In celebration of the Department of Nutrition, Food Science, and Packaging’s 110-year anniversary, let us remember where it all began.

The Nutrition, Food Science, and Packaging Department at San José State University began in 1911 as one of five arms of the Home Economics Department under department head Maude I. Murchie. At this time the department offered courses in foods, nutrition, dietetics, textiles, and needlework and took two years to complete.

In 1917-1918, dietetics curriculum efforts at SJSU were directed toward assisting with nutrition concerns of World War I. By 1923, a four-year program was developed, and in 1924, the Home Economics Department moved into the Home Economics Building. Over time, the concentrations within the Home Economics Department evolved to become Textiles and Clothing, Foods and Nutrition, Child Development, Interior Design, and Marriage and Family.

To learn more about the Department’s history, please visit our History webpage.

On May 26, our department celebrated our spring 2021 semester graduates via the video conferencing application, Zoom.

The full recording of the celebration can be seen here:

Attendees of the spring 2021 semester graduation celebration, first page.

Attendees of the spring 2021 semester graduation celebration, second page.

The Circle of Friends are offering $2000 scholarships to seven students. The application deadline is Friday, March 19, 2021.

Visit the Circle of Friends website for application details.

The Circle of Friends, founded in 1992, is a coalition of alumni, faculty, students, and friends who have joined together to provide ongoing private support to sustain the department’s dedication to excellence.

Looking to get involved in the department, network with other students, or attend one of the very informative guest speaker events? Check out our student clubs! Follow the links below for more information on joining, events, and much more!

Nutrition and Food Science Club

Packaging Student Association

Dr. Alex Feng was named an “innovative and student-centered” teacher by students who took the Peer Connections’ survey earlier this semester.

Peer Connections “supports students through tutoring, mentoring, supplemental instruction, learning assistants, and student success events in an inclusive, welcoming environment. It serves as a university-wide resource for the promotion of peer learning and retention”.

Congratulations to Dr. Alex Feng!