Or Avishai Ofer is a BARD‑funded graduate student who is currently pursuing her fellowship in Dr. Lindsy Smith Tallie’s lab in the Department of Food and Nutrition at the University of North Carolina
What is the main focus of your research?
“My research examines how front-of-package nutrition labeling regulations influence the food environment. While my earlier work examined consumer perception, my current fellowship focuses specifically on how the food industry adapts packaging and on-package communication strategies in response to nutrition labeling regulations, using Israel’s mandatory warning label reform as a case study. I examine the shifts in on-package marketing strategies, with a focus on changes in nutrition, health, and sustainability claims. The goal of this work is to better understand how regulatory interventions shape the broader food system, and how industry responses may influence the effectiveness of nutrition and sustainability policies. By identifying common adaptation patterns, the research provides evidence that can support the design of more integrated food labeling and food system policies relevant to both Israel and the United States.”
What got you interested in your area of research?
“My interest in this field began during my undergraduate studies in Nutritional Sciences. Working with my PhD advisor, Prof. Aron Troen, on a position paper during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic was a turning point. Witnessing the need for science-based policy during a global crisis directed my academic interest toward public health decision-making. Later, working with my co-advisor, Prof. Eyal Ert, enriched my training with insights from behavioral economics and consumer psychology. This interdisciplinary exposure shifted my perspective from individual dietary decisions to a broader food environment. My current fellowship at UNC under the mentorship of Dr. Lindsey Smith Taillie has further shaped this path by exposing me to the strategic and practical dimensions of policy-oriented research, within a highly supportive and collaborative research environment.”
What are your plans after your fellowship?
“After completing the fellowship, I will return to Israel to finalize my PhD at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The experience of conducting research in the U.S. has provided me with new methodological tools, exposure to different research cultures, and valuable professional confidence. Following my doctorate, I plan to pursue a postdoctoral position and continue developing international collaborations. In the longer term, I aim to work at the intersection of research, policy, and clinical nutrition, translating insights from food environment research into individual patient care, while remaining engaged in teaching and mentoring.”
What tip would you give someone beginning their Graduate Student Fellowship?
“I would encourage new fellows to actively engage in their academic environment. Talk to people, ask questions, and reach out to researchers whose perspectives you want to learn from, even outside your immediate field. Many valuable insights come from informal conversations and interdisciplinary exchange. I also recommend participating in broader university and international scholar activities, as understanding different academic cultures and systems is an important part of the learning experience. Finally, remember that being awarded a fellowship means you were selected not only to learn, but also to contribute. Approaching the experience with confidence and openness can lead to meaningful collaborations and long-term professional growth.”
