Using the American College of Lifestyle Medicine’s culinary medicine curriculum as its foundation, the classes blend nutrition science, nutrition counseling, hands-on culinary skills and exposure to world flavors into a practical, case-based course for future physicians. Fourth-year medical students learn to translate dietary guidelines into realistic meal ideas, practice counseling language they can use in a clinical setting and prepare dishes that support common medical nutrition needs, such as cardiometabolic health and diabetes.

The course is led by Kristen Neises, director of lifestyle medicine at the UofL Trager Institute, along with Chef Nikkia Rhodes and is held at the institute’s Culinary Medicine Kitchen, which .

UofL News checked in with Charmi Shah, a fourth-year medical student who participated in the fall semester course, about her experience.

UofL News: What interested you about the culinary medicine course at the Trager Institute’s Culinary Medicine Kitchen?

Charmi Shah: I have always loved cooking and consider myself a true foodie. I grew up helping my mom in the kitchen whenever I could and have always enjoyed trying restaurants and cuisines from all over the world. So, when this culinary medicine course was offered, I immediately jumped at the opportunity. The idea of earning school credit while cooking delicious meals (and getting to eat them afterward) sounded like the perfect combination of passion and learning.

As a vegetarian, I also was especially excited knowing the meals would be plant-based. I am constantly looking for ways to increase protein intake and make healthier substitutions in my own meals, so I knew this class would offer lessons I could apply both personally and professionally. It felt like the perfect opportunity to blend something I genuinely enjoy with my medical education.

UofL News: Could you describe your experience working hands-on in the kitchen and what you learned?

Shah: Each week focused on a different cuisine or meal type, from Asian-inspired dishes to breakfast foods, bowls and even desserts. Before class, we watched instructional videos on cooking techniques and read articles or publications on relevant nutrition topics so we could come prepared for meaningful discussion at the start of the class.

During class, we split into pairs and divided up the recipes, preparing the dishes ourselves. The hands-on experience made the learning incredibly engaging. After cooking, we cleaned the kitchen together as a group and then sat down to enjoy the meal we had created. One of my favorite parts was role-playing patient scenarios, where we practiced applying what we had learned in realistic clinical conversations. It reinforced how to translate nutrition science into practical, culturally sensitive advice. And of course, taking home leftovers was an added bonus.

Beyond learning new cooking skills, I gained a deeper understanding of macronutrient balance, plant-based protein sources, portion control, and how small ingredient substitutions can significantly improve nutritional value without sacrificing flavor.

UofL News: Why do you think it is important for future health care providers to learn nutrition science?

Shah: Nutrition science is foundational to preventive medicine. Many of the leading causes of death in the U.S., including diabetes and cardiovascular disease, are strongly associated with lifestyle factors. While medications are essential in many cases, addressing diet and daily habits is often just as critical.

Exercise is important, but as many physicians emphasize, meaningful weight loss and long-term health begin with the exercise of eating first. Future health care providers must be equipped not only to diagnose and prescribe but also to provide more holistic care by guiding patients toward sustainable lifestyle improvements. Without adequate training in nutrition, physicians may feel unprepared to provide specific, actionable advice.

UofL News: How do you hope to apply these lessons in your approach to health care?

Shah: As someone planning to go into family medicine, I have a strong interest in lifestyle medicine. This course reinforced my belief that physicians should look beyond simply prescribing medications and instead consider how to empower patients to modify their daily habits.

It is one thing to tell a Hispanic patient with diabetes to “avoid sugar,” but it is much more impactful to provide culturally tailored, realistic alternatives. For example, suggesting corn tortillas instead of white flour tortillas, encouraging more beans and less processed meat, discussing portion sizes of rice or chips that may be dietary staples or offering fruit-based dessert swaps instead of traditional fried sweets like churros. These kinds of practical, culturally sensitive recommendations are far more meaningful than generic advice.

