Karolline May, PhD, has earned dual recognition for her outstanding research in nutrition science, being named winner of the ‘Emerging Leaders in Nutrition Science Poster Competition’ and  finalist in the ‘Postdoctoral Research Award Competition’, two highly competitive programs hosted by the American Society for Nutrition (ASN). These honors celebrate Dr. May’s exceptional contributions as an early-career scientist and highlight her potential as a rising leader in the field.

Both competitions are part of ASN’s flagship annual meeting, NUTRITION 2025, which will be held from May 31 to June 3, 2025, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.

The Emerging Leaders in Nutrition Science Poster Competition recognizes the top 10% of nearly 600 abstracts submitted by students and postdoctoral fellows. Abstracts were rigorously evaluated by more than 400 nutrition scientists, with finalists selected for the quality, innovation, and potential impact of their work.

In parallel, Dr. May was also named one of six finalists out of 99 applicants for the Postdoctoral Research Award Competition, which honors early-career scientists and clinicians presenting outstanding research. Finalists in this category were selected following a juried abstract review process led by ASN and its Early Career Nutrition Interest Group.

Dr. May’s abstract, titled “Combined Prebiotic Dietary Inulin and VSL#3 Probiotics Modulate Gut Metabolites to Improve Energy Balance and Glucose Metabolism in Diet-Induced Obese Mice,” were featured in both competitions. Her research explores the synergistic effects of prebiotics and probiotics on metabolic health, a timely and significant area of investigation in the field of nutrition science.

“Through this program, the American Society for Nutrition proudly celebrates the outstanding achievements of our rising stars,” said Sarah Booth, PhD, President of ASN. “We are excited to witness their continued growth and the remarkable contributions they are making in advancing our understanding of nutrition science and practice.”

Ashley Toney, PhD, RDN, Chair of ASN’s Early Career Nutrition Interest Group, added, “The Postdoctoral Research Award Competition recognizes early-career scientists and clinicians by providing a juried abstract review of submitted abstracts for ASN’s annual meeting. We congratulate the selected finalists who demonstrated significant scientific accomplishments this year.”

Dr. May’s selection as a winner and finalist in each of these prestigious competitions reflects the exceptional caliber of her work and positions her among the most promising voices in the next generation of nutrition scientists.