What’s in your job description?
I teach several nutrition and dietetics courses. I am facilitator of the Graduate Certificate Program in Eating Disorders and Obesity, and also serve as the adviser for the students in the program. I do research with a focus on prevention and treatment of obesity. I also assume various service responsibilities, such as being Bread for the World student adviser and coordinating activities for National Eating Disorder Awareness Week. 

How did you become interested in your subject area?
I was an undeclared major and ventured through many majors, including pre-nursing and then onto communications, and then ended up almost declaring my major as theater (I was Beauty in “Beauty and The Beast!”). One day, my sister called me and asked if I had heard of dietetics. After researching what the major was, I realized it was a great fit for me because I was always trying to improve my own diet and I was interested in being part of the health profession. Additionally, I had personal experiences with eating disorders.

What do students learn from you?
Behavior change is so dynamic, and many individuals have an “all or none” attitude related to nutrition. Thus, I continually try to reinforce to my students that they need to help individuals make realistic lifestyle changes, and that “small changes make big differences” when it comes to nutrition and health.
 
What makes your class interesting? Exciting?
I have fun while I am teaching and hope that rubs off on the students.

What’s the best question you’ve ever been asked? What was your answer?
“Will you marry me?” The answer was “YES!”

What most pleases you about society today? What most concerns you?
What pleases me most about our society today is seeing how individuals are willing to help out their “fellow neighbor” in times of tragedy. My concern is that we are not addressing the real issues related to obesity, which include the unhealthy relationship Americans have with food, including emotional eating. I am also concerned that the future generations are losing sight of values and traditions.

What’s a good book you recently read?
As a mom of a toddler, I have read several books (over and over and over again) that I love as much as my 15-month-old son: “My Personal Penguin,” “Good Night Moon,” “God Gave Us You,” “Pajama Time” and “Hush Little One.”

Who was your favorite professor? Why?
Dr. Olivia Kendrick at the University of Alabama. She made learning fun, relaxed and meaningful. Additionally, she had the sweetest Southern accent, and I loved listening to her speak.

What’s your best advice to students who want to succeed?
You do not have to be a genius to succeed.

If you weren’t teaching, what would you be doing?
Although I so enjoy teaching, especially with NIU faculty and students, if I could be anything else, I would be a “full-time” mom and a “beader.” (I LOVE making jewelry, but that is seldom these days with a toddler hanging onto my leg). You also would find me at Barnes & Noble daily with a book and coffee in hand.

What would your tombstone read?
She lived her life with “an attitude of gratitude” because it was so very blessed with “a true love,” a close-knit family, loyal friends, good health, a meaningful career and a strong faith!

Photos by Scott Walstrom, NIU Media Services

School: Family, Consumer and Nutrition Sciences

Hometown: Loami, Ill., population 802

My degrees: Ph.D. from University of Alabama; Bachelor and Master’s, Eastern Illinois University

Arrived at NIU: 2005

I teach: Human Nutrition, Global Nutrition, Nutrition Education for Health Promotion, Community Nutrition, Issues in Eating Disorders and Obesity, Nutritional Factors in Eating Disorders and Obesity