Being part of the pilot culinary medicine course felt incredibly special, and I truly believe every medical student would benefit from this experience. I hope to continue expanding my knowledge in culinary and lifestyle medicine and incorporate these lessons into my future primary care practice, helping patients see that healthy living can be both achievable and enjoyable.

Q&A by Samantha Adams

Held on the day the McConnell Center was founded in 1991, the program began with a reception, giving attendees a chance to reconnect and celebrate the center’s past 35 years.

During the event, the center unveiled, “America’s Autobiography: Key Documents that Tell Our Story.” This initiative pairs a new book of key documents with a companion podcast and video series, featuring commentary from scholars and experts.

McConnell Center Director Gary Gregg’s remarks focused on the hundreds of teachers and thousands of students the center has been able to serve over the decades.

“Tonight we celebrate the McConnell Center’s work in civic education — in nurturing, teaching and inspiring generations of young citizens and their teachers,” Gregg said. “It all began with the very foundations of the center in the political science department and those early faculty…who taught our first generation of McConnell Scholars to be good citizens and leaders.”

During the program, Justin Mitchell, a social studies teacher at Franklin-Simpson Middle School and former participant in the center’s Teachers Scholars Program, was presented the Henry Clay Cup for Exemplary Service in Civic ����ֱ��, recognizing his contributions to civic learning in Kentucky. He is only the third recipient in the history of the award.

The celebration concluded with a keynote address by the Honorable Chris Gibson, former U.S. Congressman and retired U.S. Army Colonel, who reflected on the importance of civic responsibility and leadership.��

“America’s Autobiography: Key Documents that Tell Our Story” will be released in May and can be purchased at . All proceeds from the book will benefit the��McConnell��Center’s Civic ����ֱ�� Fund.

and .

Article by Natalie Tracy

This was celebrated in a big way during the 20th anniversary of the��. The weeklong conference held in February 2026 brought together faculty and staff to share ideas, explore new teaching strategies and learn from one another. Hosted by the��, attendees participated in more than 40 peer-led professional development sessions offered in multiple formats, including in-person workshops, virtual sessions and on-demand videos.

During a reception and award ceremony, President Gerry Bradley reflected on the transformative power of education and the importance of the university’s teaching community.

“If we’re going to continue to make the impact on our students –��on how they discover, how they can contribute and how they will engage with this ever‑changing world beyond our campus, the skills learned here really important,” he said. “Teaching matters, learning��matters. All of you deserve our greatest thanks and my thanks.”��

Provost Katie Cardarelli emphasized that human connection is at the heart of learning and the university’s mission. ��

“Retention and graduation do not only improve through policy. They improve because educators are committed to creating learning experiences that are rigorous,��supportive��and deeply human – something unique in this ever-evolving, AI��technology‑driven culture. This ceremony recognizes that commitment and the sustained effort that faculty invest in students often quietly and consistently, semester after semester,” she said.��

During the reception,��Senior Vice Provost��Gail DePuy announced the����This award��honors educators who have��demonstrated��a commitment to students with one or more innovative teaching practices.

The honorees include:��

• Devin Burke, School of Music, for his work reimagining music history through the use of multimedia timelines that encourage both chronological and geographical understanding.��
• Sarah��Fauque, College of Arts & Sciences, for her work to make quantitative, ecological models more engaging for students��through the use of��active, multimodal workshop series.��
• Karen Turner, School of Nursing, for developing Student Centered Interactive Learning Stations (SCILS) for graduate students building advanced clinical decision-making skills.��

In addition,��the ceremony recognized the 2025 Faculty Favorites and educators who��engaged in the Delphi Center’s professional development��cohorts. These opportunities include��Teaching Onboarding, FIT��Program��and Ascend Champions.����

Educators can keep the momentum going by joining upcoming����events or scheduling a consultation to further support student success.��

See the����from the 2026��.

