Graduate Student
University of Illinois Springfield
Janice Akpobaro is a passionate advocate for Food as Medicine, with a background in Food Technology from Yaba College of Technology in Nigeria. Her journey into the intersection of food and health began during her studies, where she developed a keen interest in human nutrition. Janice's commitment to promoting holistic well-being led her to present her research on "Food as Medicine" at prestigious events such as the Illinois Department of Public Health Minority Health Conference and the Illinois Public Health Association 82nd Annual Conference. Drawing from her childhood experiences in Nigeria, where her mother used traditional remedies to treat her and her siblings, Janice believes in the transformative power of natural ingredients for health. In her spare time, she prepares nutritious meals for colleagues, advocating for the importance of healthy eating in preventing and treating chronic diseases. Janice is dedicated to empowering minority communities in the United States by promoting access to nutritious foods and culturally relevant dietary practices, aiming to transform the healthcare landscape and ensure equitable opportunities for all to thrive. Additionally, Janice serves as the vice chair for the student section at the Illinois Public Health Association. Currently, she is pursuing her master’s degree in public health at the University of Illinois Springfield.