert Weimer reflect their dedication to quality research and communication, and we congratulate them on these well-deserved achievements.