By��Vanessa Karem,��

UofL’s online psychology program is rated No. 7 in the nation according to the latest results. Two other programs made the top 50. UofL also received several honors for Best Online Programs for U.S. veterans.��

UofL’s fully ��have consistently appeared in the U.S. News and World Report rankings for more than a decade, earning recognition as some of the best-ranked education opportunities for online students.��

In 2026, the following degrees received Best Online Program honors:����

• Undergraduate Psychology – No. 7
• Undergraduate Business – No. 24
• Graduate ����ֱ�� (Best Online Programs for Veterans) – No. 43
• MBA (Best Online Programs for Veterans) – No. 54
• Graduate Business – No. 82
• Bachelor’s Degree (Best Online Programs for Veterans) – No. 83
• MBA – No. 93
• Bachelor’s Degree – No. 141 ��
• Graduate ����ֱ�� – No. 145��

Kelvin Thompson, UofL’s vice provost for online strategy and teaching innovation, highlighted the importance of quality online education in advancing lives and careers while offering the flexibility to balance life’s responsibilities.��

“Providing accessible, high-quality online higher education is crucial for American social mobility,” Thompson said. “At UofL, our students come from all��walks of life��and in all manner of circumstances, including first generation, post-traditional and under-resourced students, and recognition from organizations like U.S. News & World Report reaffirms our commitment to excellence in everything we do.”��

UofL recently introduced several new online programs, including its first fully online PhD program, the online��.��

UofL’s online programs are designed for both traditional and non-traditional students, including adult learners, working professionals,��military��and degree-completer��students, as well as anyone looking to earn a college credential through flexible, high-quality online education.��

For more information about UofL’s online programs, visit��.

Cardarelli joined UofL as dean of the School of Public Health and Information Sciences in April 2024. In March 2025, she was appointed interim university provost to provide leadership for academic affairs and set the university’s curricula through collaboration with faculty, staff and students.��

“Since Dr. Cardarelli arrived on UofL’s campus, she has, time and time again, proven her talents as an innovative, forward-thinking and strategic leader in higher education,” Bradley said. “For this search, we took every measure to garner feedback on our finalists from our entire university community. With so many outstanding candidates, we had much to consider, but we are confident that we found the best person for the job in Dr. Cardarelli.”��

Cardarelli’s priorities will continue to focus on student success and further develop a strategic undergraduate success plan to dramatically improve retention. As interim provost, Cardarelli has played a key role in several initiatives such as the development of the university’s 2026-30 Strategic Plan, establishment of the Navigating Teaching Challenges program to support educators as they navigate legislative and policy changes and the development of the Student Success Task Force, which uses informed data and real-time problem-solving to improve student success.��

Before coming to UofL, Cardarelli spent 10 years at the University of Kentucky, where she served in several positions, including senior associate provost for administration and academic affairs. She also served as assistant provost and senior assistant provost for faculty affairs, associate dean for academic student and faculty affairs, and department chair at UK. Her research focuses on community-engaged approaches to reducing chronic diseases in rural and urban communities. She has served as principal investigator on more than $14 million in grants funded by the National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, United States Department of Agriculture and other sponsors.��

A professor of epidemiology and population health, Cardarelli received her Master of Public Health degree at University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth. She went on to earn a doctorate in epidemiology at University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and completed the Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine fellowship at Drexel University.����

“To help further enhance UofL’s standing as a nationally recognized institute of higher education – one that is marked by student success, breakthroughs in research and strong community engagement – is the opportunity of a lifetime for me,” Cardarelli said. “I want to thank President Bradley, the Board of Trustees, the search committee and all those who supported my candidacy for this opportunity, and I very much look forward to working with our faculty, staff and students on shaping what will no doubt be a bright future for the University of Louisville.”����

“The value Dr. Cardarelli brings to this position cannot be overstated,” Bradley said. “We look forward to seeing her vision for UofL come to life in the short and long term.”��

This year’s challenge builds up to the highly anticipated football showdown on Saturday, Nov. 29, at L&N Stadium in Louisville. As the Cardinals prepare to take on the Wildcats in this rivalry matchup, the Cards vs. Cats Challenge allows fans to rally behind their team while making a meaningful impact.

