The project I am working on involves an analysis of beverage consumption patterns of U.S. adults in 2009-2010 using What We Eat in America (WWEIA), National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) dietary survey data.  I chose to complete the practicum experience at my place of employment with the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service, Food Surveys Research Group as a way to branch out of my ordinary work day responsibilities and as I am nearing the end of the project, I have been very pleased I did so!  I have learned so much more than I had previously known about the dietary survey data, its uses, as well as data analysis methods and have really sharpened my technical writing skills.  In working with my Research Leader, we decided that since beverages are such a hot topic in the news, it would be worthwhile to examine what the top beverage choices are among US adults, how much are we drinking and how are beverage choices and mean intakes changing throughout the day.  I can’t reveal too much in this blog post, so you will have to tune in to the practicum presentations this Fall – I am looking forward to presenting the results of this study!

Thanks for reading,

Jennifer Carlson