Dr. Ben Crookston addresses the impact of nutrition, especially in developing countries. He emphasizes why we should invest in nutrition and outlines the actions we can take. Crookston also discusses the overlap between culture and nutrition and how, in some cases, a change in culture may benefit nutrition.

Guest Bio

Dr. Ben Crookston serves as the research chair for BYU public health and teaches in the department. With an emphasis on international health and nutrition, Crookston has spent over 15 years conducting research in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Additionally, he works alongside various nonprofits, evaluating programs and research relating to children's nutrition, growth, and health. From BYU, Crookston earned a BS in Zoology and later a Master’s in Public Health. He then went on to earn his PhD in Public Health from the University of Utah. 

Additional Information
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Benjamin-Crookston

Recorded, Edited & Produced by Christy Gonzalez, Harper Xinyu Zhang, Kailey Hopkins, and Tanya Gale

Episode Summary

Inspired by a 'glass half full' perspective, Dr. Ali Crandall researched the long-term health benefits of positive childhood experiences. In this episode, Crandall explains the known detrimental effects of ACEs (adverse childhood experiences), then discusses the implications of prioritizing “counter-ACEs” in children’s lives.

Guest Bio

BYU professor Dr. Ali Crandall focuses her research on family and mental health, executive functioning, and adolescent/child well-being. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Community Health Education (equivalent to the current "Public Health Promotion" degree) from Brigham Young University. Crandall went on to earn a Masters in Public Health from Loma Linda University and later a PhD in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University.


Episode Resources

• Research summary on counter-ACEs with Dr. Ali Crandall
• Published scientific journal research article on ACEs and counter-ACEs with Dr. Ali Crandall
• Belonging by Nora Krug

Recorded, Edited & Produced by Christy Gonzalez, Harper Xinyu Zhang, Kailey Hopkins, and Tanya Gale