Dylan Kosma

Associate Professor

Office: (775) 682-7319
Fax: (775) 784-1419
Email: dkosma@unr.edu
Building: Howard Medical Science
Address: 1664 North Virginia Street, Reno, Nevada 89557
Department: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
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Summary

The aerial organs of all higher plants are covered with a lipid-rich cuticle that serves to protect plants from their environment. The cuticle is comprised of a lipid polymer, cutin, that is embedded and covered with aliphatic waxes. Suberin is a biosynthetically-related lipid polymer that is found in tree bark, seed coats, the surface of mature roots and surrounding the vasculature of young roots. Suberin production is a ubiquitous response to wounding. Collectively, cutin and suberin comprise the most abundant, naturally occurring lipid polymers on the planet. It is estimated that leaf cuticles alone represent a surface area twice that of the earth's land surface.

The Kosma lab is focused on understanding the complex plant lipid polymers cutin and suberin. We use a multidisciplinary approach combining biochemistry, analytical techniques and molecular genetics to comprehend the macromolecular structure and functional significance of these polymers with an emphasis on their role in plant tolerance to abiotic stress.

Education

B.A. Southern Illinois University, 2002
M.S. Southern Illinois University, 2005
Ph.D. Purdue University, 2009

Publications

News & Journal Articles, Fact Sheets, Reports...

