Stanly News & Press - July 12, 2010
Congressman Larry Kissell (NC-08) organized a meeting between representatives from the U.S. Army Surgeon General’s office and the North Carolina Research Campus.

The meeting took place June 30. Although Kissell facilitated the meeting, he was unable to attend due to the schedule of votes in Washington.

“It was imperative those entrusted with the nutrition and health of the men and women serving in the U.S. Army see first-hand the groundbreaking research being done at the North Carolina Research Campus,” Kissell said.

“The research into human health, agriculture and nutrition being undertaken at the campus is outstanding, and will have practical applications for the men and women serving our country. I am pleased we were able to facilitate this meeting, and hope it leads to more opportunities to improve the nutrition and overall well being for our Armed Forces.”

Col. Gaston Bathalon, who will be taking over as commander of the U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine and Col. George Dilley, Chief Dietitian for the Army, toured the North Carolina Research Campus June 30, meeting with professors of several of the campus’s university programs.

Appalachian State University’s Dr. David Nieman heads the Human Performance Laboratory and gave a presentation about the advancements in using plant molecules like flavonoids such as quercetin to effect exercise-induced changes in immune function, oxidative stress and inflammation and muscle mitochondrial biogenesis.

N.C. State’s Mary Ann Lila, Ph.D., talked about her work as director of the Plants for Human Health Institute.

Dr. Steven Zeisel, the director of the UNC Nutrition Research Institute, also spoke with the group.

Clyde Higgs, Vice President of Business Development, at the NCRC, led the discussion and took Bathalon and Dilley on a tour of the facility.

Lynne Scott Safrit, president of Castle & Cooke which operates the NCRC, was also on hand during the discussion.

“There are great opportunities to partner with the Army regarding their health research agenda,” Higgs said.

“I think this visit facilitated by the Kissell office will be beneficial in helping the campus gain an additional partner. Congressman Kissell has been one of our biggest supporters. We appreciate his support.”