Bridging Science and Community:
A Letter from Julian Robles
Dear NRI Advocate,
As a research technician at the UNC Nutrition Research Institute, I have the incredible opportunity to explore how nutrition impacts human health at a deeply personalized level. Every day, our team is unlocking new insights that have the potential to change lives for the better.
The NRI’s work is essential because our science aims to improve the health and well-being of all. Every lab at the NRI contributes to this goal through its unique research. In the Goode Lab, our research focuses on developing, implementing, and evaluating equitable interventions for people of color dealing with disordered eating and chronic disease. We identify health issues and barriers then help find solutions to improve health equity and quality of life for vulnerable populations. One of my favorite parts of this work is that I get to work directly with the community. As a lab representative, I work diligently to meet the needs of each individual through our research efforts. The Goode Lab provides these underrepresented communities an opportunity to express their needs and be included in research. This is essential because, without their perspectives, we can’t develop health interventions that truly benefit every community we serve.
As a Kannapolis native, working with local communities means serving family and friends. When the NRI opened its doors during my teenage years, I was inspired by its mission to improve well-being through science. My dream became a reality while studying biology at UNC-Chapel Hill, where, as a student researcher in the Goode Lab, I saw firsthand the impact of researchers who reflect the communities they serve. Each member of the Goode Lab brought deep passion to their work, reinforcing that this was where I belonged. The NRI is a place where I can turn my passion and work into impactful results that improve the lives of the communities that I have been a part of for my whole life. I want to personally thank you for being part of this journey. Your support means we can continue to innovate and drive meaningful progress in nutrition science.
With gratitude,
Julian Robles
Research Technician, Goode Lab
What excites me most about the work we do here is that soon, doctors will be able to prescribe personalized nutrition recommendations based on our research. These tailored nutrient guidelines will empower individuals to achieve optimal health and live their best lives, enhancing well-being at every stage of life.
Working at the NRI has altered my perspective on the role of nutrition in health. I am more mindful of my daily activities and how to incorporate healthy eating habits for my family. In a fast-paced life, it’s easy to make excuses for not eating healthily, but years of educational insight from the NRI’s mission have given me the knowledge I need to help my family make healthier choices.
Nutrition is such a key factor in affecting our quality of life, and for helping us to thrive. We know our communities are navigating natural disasters, poverty, and employment challenges. If we can come up with a way to make nutrition knowledge and behavior accessible to all, we will position ourselves to transform the lives of so many.