Curriculum Materials
Healthy Kids Resource Center: Physical Activities To Do With Your Children Section Children have different needs at each age and stage of their development. Each child is also unique. If it's been a while since you've had children in the house, check out this list for activities that can help children learn, have fun, experience success, and feel good about themselves. Lindsay, A. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
Teacher and family connections curriculum: A supplement to the All 4 Kids: Healthy, Happy, Active, Fit obesity prevention program. Sigman-Grant, M, Van Brackel, A., Byington, T. and Lindsay, A. 2013, UNCE Publication CM-13-01
All 4 Kids: Healthy, Happy, Active, Fit Classroom Education for Young Children. Evidence-based curriculum to promote healthy eating, physical acivity and positive body image in young children. Lindsay, A., Byington, T., & Sigman-Grant, M. 2010, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, CM-10-06
Healthy Steps to Freedom: A Health and Body Image Curriculum. Lindsay, A. & Velasquez, S. 2009, UNCE Curriculum Material CM-09-02
Fact Sheets
Go, Slow, and Whoa Foods We can help our children recognize which foods are better choices with GO, SLOW and WHOA. Buffington, A. and Lindsay, A. 2021, Extension \| University of Nevada, FS-21-86
Hunger & Fullness - Building Tummy Awareness It's wise for parents and teachers to talk to children about what it means to be hungry and what it means to be full. Buffington, A. and Lindsay, A. 2021, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-88
Kids Win When Family Meals Are A Priority Make Mealtime Quality Time Buffington, A. and Lindsay, A. 2021, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-89
Talking Positively At Mealtimes - Your Words Matter As your child's caregiver, you play the biggest role in their eating behavior. Buffington, A. and Lindsay, A. 2021, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-90
A Balanced Diet A balanced diet gives your body all of the essential nutrients it needs to stay active, healthy, and strong. Learn how you can balance your diet to get the energy you need throughout the day. Buffington, A., Lindsay, A. 2021, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-106
Healthy Tips For Picky Eaters Exploring Food: How to Explore New Food with Preschoolers Lindsay, A., & Buffington, A. 2021, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-102
Portion Sizes / Tamaño de Porciones Children need smaller quantities of food than adults do for their small bodies. USDA’s MyPlate “rule of thumb” says the serving size for a child should be ½ of an adult’s serving. Many Nutrition Facts labels do not express this. It is up to the adults in their lives to ensure the proper portion sizes. Lindsay, A., & Buffington, A. 2021, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-104
Shopping with Kids Your Game Plan to Grocery Shopping With Kids Lindsay, A., & Buffington, A. 2021, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-105
Snack & Mealtime Routines A regular routine of meals and snacks helps discourage eating all day, and preschoolers like it because they know what to expect. Lindsay, A., & Buffington, A. 2021, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-103
Eating Healthy at Restaurants - Choose healthy items no matter where you dine Making healthier choices at restaurants can make all the difference to maintain a healthy energy balance . Lindsay, A., Buffington, A. 2021, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-101
Energy Balance Energy balance is being mindful of what we eat, drink, and how much physical activity we are getting. Focusing on energy balance can lead to a healthy lifestyle. Lindsay, A., Buffington, A. 2021, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-99
Healthy Tips for Families: Lifelong Healthy Habits Start at Home. Today’s children have different options for food and play than children had in the past. Sadly, many food choices contain more calories and fewer nutrients than a child needs to grow healthy. Try these 10 tips to help your family! Lindsay, A., Buffington, A. 2021, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-100
Learning to Like New Foods - Cucumbers are cool Does it seem like your preschooler only wants to eat the same foods every day? Buffington, A. and Lindsay, A. 2020, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-87
Teaching Children To Make Healthy Choices - Empowering Children Through Language If young children are taught early and practice healthy choices, they will make better food choices as they grow up. Buffington, A. and Lindsay, A. 2020, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-85
Cardio Endurance \| Heart Smart Cardio- Respiratory, or “Cardio” Endurance is an important element to children’s physical fitness. Lindsay, A. and Byington, T. 2020, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-20-14
Engagement Strategies That Promote Physical Activity Using positive engagement strategies in fun, playful social settings are key to promoting physical activity. Lindsay, A. and Byington, T. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-20-22
Flexibility \| Reach for the Stars! Flexibility is an important part of a child’s fitness and includes movements like bending, twisting and stretching. Lindsay, A. and Byington, T. 2020, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-20-15
Fundamental Movement Skills \| Active Kids Are Active Adolescents For many children sports and physical activity aren’t natural, aren’t easy and it may not be fun! Lindsay, A. and Byington, T. 2020, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-20-12