At UofL, funds raised will benefit the while at the University of Kentucky, gifts will support the Big Blue Pantry, both vital resources that provide students in need with canned goods, pantry staples and peace of mind that they won’t go hungry.

The university with the most donors by midnight on Dec. 2 will win the challenge, earning bragging rights and proving that their fans care deeply about supporting students in need.

How to Participate:

1. Visit .
2. Make a gift to support the Cardinal Cupboard.
3. Share your support on social media using #CardsVsCats.

This challenge is about more than rivalry, it’s about making a difference. Food insecurity is a growing concern on college campuses, and the Cardinal Cupboard ensures that students can focus on learning instead of worrying about their next meal.

Stay up to date on where UofL stands during the challenge by checking real-time results at . Whether you’re rooting for the Cards or the Cats, your support helps tackle food insecurity and make a lasting difference.

LOUMED Commons is a one-acre park thoughtfully designed for gathering and recreation, featuring shaded seating, native plantings and flexible areas for community programs, food trucks and events. The space enhances the district’s sense of connection and provides a welcoming place for people to enjoy the outdoors in an urban environment.
��
“LOUMED Commons embodies the spirit of community within our district,” said Nadareca Thibeaux, executive director of LOUMED. “It was created for the people who make LOUMED thrive, including our 18,000 health care professionals, educators and other employees, nearly 13,000 students and more than 1.5 million annual visitors. Whether someone wants to take a break, enjoy lunch outdoors or simply recharge, this park offers a place to do that.”
��
Louisville Metro worked closely with LOUMED and its partners to make the project possible, aligning with Greenberg’s broader vision for a more connected and livable city.
��
“LOUMED Commons is a symbol of the kind of city we are building together,” Greenberg said. “By transforming this block into green space, we’re creating a more connected downtown that better serves our students, health care workers, patients and neighbors alike. This project reflects our commitment to building a safer, stronger and healthier Louisville for all.”��

The project was led by LOUMED in partnership with Louisville Metro Public Works, JLL, CARMAN Landscape Architecture and Pace Contracting. LOUMED Commons was supported by city funding allocated from Governor Beshear and the Kentucky General Assembly’s investment in downtown Louisville. The $10-million allocation is helping to support multiple LOUMED projects, including LOUMED Commons. Additionally, the city is investing $1.75 million in improvements along Chestnut Street.
��
LOUMED Commons is the first project completed within the study area of Greenprint, a 10-year initiative coordinated by the University of Louisville’s Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute and the Urban Design Studio. Greenprint is a citywide framework that uses environmental data to guide where and how new green spaces can have the greatest impact on human health. It connects separate projects led by local partners, like LOUMED Commons and the upcoming Chestnut Street improvements, under a shared commitment to creating a cooler, cleaner and healthier Louisville.
��
LOUMED’s anchor institutions��– the University of Louisville Health Sciences Center, UofL Health, Jefferson Community and Technical College and Norton Healthcare – also continue to invest in the district. More than $560 million in education, research, health care and workforce development projects are currently underway on their downtown campuses.��
��
About the Louisville Medical & ����ֱ�� District (LOUMED)
The Louisville Medical and ����ֱ�� District (LOUMED) is a 22-square-block hub where health care, education, research and community come together in downtown Louisville. Anchored by the University of Louisville, UofL Health,��Jefferson Community and Technical College and Norton Healthcare, LOUMED institutions collectively employ 18,000 people and educate 10,000 students, with a combined annual payroll exceeding $1 billion. Through partnerships and investments in public spaces, LOUMED supports the people who work, study, receive care or visit the district while contributing to Louisville’s continued growth.

For more information about LOUMED and its initiatives, visit and follow on , and .

“We want to expand the reach of SGA, making sure many voices are heard,” Waddle said.

