I am a 42-year-old woman who is strongly considering going back to school. I have become extremely interested in the diet and nutrition field and the effects it has on the human body and am considering a career in that field. Could you please give some advice to someone like myself who really doesn't know if she has enough time left in life to pursue a Ph.D. in this field. I am at somewhat of a loss of where to begin.

I am delighted to hear that you're interested in this area and considering additional schooling. Please don't worry about your age. I've seen many successful graduate students your age and older - their maturity and life experience are invaluable in their studies and in their professional work afterwards. As a first step, I suggest you check out available graduate programs on the Internet or by visiting your local library. Find out what degrees are offered, what the requirements are, and what careers their graduates pursue. Contact schools with programs that interest you - they'll be delighted to send you more information. I hope you'll take a look at the Web site of my department at Tufts University, www.tufts.edu/nutrition, and consider our program!