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Nutritional Biologist
Self-employed nutrition consultant/science writer
I am an enthusiastic nutrition scientist specializing in food choice behavior. I recently completed a 3-year position as a postdoctoral Research Nutritionist at the USDA-ARS Human Nutrition Research Center in Grand Forks, ND, where I coordinated a clinical trial examining the effects of protein distribution (even versus skewed) among breakfast, lunch, and dinner on changes in body composition during weight loss in women. I also investigated the role of protein distribution on mediators of weight loss such as cravings, dietary restraint, intuitive eating, and eating behavior regulation. As the project coordinator for this study, I worked closely with a cross-functional team including the Metabolic Research Unit, Dietary, Metabolic Kitchen, and administrative staff to ensure the smooth planning and implementation of study visits. In addition to managing the study, I developed and taught behavioral weight loss classes grounded in health behavior change theory and motivational interviewing techniques. Adjunct to my primary postdoctoral project, I conducted studies utilizing nominal group techinque to explore barriers and facilitators to adherence to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommendations for vegetable consumption and to assess barriers to adhering to a weight loss diet. Beyond projects extending my previous research, I am interested in studying ways to address the particular nutritional needs of multicultural and underserved populations with limited access to affordable and accessible healthy foods. The ultimate goal of my research career is to contribute to an evidence base for effective nutritional strategies to achieve greater public health, especially for people with limited socioeconomic resources.