She says this includes undergraduate students, professional school students, as well as graduate students, pointing out that creating a space for students of all career paths is crucial to the integrity of any college campus.

“We represent students who live on campus, may be commuters or may take classes online. Our goal is to really make SGA more accessible this year.”

The leadership of the organization, known as the “Top 4” also includes Anna Hernandez, executive vice president, Grant Avis, services vice president and Kathleen Price, academic vice president. They each began their roles in fall 2025.

Waddle says the Student Government Association has launched a new executive staff outreach team led by Hernandez, which aims to increase student knowledge about SGA.

“We are trying to open things up to the student body and show students how SGA works and how they can get involved,” she said.

Since 1952, UofL’s Student Government Association has been working to make the university a better place, where student voices are heard and the campus is able to thrive.

Learn more about the .

By Brie Carlini

UofL is a proud community partner, and securing benefits on- and off-campus for our Cardinals is part of our commitment. A Cardinal Card grants you the ability for the day at the SRC. (Employees can take advantage of the bike benefit, too.) Showing a Cardinal Card also provides student access to on-campus privileges like the , located on the third floor at the SAC. Here, you can stop by and grab groceries, to-go foods and non-perishable items. Additionally, the ID gives students access to , which provides free donuts, coffee and hot chocolate every Thursday from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Red Barn.��

In a vibrant and dynamic city like Louisville, all you need to know is where to look for something to do and the Cardinal Card can help.��Local entertainment amenities like memberships at the are offered at a discounted rate for UofL students and there is student pricing for in-town theaters like the Baxter Avenue Theatres, $15 tickets for the and $10 tickets for the . Sports fans can score student season tickets for per game and tickets every Friday, on home games. A Cardinal Card also gets UofL students, faculty and staff free admission to the during normal business hours.��

UofL employees also can take advantage of deals like the at Kroger. UofL faculty and staff receive 10% off Kroger brands every Friday, Saturday and Sunday – just show your UofL employee ID and Kroger Plus card to the cashier to get your discount. In addition, discounts are also available for faculty and staff, offering a 15% discount on any item – from Adidas gear to Apple products. With employees’ well-being a priority, UofL partners with to allow faculty and staff to get a Black Card membership for only $19.99 a month, with no enrollment or annual fee.��

UofL Alumni can also get in on the , including 10% off your purchase at Hex Head Mechanical Art to get durable artwork and show your support for the Cards. Additionally, Alumni have access to affordable insurance coverage through the ��

Cardinal Cards are typically issued to current students and employees during orientation sessions. Alumni are also eligible to order an ID card. Visit the office for more info and don’t miss out on your extra benefits.��

By Maria Arteaga Mendoza

Other notable events included:

• Presentations by Jewish Heritage Fund grant awardees
• The��Health Equity Keynote:��“From Algorithm to Bedside: Building Trustworthy AI for Health Communities”
• The��Louisville Clinical & Translational Research Center Annual Symposium
• The��Immersive Technology Summit��at Kornhauser Library
• A series of presentations by the��Center for Integrative Environmental Health Sciences
• The��Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute Health and the Environment Symposium

The��Institutional Review Board (IRB)��also hosted a dynamic panel discussion,��“Consent to Research with Confidence: Design, Delivery and Documentation,”��along with two workshops:

• “Protocol Considerations from Legal and Privacy: What to Know Before IRB Submission”
• “Fraudulent Research Participants to Return of Secondary Findings and Points in Between: Learn from the IRB”
  

  

Poster sessions showcased outstanding research contributions from across the academic community, including��graduate students, medical residents and fellows, postdoctoral scholars, research staff, faculty and��participants in distinction and leadership programs. Winners, listed below, were announced following the keynote address.

R!L is also proud to��co-sponsor the Kentucky Science Center’s “Pulse of Surgery” Program, which engages��8th – 12th grade students��in STEM fields. The program includes a live-streamed open-heart surgery and interactive sessions with health care and research professionals to explore career pathways in medicine and science.

