Ongoing Research Projects
Dr. Poonam Khanna is actively leading and contributing to cutting-edge public health nutrition research. Her ongoing projects aim to bridge evidence with implementation, improve community health outcomes, and drive innovations in nutrition science.
Gene-Based Nutritional Intervention for Diabetes
Funding Agency: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR – JRF)
Completion: 2024
This randomized controlled trial investigates how genetic variations influence dietary effectiveness in preventing and managing pre-diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. By targeting genetic markers such as TCF7L2, PPARG, and FTO, the project aims to develop precision nutrition protocols for at-risk individuals, potentially transforming diabetes management at the community level.
Mainstreaming Street Vendors’ Welfare Through Food Safety Training
Funding Agency: Department of Local Government, Punjab
Completion: 2024
This project promotes the convergence of social development programs to uplift street vendors across Punjab. A core component involves training vendors and urban local bodies on street food hygiene, nutrition safety, and sustainable vending practices, with the broader aim of protecting public health while preserving livelihoods.
Effect of Millet Consumption on Cardio-Metabolic Health
Funding Agency: Society for Mission Tandarust Punjab
Completion: 2024
Focusing on Punjab’s nutrition and NCD burden, this study examines how millet-enriched diets impact cardio-metabolic indicators such as blood sugar, cholesterol, and weight. The results will help establish millets as a functional food for preventing non-communicable diseases in the Indian diet.
MERA Initiative – Millets for Soil Restoration and Health
Full Title: Millets for Encouraging Soil Restoration and Healthy Food Accessibility
Funding Agency: Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of Punjab
Expected Completion: 2026
The MERA Initiative is a multi-dimensional project that promotes millet farming as a strategy to restore soil health, improve consumer nutrition, and boost farmer livelihoods. Dr. Khanna is involved in assessing the nutritional and health impact of millets while also contributing to outreach and education components across rural communities.