The nutrition community is made up of individuals with diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas. This diversity is the fundamental strength of our professional society. Through this member spotlight series, we celebrate our diversity and the vast achievements made by our members in the field.
Meet Sabrina Sales Martinez, MS, PhD, RDN, Associate Professor at Florida International University, longtime ASN member, and a dedicated leader within the ASN Foundation (ASNF). Recently appointed Secretary of the ASNF Board of Trustees, Dr. Sales Martinez brings a deep commitment to advancing nutrition science through research, mentorship, and community-engaged work. Her career, shaped by early exposure to research opportunities and sustained by strong mentorship, reflects the power of investing in the next generation of nutrition professionals.
In a conversation with ASN’s Member Engagement Coordinator, Sara Genell, she shares how supporting students and early career investigators through the ASN Foundation helps build a stronger, more equitable future for nutrition science.
Sara Genell: Thank you, Dr. Sales Martinez, for joining me today for this interview. For our readers who have not yet met you, can you please introduce yourself and share what sparked your interest in cardiometabolic risk factors and the gut microbiome.
Dr. Sabrina Sales Martinez: I am an Associate Professor and registered dietitian/nutritionist at Florida International University (FIU) in the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, with a research program focused on how lifestyle factors influence health outcomes across the lifespan. Complementing this work, I also lead projects investigating the relationships between the gut microbiome and cardiometabolic risk factors. I am an investigator with the FIU-Research Center for Minority Institutions (FIU-RCMI). Much of my work involves the vibrant local communities in South Florida, including Hispanic/Latino populations from diverse heritages. Working with this group and seeing the health struggles of my own family has also made me more aware of how the environment shapes these risks and the importance of measuring all levels of influence. I hope to better understand the complex patterns and interactions between biological and environmental factors, especially since we are seeing higher rates of obesity and other nutrition-related chronic diseases in these communities. In the long term, this work will help us develop and assess evidence-based and culturally appropriate interventions to promote a healthy gut microbiome and reduce chronic diseases across the lifespan.
Genell: How did you first hear about ASN and what inspired you to become actively involved so early in your career?
I heard about ASN from mentors who attended every year during my graduate studies, which at the time it was part of Experimental Biology. The research groups I worked with encouraged our participation in the conference and submission of abstracts for presentation. As a graduate student during my doctoral training, I decided to become involved with the Student Interest Group to gain leadership experience, build confidence, and collaborate with students from other universities.
Genell: We are so fortunate to have you heavily involved within the ASN Community. You’ve been a member of the ASN Foundation’s Board of Trustees since 2023 and were recently appointed Secretary. What inspired you to step into a leadership role within the Foundation?
I have always been more of an introvert, but I recognize that true growth happens outside of my comfort zone. By intentionally seeking opportunities to engage with others and take on leadership roles, I can develop skills that will not only enhance my professional capabilities but also allow me to inspire and support those around me. These are valuable investments in my personal and professional development.
Genell: What has serving on the Board of Trustees meant to you personally, and how has the Foundation’s vision of “creating the future of nutrition” influenced how you think about your role as a steward of the field?
As a recently tenured and promoted professor, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact that mentorship, skill-building, and research support can have on students and early career professionals. I am passionate about creating pathways that equip emerging scholars with the tools they need to thrive in a competitive research environment. Current funding challenges threaten to limit our ability to develop essential skills, conduct innovative research, and contribute to the advancement of nutrition science.
Genell: Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of nutrition science and the Foundation’s role in advancing it?
The role of professional societies like ASN in advancing the future of nutrition is pivotal. The society serves as a hub for collaboration, innovation, and advocacy, which can all shape research priorities and influence policy. ASN has taken responsibility for creating inclusive pathways for students and early career professionals through initiatives in providing mentorship, skill-building, and grants/awards that allow them to contribute meaningfully to the field. With a commitment to equity in our field, we can ensure that nutrition science continues to evolve to improve health outcomes and strengthen the scientific community. All of these opportunities are exciting to be a part of and especially as I now get to influence the students who work with our teams and are seeking opportunities for career development and leadership opportunities.
Genell: Staying with early career members, how do you see them shaping the future of nutrition?
Early career members of ASN provide fresh perspectives, innovative ideas and a willingness to challenge the traditional approaches. This segment of the membership is the largest of ASN and are key drivers of progress. When early career members engage in collaborative projects and advocate for equity they ensure the field evolves to meet the needs of diverse populations. The involvement of early career members strengthens the scientific community and accelerates the translation of research into impactful policies and practices that improve health outcomes and push the field.
Genell: What advice would you give to an early career member looking to get more involved?
Like Nike, Just Do It! Getting involved as an early career member is essential for building a strong foundation in the field, especially if you need greater access to comprehensive resources for career development. ASN can provide access to mentorship, networking opportunities, training and funding/awards that can enhance your research and professional growth. Active engagement will not only expand your skill set and network but will allow you to contribute to the advancement of nutrition science.
Genell: Thank you so much for your time. As a final thought, what message would you share with students and early career nutrition professionals about investing in the future of nutrition science?
Early exposure to nutrition-related research and opportunities to get involved is key. When I was an undergraduate student, I didn’t even know these types of careers existed. Fortunately, I was able to benefit from programs aimed at supporting early career investigators in this field. This exposure should begin during the formative years of education. Investments in training early career investigators are essential for closing gaps in health outcomes and developing real-world solutions for communities facing declining health outcomes.
ASNF operates solely through the generosity of its donors. This philanthropic model enables the Foundation to support ASN’s high-impact programs that might otherwise go unfunded. Through fellowships, pilot grants, scholarships, and recognition awards, ASNF provides critical financial assistance to students, early-career investigators, and mid-career professionals—helping to build a strong, continuous pipeline of nutrition leaders at every stage of their careers.
Fueling the Future of Nutrition Science
ASN Staff
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