Muscle and Bone Strength \| Muscles in Motion Did you know that people who are more physically active generally use more energy even at rest than those who are not as physically active? Lindsay, A. and Byington, T. 2020, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-20-17
Perceptual Motor Development \| Connecting the Brain & the Body Perceptual motor development connects a child’s perceptual or sensory skills (his brain) to his motor skills (his body) so they can perform a variety of movements and confidently interact with their environment. Lindsay, A. and Byington, T. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-20-18
Physical Activity Improves Brain and Cognitive Functions Children who are more physically active perform better academically and have better memory and attention. Lindsay, A. and Byington, T. 2020, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-20-23
Physical Activity, How Much Is Enough? \| Active Kids Are Healthy Kids Just for Preschoolers and Their Families Lindsay, A. and Byington, T. 2020, Extension,\| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-20-19
Screen Time \| Make Time to Unplug Increased time in front of a screen means less time being physically active, contributing to higher weight and BMI, increased caloric intake & unhealthy food choices. Lindsay, A. and Byington, T. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-20-21
Sedentary Behavior \| Don't Just Sit, and Sit, and Sit! Being sedentary can result in more sitting and less time spent being physically active which can lead to obesity and greater risk for having diabetes and other chronic health problems as an adult. Lindsay, A. and Byington, T. 2020, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-20-20
The Elements of Fitness \| Fit Kids Are Healthy Kids Children should engage in indoor and outdoor active play in their pre-school and at home. Lindsay, A. and Byington, T. 2020, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-20-16
What Is Physical Literacy? \| Early Start, Active for Life A young child who is physically literate is one who has the motivation confidence, knowledge, skills, and fitness necessary to enjoy a physically active lifestyle Lindsay, A. and Byington, T. 2020, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-20-13
Get Moving! It can be a challenge to schedule an exercise plan into your busy life. Try stepping up your current routine without adding more commitments to your schedule and get moving! Lindsay, A. 2010, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-10-78
Get Active! This fact sheet contains information on ways to stay active and the amount of time the activity should be. Lindsay, A. and Constantino, N. 2010, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-10-81
Get Fit! This fact sheet contains information on ways to get fit and how to do them. Learn the amount of time it takes to do these exercises and many more. Lindsay, A. and Constantino, N. 2010, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-10-73
Get Regular Starting a fitness program is only half the battle. Maintaining a physically active lifestyle is the ultimate challenge. As you progress through the steps to building an active lifestyle, you reach the final step, Get Regular! Lindsay, A. 2009, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-10-79
Get Up, Get Out! Get Up, Get Out isn’t about exercise or hard workouts at the gym, it is leisure and fun that will help lay the foundation for becoming more active. Lindsay, A. 2009, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-10-80
Using a Pedometer Physical activity is one of the most important things we can do to improve our health. However, finding time to incorporate an exercise regime into a daily schedule can often be a challenge. To gain some health benefits, simply increase your number of daily steps and make them more intentional and brisk! Lindsay, A. 2009, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-08-32
Get Ready, Get Set, Let’s Go! A variety of tips on how to get more active in your life, whether you want to start slow or jump right into exercises. Lindsay, A. & Constantino, N. 2008, UNCE Fact Sheet FS-08-35
Weighing in on Fat: Using a Pedometer, A Guide to Help Step it Up Lindsay, A. & Velasquez, S. 2008, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-08-49.
Dying to Be Thin, How Far Will You Go? Body Image and Cultural Standards of Beauty. Lindsay, A. & Velasquez, S. 2007, UNCE Fact Sheet FS-07-47.
What a Girl Wants! What a Girl Needs! Living Healthy without Methamphetamine. This fact sheet provides extensive detail on the needs and wants for girls to live healthily. Learn about different ways to track issues and suggestions to change one's lifestyle. Lindsay, A. & Velasquez, S. 2007, UNCE Fact Sheet FS-07-45
Have it Your Weigh! Portion Sizes & Dining Out Learn about healthy eating by understanding choosing sensible portions when dining out or at home and healthful menu choices from restaurants. Lindsay, A., Wilson, M., & Velasquez, S. 2007, UNCE Fact Sheet FS-07-46.
Informational Publications
University of Nevada, Reno Extension Statewide Health and Nutrition Program Best Practices Guide for Program Implementation (First Edition) This tool serves as a resource for implementing multi-component interventions and evidence-based curricula to improve the health and wellbeing of Nevadans. It is designed to assist internal and external collaborators in increasing the appeal of healthful nutrition and physical activity in limited resource communities. Helm, M. M., Buffington, A., Lindsay, A. R. 2022, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Informational Publication
