2005 PhD, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Major: Nutrition

1998 MHS, Western Carolina, Major: Nutrition

1995 BS, Florida State University, Major: Nutrition & Food Science

1993 AA, New World School of the Arts, Major: Theater

I am a nutrition behavioral researcher who studies factors that influence what people eat and systems and environments that promote healthy behavior. I seek to better understand the intersect of food insecurity, food justice, social determinants of health, and sustainable agricultural systems. Primarily working with adolescent and young adult populations, I consider complex patterns of behavior and seek to develop, test, and evaluate the implementation of multilevel research interventions and programs focused on what we grow, cook, and market, and how to change the environment we live in for the better. I also look at creative ways to communicate, educate, and use technology to change behavior and improve health for individuals, families, and communities. Together, with my students and through research, I believe that we can make a difference in our world.