Profile

qualifications: PhD

position: Assistant Professor

department: Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise

I hold a doctoral degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Florida International University and am a Registered Dietitian. I received her Bachelor of Science in biology, and Master of Science in Food, Nutrition & Institution Administration from Oklahoma State University. Upon graduating with my MS, I moved to Honduras, Central America with my husband and one-year old son, where I spent the first fourteen years of my professional career. This afforded me some unique opportunities that I might not have had in the United States, such as serving as a consultant for Weight Watchers in Central America, owning a nutrition consulting business and health food store, and developing foundational dietetic systems within hospitals in the country. Upon returning to the US in 2001, I worked as a renal dietitian and received my doctoral degree. My early research investigated factors impacting disease progression and quality of life of HIV+ drug users from marginalized communities. I am currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise, and work with a national community education network, the Cooperative Extension Service, as an Extension Specialist. Her current scientific investigation focuses on community based participatory methods for the evaluation of community health knowledge, resources, and needs, and responsive program development.