Healthy Kids Resource Center: Energy Balance & Childhood Obesity Section The Healthy Kids Resource Center provides evidence-based research, resources, curricula, activities and materials that focus on obesity prevention and promoting energy balance in your child's life. Teach children the importance of both eating a balanced diet with foods they like and being physically active. Lindsay, A. 2020, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno
Healthy Kids Resource Center: Policies, Procedures & Partners Section Find links to Federal and State policies and regulations Lindsay, A. and Taylor, S. 2020, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno
Journals
Development and Piloting of a Novel Evaluation Tool for Childhood Obesity Prevention Programs This manuscript details the iterative process used to develop the Childhood Obesity Prevention Program in Extension Rubric (COPPER), provides findings from the pilot process, and reveals the broad application and potential of this tool within Extension and nutrition education. Burgdolf, H., Lindsay, A., Webber, K., Parker, J., and Adams, I. 2023, Journal of Human Sciences and Extension
A Review of Motor Skill Development in State-Level Early Learning Standards for Preschoolers in the United States The purpose of this study was to examine state-level early learning standards specific to physical development, including fundamental motor skills and gross motor development for preschool-aged children in the United States. Anne R. Lindsay, Courtney Coughenour, Layne Case, Jacob Bevell, Victoria Fryer, and Ali Brian 2022, Journal of Motor Learning and Development,
Preschoolers Build Fundamental Motor Skills Critical to an Active Lifestyle: The All 4 Kids© Intervention Study This pragmatic, real world study examined the effects of the All 4 Kids© intervention on preschoolers’ mastery of movement skills and determined whether the instruction had greater impact than natural development. Anne R. Lindsay 1,*, Angela Starrett 2 , Ali Brian 3 , Teresa A. Byington 1, Jennifer Lucas 4 and Madeleine Sigman-Grant 2020, International Journal of Enviornmental Research and Public Health
Strengths, Challenges, and Opportunities for Physical Activity Promotion in the Century-old National Cooperative Extension System In 2014, federal policy brought PA promotion into the mission of Extension. Although this policy marks the beginning of concerted efforts for PA promotion, several states have had strong success in this area. Borrowing from these efforts, this paper reports strengths, challenges, and opportunities for PA promotion. Samantha M. Harden, Laura Balis, Thomas Strayer III, Nikki Prosch, Breanne Carlson, Anne Lindsay, Paul Estabrooks, David Dzewaltowski, Katherine Gunter 2020, Journal of Human Sciences and Extension
Engaging Rural Nevadans in Participatory Research to Explore and Explain the Community Food and Physical Activity Context Anne Lindsay, Courtney Coughenour, Holly Gatzke, Juliana Baker-Tingey, Steve Lewis 2019, Journal of Rural Social Sciences
How to leverage your state's land grant Extension system: Partnering to promote physical activity. The purpose of this manuscript is to describe Extension and provide case studies on physical activity promotion within this setting. Harden, S., Gunter, K., Lindsay, A. R. 2018, Translational Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine 3(15):113-118
Interrater Reliability of a Field-Based Preschool Movement Skills Assessment To determine the interrater reliability of the Preschool Movement Assessment (PMA), a unique field-based movement assessment tool for use by early childhood professionals in preschool settings. Lindsay, A., Dyrek, A., Blitstein, J., Byington, T. & Sigman-Grant, M. 2018, Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior 50(10):1040-1045
Dynamic energy balance: An integrated framework for discussing diet and physical activity in obesity prevention - Is it more than eating less and exercising more? This paper highlights the importance of advancing nutrition educators’ understanding about PA, and its synergistic role with diet, and the value of incorporating a dynamic energy balance approach into obesity-prevention programs. Manore, M., Larson-Meyer, E., Lindsay, A., Hongu, N. and Houtkooper, L. 2017, Nutrients 9(8):905. doi:10.3390/nu9080905. Available at: www.mdpi.com/journal/nutrients
Systematic Review of Physical Activity Objectives in Extension Strategic Plans: Findings and Implications for Improved Public Health Impact The purpose of the study presented here was to systematically identify the presence of physical activity objectives in the strategic plan for each Extension system in the United States. Harden, S., Lindsay, A., Everette, A., and Gunter, K. 2016, Journal of Extension, 54(5) Research in Brief 5RIB2. Available at: https://www.joe.org/joe/2016october/rb2.php
Healthy choices start early To address childhood obesity, a team of faculty in early childhood education, exercise physiology/physical activity, and nutrition. Extension developed All 4 Kids, a program focusing on healthy lifestyle choices. Byington, T. A., Lindsay, A., Sigman-Grant, M. J. 2014, Journal of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, 69(5), 14-21
Field assessment for obesity prevention in children and parents: Physical activity, fitness and body composition. This report will assist educators in identifying and selecting appropriate field-based assessments for measurement of PA, physical fitness, and body composition for children and adults. Specific guidelines, references, and resources are given for selecting assessment methods and test within these 3 areas. Lindsay, A., Hongu, K., Spears, K., Dyrek, A. & Manore, M. 2014, Journal of Nutrition Education Behavior 46 (1):43-53. doi: 10.1016/j.jneb.2013.03.013
