Dr. Lydia Kaume is a National Program Leader in the Division of Nutrition, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition at the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, USDA (NIFA). Lydia’s program portfolio includes programs in the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Sustainable Agricultural Systems (AFRI-SAS), A1343, A1741, and non-AFRI programs supporting food and nutrition security and rural economic development.
Lydia’s research background is in Human Nutrition with a focus on the role of dietary bioactive compounds in prevention and management of chronic diseases including bone health and cardiovascular conditions. Prior to joining NIFA, Dr. Kaume specialized in translating nutrition research and evidence into extension programs to advance the strategic goals of the Land-grant University mission. Dr. Kaume is a graduate of two prestigious Leadership Programs and a recipient of several outstanding awards. Her education background includes Bachelor of Education at Kenyatta University (Kenya), Master of Science in Human Nutrition, Ph.D. in Food Science from the University of Arkansas, and RDN (Registered Dietetic Nutritionist) at Iowa State University.