New Multicampus Research Group

Studies of Food and the Body

The new UC Multicampus Research Group (MRG) on food and the body is making possible the kinds of interdisciplinary conversations that we believe are essential for addressing contemporary problems in food and health. Assistant Professor Charlotte Biltekoff is a member of this new MRG.  (Prof. Biltekoff was recently hired as an Assistant Professor with a joint appointment in the Department of Food Science & Technology and the Department of American Studies. 

Below are some comments about the MRG from Prof. Biltekoff.

The expertise of the members of the group converge around the topic of food and the body, but the members come from many different disciplinary perspectives and are motivated by a wide variety of concerns and interests. The group offers us the opportunity to strengthen our own research projects and build a collective sense of purpose across the three campuses that are involved; Davis, Berkeley and Santa Cruz. While the group is comprised of scholars from the humanities and social sciences, one of the questions that interests us is how we can best engage food scientists, nutritionists, public health practitioners and policy experts who have a more direct influence on american eating habits.

The MRG will provide an excellent venue for me to receive productive critical feedback on my current research into the historical relationship between dietary ideals and social ideals. I also expect our conversations to help me in the formulation of my next major research project which will seek to provide an innovative approach to understanding the cultural aspects of the question that seems to be on every American's mind these days: "What should I eat?"

While the group serves its members by strengthening our research programs, it also serves Davis and the UC system by expanding and highlighting our expertise in the cultural analysis of food.

For more information on this exciting MRG, visit the Studies of the Food and the Body website.