Jordan Boone: The sweet science of artificial sweeteners
This story was written in the spring of 2024 by GRAD 5144 (Communicating Science) student Esther Oyedele as part of an assignment to interview a classmate and write a news story about his research.
A family history of diabetes led Jordan Boone, a Virginia Tech graduate student from Christiansburg, Virginia, to embark on a personal and professional journey into the realm of sweeteners.
Inspired by his late grandmother's struggles with uncontrolled diabetes, Boone's research in the Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise at Virginia Tech focuses on unraveling the effects of sweeteners on middle-aged and older adults with pre-diabetes. With a passion for science fueled by his father, who holds a master’s degree in microbiology, Boone brings a unique blend of academic rigor and personal experience to his work. As headlines offer conflicting advice on sugar and artificial sweeteners, Boone's dedication to shedding light on this topic promises to offer valuable insights for navigating the complexities of dietary choices.
Boone’s journey to Virginia Tech began with a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry with a minor in leadership studies from Christopher Newport University (CNU) in Newport, Virginia. As part of a leadership program and the university’s men’s soccer team during his undergraduate years, Boone developed a keen interest in sports and initiated personal research aimed at maximizing athletic performance.
He pursued a master’s degree in nutrition and dietetics within the Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise at Virginia Tech, where he further honed his focus on nutrition science, communication, nutrition counseling, and medical nutrition therapy through internships, including one at Roanoke Memorial Hospital, where he did department rotations. Now a first-year Ph.D. student at Virginia Tech, working in Dr. Valisa Hedrick's lab, Boone has shifted his focus to clinical metabolism and physiology. His current research revolves around understanding the impact of artificial sweeteners on various demographic groups, including middle-aged and older adults with pre-diabetes and those with varying glucose tolerance levels.
Boone's motivation for choosing this project stems from his family's health challenges and a deep-seated belief in the preventative power of nutrition, rooted in his personal experiences. Throughout his nutrition master's program, as well as his college sports years, Boone witnessed firsthand the transformative effects of proper nutrition on performance and well-being. His own focus on nutrition has not only enhanced his physical performance but also has positively impacted his mental well-being, boosting both mood and energy levels. This personal journey fuels his dedication to understanding the intricate relationship between artificial sweeteners and health.
Boone leads a six-week controlled dietary intervention in the lab, which includes a two-week lead-in period followed by a four-week intervention period. During this intervention period, study participants receive a study beverage and capsules containing artificial sweeteners, tailored for weight management. Conducting blood draws before and after the intervention period, Boone actively collaborates with fellow researchers to address the multifaceted aspects of this inquiry.
Boone finds personal satisfaction and fulfillment in his scientific journey. The joy of discovery, coupled with the potential to contribute valuable insights into health and nutrition, keeps him engaged in his work. As he develops experiments and analyzes results, he remains steadfast in his commitment to advancing knowledge in the field and making a positive impact on individuals' well-being.