$2M gift creates nutrition research position at UWGB

A $2 million gift will create a childhood nutrition research position at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay.

The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Foundation said the funds from Christopher and Susan Salm will fund a full-time researcher and accompanying support staff to study nutrition and its effect on early childhood cognitive development. The Salm Professorship in Nutritional Sciences will further strengthen the work that is underway to position Phoenix Innovation Park as a research hub in Northeast Wisconsin.

“We are extremely grateful to the Salm’s for their gift to UW-Green Bay,” said Chancellor Michael Alexander. “This will further empower our students and faculty through research and evidence-based education that provide cutting-edge treatment and prevention options within our region.”

The dedicated research professor position will allow UW-Green Bay to collaborate with community partners that are part of the dynamic agriculture, food, and nutrition industries that contribute substantially to the regional economy. In addition, it will fuel further innovation and technological advances in maximizing the power of good nutrition.

“We are honored by this opportunity to give back and we want to support this vital research,” said Christopher Salm. “We know that specific nutrients have a profound effect on cognitive development and can change the health of a population. Let’s give it our focus.” From an educator’s perspective, Susan Salm added, “Many of us share a fascination with food and fitness, particularly young people. Let’s harness that energy and enthusiasm. This is one way to feed the need of students to recognize their purpose in life and hopefully, change the world for the better.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for dietitians are projected to continue growing at a rate of 7% through 2031. Students interested in careers in these areas will now participate in research projects and other high impact practices.

“Agriculture is one of the cornerstones of the economy in Wisconsin,” said John Katers, dean of the College of Science, Engineering and Technology at UW-Green Bay. “This professor will have the opportunity to conduct and complete research projects that are both applied and meaningful, while also serving the region. This approach for research aligns well with future development plans and will serve as a model for future growth at UW-Green Bay, including Phoenix Innovation Park.

Christopher Salm earned his bachelor’s degree from UW–Madison in meat and animal science and completed his master’s degree and Ph.D. at Purdue University in muscle biology and bioengineering. His industry experience includes years at Oscar Mayer, Johnsonville Sausage and ConAgra (Armour-Swift-Eckrich) with roles as principal scientist, plant manager, product developer, technical trouble shooter, brand manager and lastly, as vice president of research and development. In 2003, Chris and Susan teamed up with three of Chris’ brothers to found Salm Partners in Denmark. In 2015, Salm co-founded Ab E Discovery, a new venture designed to aid university scientists in the commercialization of their discoveries and inventions that are focused on animal agriculture and human health. From that start-up, three more businesses resulted: AbE Manufacturing, Ovation Foods and CoVigilance.

Susan Salm earned a bachelor’s degree from UW-Madison in natural resource management and master’s degree from Purdue University in counseling and student personnel. She worked as a career advisor for Purdue, helping students find their calling and define their career aspirations. Susan contributed to the establishment of five different business ventures with her husband in the last 20 years supporting in many different capacities including accounting, human resources, staff support and public relations.

Chris and Susan have three married children and seven grandchildren.