Indulge in the fascinating world of sugar during The Science of Sugar: Sweet Secrets Uncovered at noon (CT) on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. Dr. Tara Kelly, Instructor in the School of Health Professions Department of Nutrition Sciences, will delve into the critical role sugar plays in our bodies.

The story of sugar is not all sweet. 

While this essential nutrient is vital for our cognitive processes and overall brain health, there are many risks that come with the consumption of sugar. Sugar plays an essential role in our diet and provides the necessary energy for various bodily functions. But, moderation is key.

About Our Guest

Dr. Kelly is a dedicated educator with over eight years of experience in higher education. She currently serves as an Instructor in the Department of Nutrition Sciences, where she designs and delivers evidence-based undergraduate and graduate courses. Her teaching experience spans both in-person and online formats and covers a broad range of topics, including community nutrition, food science, menu planning, food systems management, and nutrition counseling and education.

Dr. Kelly earned her BS in Nutrition and Dietetics and MS in Nutrition Sciences from East Carolina University, where she also conducted research on the effectiveness of case studies as a teaching method. During this time, she completed all requirements to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. She later earned her PhD in Health Education and Promotion from UAB’s School of Public Health. Her doctoral research focused on food insecurity among college students and the development of an intervention to improve nutrition knowledge and cooking self-efficacy in this population.