Campus News
From kitchen to cognition: students put nutritional psychology into practice
A UCSC Dining collaboration gives nutritional psychology students a taste of the science they’ve been studying all quarter.
On the evening of Friday, May 29, five students from PSYC 178 Nutritional Psychology swapped textbooks for cutting boards as they took part in a hands-on culinary learning experience. Joined by UC Santa Cruz Dining staff and instructor Andrea Cook, the students—selected through a competitive lottery—explored the intersection of flavor, satiety, and wellness while classmates tuned in live via Zoom.
Mastering the science of flavor
For nearly two hours, the kitchen was alive with the sounds of slicing, whisking, and seasoning. Under the guidance of Senior Executive Chef Ryan Yates and Executive Chef Ashley Hosmer, students learned how to balance acid, salt, and spice while exploring the nutritional science behind the food they prepared.
The group discussed the metabolic and digestive benefits of techniques such as sprouting and fermentation, while instructor Cook and Dining’s Culinary Wellness and Food Safety Specialist, Breanna Van Otterloo, fielded questions from both the in-person participants and students on Zoom.
A recipe for learning
The evening’s work culminated in a vibrant, nutrient-dense feast. Students plated a final dish featuring miso-glazed salmon or savory tempeh with a yogurt-herb sauce, sprouted quinoa and brown rice, charred broccolini and carrots in a lemon tahini dressing, house-made quick pickles, and a warm Mediterranean lentil salad.
For students who spent the quarter studying how nutrients influence cognition, hormones, and mood, the experience offered something the classroom alone cannot: the opportunity to put that science into practice at the cutting board and stove.
“Food has the power to bring people together, support well-being, and create lasting learning experiences,” said Omar Galvez, executive director of Dining Services. “We are proud to provide nourishment to our students every day, and equally proud to create opportunities like this that help students build a deeper understanding of the connection between food, health, and community. Seeing students engage so enthusiastically with the culinary side of nutritional psychology was inspiring, and we are excited to continue developing experiences that support learning both inside and outside the classroom.”
A closer look at UC Santa Cruz Dining
UC Santa Cruz Dining nourishes the campus community through quality food, professional expertise, and a commitment to student well-being. From daily dining operations to special collaborations like this one, the Dining team works behind the scenes to support Slugs through every meal. To learn more, visit UCSC Dining.
Division of Student Affairs and Success (DSAS) advances holistic student development by providing programs, services, and resources that support students’ academic achievement, personal growth, and sense of belonging. Grounded in equity and student success, the division partners across campus to create inclusive environments where all students can thrive. To learn more, visit the DSAS website and follow @ucsc.dsas on Instagram.