My research provides insight into food-related behaviors to inform development of theory-based approaches for promoting healthy dietary intake. More specifically, my work focuses on understanding contextual and cognitive factors that influence food-related behaviors with an emphasis on people and organizations that shape these behaviors in children. My work draws heavily on schema theory, and involves the use of novel mixed-methods approaches.
Biographical Profile
College
Arnold School of Public Health
Department
Health Prom., Educ. & Behavior
Tenure Status
Tenured
Interest Background
Do you include students in your research?
Undergraduates and Graduates
Interest Keywords
food choice; eating identity; dietary patterns; food schema and scripts; Maternal and child nutrition; household food environments; parenting and nutrition; Obesity and chronic disease prevention; Qualitative and mixed methods
Institutional Focus Areas
Health Disparities, Behavioral Sciences, Social Sciences, Health Sciences
Personal Focus Areas
Focuses on understanding how contexts and cognitions interact to influence what foods mean to people, and food choice behaviors, particularly among low-income parents
Professional Preparation(Education & Training)
Dates
Institution
Location
Degree
Field of Study
2006
Cornell University
Ithaca, New York
PhD
Community Nutrition
2000
Cornell University
Ithaca, New York
MS
Community Nutrition
1996 - 1997
Cornell University
RD
Dietetic Internship
1996
State University of New York at Plattsburgh
Plattsburgh, New York
BS
Food and Nutrition
Memberships & Professional Activities
Dates
Type
Description
Institution/Entity
Membership
American Public Health Association (APHA)
Membership
Society for Nutrition Education (SNE)
Membership
International Society for Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity (ISBNPA)
Membership
Columbia Midlands Dietetic Association (CMDA)
Membership
American Society for Nutrition (ASNS)
Membership
American Dietetic Association (ADA)
Positions & Appointments
Dates
Description
Institution/Entity
1992 - 1996
Food Service Manager, Marriott Educational Food Services, Plattsburgh, New York
1997 - 1998
Teaching Assistant, Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University
1997
Registered Dietitian, Dietetic Internship, Cornell University
1999 - 2000
Acute Care Dietitian, Cortland Memorial Hospital, Cortland, New York
2000 - 2001
Instructor, Implementation of Nutrition Care, Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University
2000 - 2001
Nutritionist, Cortland County Meals-on-Wheels Nutrition Program, Cortland, New York
2006 - 2008
Postdoctoral Associate, Working Families Project, Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University
2008
Assistant Professor, Tenure Track, Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina
1998
Nutritionist, Tompkins County Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), Ithaca, New York
2004
Teaching Assistant, Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University
2002
Teaching Assistant, Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University
Recognition Awards, Honors, & Fellowships
Dates
Type
Description
Foundation/Entity
2009
Award
Fellow
Dannon Nutrition Leadership Institute
Award
Dannon Nutrition Leadership Institute
The two sections below (Awards and Pending Proposals) are only viewable by PIs, business managers, chairs, and deans.