Dr. Minu Sara Thomas

Biography

Dr. Minu Sara Thomas is an Assistant Professor in the School of Health Sciences' Nutrition and Dietetics Program at Western Carolina University. She has over ten years of experience in higher education, specializing in leading the metabolism of macro and micronutrients, nutritional biochemistry, advanced human nutrition, and nutrition through the life cycle.<br><br>Dr. Thomas's primary responsibilities include teaching graduate and undergraduate courses such as nutritional biochemistry and metabolism, general education nutrition courses, and other courses that support the Nutrition and Dietetics curriculum. She is also an advisor to DPD students whom she advises and mentors. Before joining Western Carolina University, she served as an Adjunct Faculty member and Research Assistant at the University of Connecticut.<br><br>Dr. Thomas earned her Ph.D. (2022) and Master of Nutritional Sciences (2018) degrees from the University of Connecticut. She completed her Dietetic Internship at the University of Connecticut in 2023. Dr. Thomas holds a Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry from Madurai Kamaraj University (2007) and a Master's in Medical Biochemistry from Amrita Institute of Medical Science, India (2010). She has extensive teaching and research experience in Medical Biochemistry and Nutritional Sciences.<br><br>Dr. Thomas's research focuses on dietary modification to prevent cardiometabolic diseases, particularly Metabolic Syndrome. She has participated in multiple human clinical trials and authored several scientific publications.<br><br>When she is not working or speaking, Dr. Thomas enjoys exploring food, music, photography, traveling, and spending quality time with her family.

Education

• Ph D, University of Connecticut
• MS, University of Connecticut
• MS, Foreign Institution
• BS, Foreign Institution

Teaching Interests

My teaching interests include Nutrition Biochemistry, Metabolism, Nutrition through the life cycle, Advanced Human Nutrition, and Medical Nutrition Therapy to graduate and undergraduate students. My teaching style is engaging and applicable to the real world. I aim to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to excel in their careers as Registered Dietitians.

Research Interests

My research focuses on treating cardiometabolic diseases and promoting a healthy lifestyle through diet and lifestyle modifications. As a metabolic syndrome researcher, I explore diets such as those including eggs and nutraceuticals that can reverse the condition. I aim to develop new therapies for cardiometabolic diseases through innovative research to improve global health.