Foundation Award for Teaching

I. Philosophy of Teaching

My teaching philosophy centers around two main goals: building a strong foundation in nutrition and fostering professionalism and kindness. Students are encouraged to think critically and apply concepts in real-world settings through a variety of teaching methods that support different learning styles. Whether through group work, simulations, hands-on activities, interprofessional projects, or case-based learning, the focus is on practical application and deeper understanding.

Integrity and empathy are emphasized as essential traits for future dietitians. Students practice public speaking, teamwork, and clear communication, gaining confidence in translating complex science into everyday impact. With my years of clinical experience to draw from, real-world stories are used to make lessons relatable and memorable. Classes often begin with a student-led “hot topic” discussion sparked by current trends—questions like “Should we take magnesium to sleep?” or “Is the carnivore diet a good idea?” These discussions build engagement and evidence-based thinking.

Outside the classroom, learning is supported through mentoring, individualized feedback, and real-world application. I hope my classroom environment is energetic, professional, and focused on growth. The ultimate goal is for students to leave class with knowledge, confidence, and curiosity—equipped with skills but still a little hungry, because learning never really ends.

II. Examples of Courses/Topics

DTN 333 – Lifespan Nutrition
DTN 340 – Nutrition Education
DTN 395 – Nutrition Interventions in Eating Disorders
DTN 430 – Sports Nutrition
DTN 536 – Medical Nutrition Therapy I
DTN 546 – Medical Nutrition Therapy II

I am fortunate to serve in a dual role at Missouri State—as both a teacher and a dietitian. My work with MCHHS students, particularly those in the dietetics program, involves making lessons engaging, relevant and practical. I also serve as the team dietitian for Missouri State’s 600 student-athletes.

In courses, we explore how nutrition plays a powerful role in disease management and prevention across the lifespan—from nourishing infants to supporting healthy aging in older adults. Students learn how to use food as medicine, evaluate nutrition trends with a critical eye, and communicate evidence-based recommendations to diverse audiences. We dive into sports nutrition, eating disorders, medical nutrition therapy, and community education, always with a focus on applying knowledge in meaningful, hands-on ways.

Each course includes engaging experiences like simulation labs, cooking demos, interprofessional activities, media interviews, case studies, diabetes escape rooms, pediatric potlucks (featuring homemade baby food!), and more. We learn by doing.

III. Future Projects

• Continue developing an Interprofessional Education (IPE) project within MCHHS that pairs students from various healthcare disciplines in simulated clinical settings to improve communication and teamwork on healthcare teams.
• Conduct sports nutrition research aimed at enhancing the nutritional status and performance of Missouri State’s student-athletes.
• Expand a social media research project examining how platforms like Instagram influence student recruitment and retention.
• Lead Public Affairs–driven community projects with students, aligned with the three pillars—examples include volunteering with the food insecure, delivering interactive nutrition lessons in local elementary schools, and providing cooking demonstrations for university employees.

IV. Topics related to teaching and of interest to the University Community, for which you are available for presentations and/or consultations (e.g., presentation tools, special topics, technology, public affairs).

• Nutrition:
  Willing to speak on any nutrition-related topic including: malnutrition, sports nutrition, pediatric feeding best practices, and disease‐state nutrition (e.g., diabetes, renal, GI).
• Media & Communication:
  Collaborate with those interested in doing on-camera interviews, help craft clear messages, discuss social media strategies for program recruitment, and facilitate hands-on media‐training workshops.
• Interprofessional Education (IPE):
  Share best practices for cross-discipline collaboration.
• Community & Public Affairs:
  How to incorporate public affairs into the classroom through community-based projects and service-learning.