My research program aims to develop evidence-based strategies in food environments that inspire individuals to eat better for the health of the population and the planet. I leverage my nutrition and food systems expertise to influence practices, programs, and policies in the food environment that promote high dietary quality, positively impact health outcomes, and decrease health disparities. I partner with communities, researchers, and students to conduct my research. Across my career, I have been honored to collaborate with schools, food assistance programs, food venues and processors, policy makers, non-profits, farmers and ranchers, and health organizations to sustainably enrich the dietary quality of communities.
I joined the faculty of Montana State University in the Fall of 2011 and jointly initiated The Food and Health Lab to carry out basic, behavioral, and applied research, teaching, and outreach that explores environmental, nutrition, and health linkages. I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and hold a BS in Dietetics and a PhD in Human Nutrition from Virginia Tech, USA.