A recording of the keynote address is available on the and are available on Flickr.

Research!Louisville 2025 Winners

Master’s Basic Science Graduate Student Award

• 1st Place: Rachel Ferrill
• 2nd Place: Kasey Kropp
• 3rd Place: Yu Tian

Doctoral Basic Science Graduate Student Award

• 1st Place: Katelyn Sheneman
• 2nd Place: Deepa Karki
• 3rd Place: Mary Nancy Walter

Engineering Co-op Student Award

• Habiba Ramy

Engineering Master Student Award

• 1st Place: Walid Mohamed
• 2nd Place: Mostafa Abdelrahim
• 3rd Place: Mohamed Khudri

Engineering Doctoral Student Award

• 1st Place: Mohamed Azam
• 2nd Place: Sienna Shacklette
• 3rd Place: Ismat Almadani

School of Dentistry Basic Science Student Award

• 1st Place: Abigail Hacker
• 2nd Place: Autumn Pipkin
• 3rd Place: Vanessa Weisshaupt

School of Dentistry Clinical/Translational Research Award

• 1st Place: Judy Alatassi
• 2nd Place: Ashley Gearlds
• 3rd Place: Rachel Pan

School of Dentistry Social/Behavioral/����ֱ��al Award

• 1st Place: Rebecca Counts
• 2nd Place: Venkat Hemant Akurati
• 3rd Place: Marciana Castillo

Rhonda A. Hoffman Medical Student Award

• 1st Place: Rebecca Duffy
• 2nd Place: Brian Hart
• 3rd Place: F. Andrea Yeargin

Postdoctoral Fellow Award

• 1st Place: Ting Wang
• 2nd Place: Easton Ford

Research Associate Award

• Sweta Ghosh

Research Staff Award

• 1st Place: Scott Garza
• 2nd Place: Ahmed Abdelbaset-Ismail

School of Medicine Medical Resident Award

• Ademilola Tejuoso

School of Medicine Clinical Research Fellow Award

• Imad Majeed

Public Health & Information Sciences Master’s Program Student Award

• Eliana Lopez Baron

Public Health & Information Sciences PhD Program Level Award

• Anika Mehta

Public Health & Information Sciences Basic Research Award

• Jennifer Tinman

Public Health & Information Sciences Research & Practice Award

• Olufunmilayo Babarinde

Faculty Award in Basic Science

• Petra Haberzettl

Faculty Award in Clinical Science

• Subathra Marimuthu

Ruth Greenberg Award for Excellence in Medical ����ֱ�� Research

• 1st Place: Joelle Hirst
• 2nd Place: Nimra Khan
• 3rd Place: LIAM Team: Kristie Vail Schultz, Mustafa Al-Kawaaz, David Neuberger and Brian Williams

Leslie Martin Medical ����ֱ�� Student Award

• Temiloluwa Haastrup

Professional & ����ֱ��al Development Award

• Marciana Castillo

Excellence in Health Disparities Research Award

• 1st Place: Gbemisola Owolabi
• 2nd Place: Sidney Johnson
• 3rd Place: Jacob Warr

Nursing Graduate Student

• 1st Place tie: Joelle Hirst and Amani Abdulabi

Nursing Graduate Student Oral Presentation Award

• Shubha Sapkota

Postdoctoral Symposium: Oral Presentation Award

• 1st Place tie: Johnnie Newton and Belinda Petri

Distinction Track Business and Leadership Award

• Wiley Cain

Distinction Track Global and Public Health Award

• Gbemisola Owolabi

Distinction Track Medical ����ֱ�� Award

• Nikita Nair

Distinction Track Physician-Scientist Development Award

• Olivia Ossege

Distinction Track Research Award

• Caroline Ploeger

Distinction Track Urban Primary Care Award

• Elizabeth Baier

By Anne Noe