Janet Ross Hunt, Ph.D., R.D., (formerly Janet Ross Mahalko) is the Lead Scientist for studies on Mineral Bioavailability at the USDA-ARS Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center. Dr. Hunt received her Ph.D. in nutrition from the University of Minnesota in 1987. She investigates iron and zinc absorption and retention from practical human diets, and the associated impact on requirements and recommended intakes for these nutrients. Her research has been cited as a basis for iron and zinc recommendations from the National Academy of Sciences, and for dietary zinc recommendations from the World Health Organization.

She joined the USDA-ARS Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center as a research dietitian in 1978, became a research scientist at GFHNRC in 1988, and served as a research leader from 2002 to 2007. In 2001, she was awarded the Faculty Award for Outstanding Scientific Research from the University of North Dakota Chapter of Sigma Xi. She has served on Institute of Medicine/National Academy of Sciences committees on Interpretation and Use of Dietary Reference Intakes and on Mineral Requirements for Military Personnel. She is a Registered Dietitian. She serves as an adjunct faculty member with the Nutrition and Dietetics Department at the University of North Dakota, has served on the Board of Directors of the American Dietetic Association, as is a member of the American Society for Nutrition.