Kansas State University

MANHATTAN -- Paola Paez, professor of nutrition at the University of Costa Rica, will visit Kansas State University to share her knowledge on Costa Rican culture, cuisine, nutrition and food safety.

"Food and Culture: A Taste of Costa Rica" will be presented by the College of Human Ecology from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26, in 163 Justin Hall. The event is open to the public.

Paez received her doctorate in food service and lodging management from Iowa State University where she was a research assistant for U.S. Department of Agriculture food safety projects. At the University of Costa Rica, she organized and instructed courses on food safety. Her research has been published in numerous professional journals and she's presented at various conferences around the U.S. and Latin America.

"This gives our students an opportunity to learn about another culture from the perspective of foods and nutrition," said Jeannie Sneed, head of the hospitality management and dietetics department at Kansas State University. "Costa Rica is a beautiful country with an agricultural richness. It produces many fruits and vegetables that we don't see in the U.S., and the fresh fish is incredible."

Paez's husband, Allan Ortiz, will also be visiting the university. He will conduct the College of Human Ecology's annual culinary workshop Feb. 27-28.