Head Start families thoughts and beliefs about health, nutrition, and physical activity. Byington, T. A., Lindsay, A. R., Loesch-Griffin, D., Brumett, S., & Sigman-Grant, M. 2013, National Head Start Association, NHSA Dialog, 16(3), 64-76.
Influencing Head Start families thoughts and beliefs about health, nutrition, and physical activity. The results of an intervention comparison research study indicated that preschoolers can have an influence on their families’ food selection and physical activity habits. Byington, T. A., Lindsay, A. R., Loesch-Griffin, D., Brumett, S., & Sigman-Grant, M. 2013, National Head Start Association, NHSA Dialog, 16(3), 160-164
Preschoolers can distinguish between healthy and unhealthy foods: The All 4 Kids Study This study determined changes in preschoolers' ability to distinguish between healthy and unhealthy foods and stated food preferences after participation in a nutrition education program. Sigman-Grant, M., Byington, T., Lindsay, A., Lu, M., Mobley, A., Fitzgerald, N. & Hildebrand, D. 2013, Journal of nutrition education and behavior, 03/2014, Volume 46, Issue 2
A Gender-specific approach to improving substance abuse treatment for women: The Healthy Steps to Freedom (HSF) Program This study tested the efficacy of a supplemental health and body image curriculum designed for women in substance abuse treatment who report weight concerns called Healthy Steps to Freedom (HSF). Lindsay, A., Warren, C., Velasquez S., & Lu, M. 2012, Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 43(1), 61-69.
Weight-related concerns related to drug use for women in substance abuse treatment: Prevalence and relationships with eating pathology. This study examined two intertwined issues: (1) the prevalence and nature of weight-related concerns related to drug use and (2) whether women who endorse weight-related concerns related to drug use differ from those without weight-related concerns on body dissatisfaction, eating pathology and thin internalization. Warren, C., Lindsay, A., White, E., Claudat, K., & Velasquez, S. 2012, Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment 44(5), 494
A media effort addressing preschool inactivity through family, community, and Extension collaboration To improve healthy eating and movement in children, a media project was developed with the help of community partners that promoted dance and play through music. Results indicated that children who participated in the program demonstrated improvement in healthy behaviors (significant at p < .05). Lindsay, A. 2010, Journal of National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, 5 (11).
Music & Lyrics
Healthy Kids Resource Center: Music & Dance Section \| Healthy Kids Physical Toolkit Music and dance is fun, it doesn’t exclude children who are less skilled, it can be done at school or home, with friends or family and it promotes brain development and social interaction. Lindsay, A. 2020, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno
Recipes
Healthy Kids Resource Center: Recipes Section Packing a healthy lunchbox and other healthy ideas. Lindsay, A. 2020, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, IP
Special Publications
Nevada Farmers Markets Needs Assessment Discover the keys to unlocking Nevada's vibrant farmers! Farmers markets foster community engagement and support local agriculture, but many struggle with consumer outreach and marketing. This assessment unveils crucial insights into how to amplify their impact and nourish communities across the Silver State. Park, S.Y., Christiansen, E., Yun, G.W., Malik, S., Lindsay, A., Aldea, B., Purnell, S., Miller, A., Villasenor, R., Andrews, A., and Felts., T. 2024, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, SP-24-01
Nevada Statewide SNAP-Ed Needs Assessment, 2020-2021 A needs assessment of SNAP-Ed programs statewide in Nevada. In 2020, all counties had a SNAP-Ed program, though they did not all receive individual funding, and 9 had programs, delivered by Extension. This publication shows many counties lack health and nutrition programs and how to improve this within the state. Buffington, A., Webber, K., and Lindsay, A. 2021, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno
Nevada substance abuse treatment providers – Assessing the needs & characteristics of female clients in recovery. Lindsay, A. & Velasquez, S. 2012, UNCE Special Publication SP-12-09
Nevada’s health and nutrition needs – Preferred methods of health information delivery. Seymour, K., Spears, K., Lindsay, A., Collins, C., Leontos, C., Sigman-Grant, M., Wilson, M. & Woodson, J. 2009, UNCE Special Publication SP-09-18
Thesis/Dissertation
A comparison of beliefs and attitudes about body image, eating and weight between incarcerated and non-incarcerated females. This study looks at behavioral health associated with weight concerns, body image, obesity and eating pathologies. Left untreated these may serve as triggers for relapse. The study observed differences in beliefs and attitudes about body image, eating and weight between incarcerated females and non-incarcerated sample. Lindsay, A. 2015, UNLV Dissertation
Videos
Growth, Obesity and Energy Balance. Lindsay, A. R., Sigman-Grant, M. J., Byington, T. A. 2014, UNCE Publication AV-14-01
Children Are What They Eat. Sigman-Grant, M. J., Lindsay, A. R., Byington, T. A. 2014, UNCE Publication AV-14-02
All 4 Kids: Healthy, Happy, Active, Fit CD© Lindsay, A. 2009, UNCE Audio Visual AV-09-01, Copyright American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP).
All 4 Kids: Healthy, Happy, Active, Fit DVD© Lindsay, A. 2009, UNCE Audio Visual AV-09-02