Graduate Faculty Focus | Anne Davis

“I chose Hood College because of the mission and values I hold dear. Hood’s nutrition program and tracks are perfectly positioned to support President Biden’s pillars from the September 28, 2022, White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health.”

Anne Davis, Ph.D., RDN, LDN, FAND

Program

Nutrition Science (M.S.), Nutrition Science Track
Nutrition Science (M.S.), Sustainable Nutrition Track
Nutrition Science (M.S.), Dietetics Track

Department

Biology
Chemistry & Physics
Nursing

Faculty
Graduate School
Graduate Student

Academics
Health Sciences

10/07/2022

Anne M. Davis, Ph.D., RDN, LDN, FAND, is the program director of the Master of Science Nutrition program and assistant professor at Hood College, specializing in maternal child health, pediatric nutrition and research. She has designed, obtained Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) accreditation for and implemented academic nutrition programs from Connecticut to California. Davis serves on the technology and advanced standards committee for ACEND. She also serves on several peer-reviewed journal editorial boards, including The Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and The Journal of Dietetic Education as well as numerous national committees.

Davis is a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). Her clinical nutrition practice spans 20 years of inpatient and outpatient pediatric and neonatal nutrition in multiple children’s hospitals covering critical care, nutrition support, home care, cystic fibrosis, small bowel transplantation, gastroenterology and management. Davis has published more than 40 peer-reviewed journal articles, edited books and book chapters, and been invited to deliver more than 60 national presentations.

Besides teaching and clinical practice, Davis has a long research history in clinical pediatric nutrition, including 10 years in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical food industries. Here, Davis discusses the process of creating a Master of Science in Nutrition program at Hood College as well as what makes Hood’s graduate programs special.

Congratulations on creating the Master of Science in Nutrition program at Hood College!

Thank you! The development has been a labor of love to bring nutrition back to Hood College. Support and hard work have been a community effort from committed alumni, administration staff, the Graduate School at Hood College and other academic departments such as nursing to local registered dietitians and medical professionals. At every stage, the program has received unending dedication for its success.

What can students take away from being part of the nutrition program?

Students have a variety of opportunities in the nutrition program because three tracks are offered:

1. The dietetics track meets all the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics ( ACEND) accredited requirements for students to become a registered dietitian after 20 months of skills, competencies and experiential training.

2. The sustainable nutrition track prepares students with skills to manage changes needed in health, nutrition, social aspects, diet, food systems and commerce, politics, food security, culture, the local rural agriculture, equity and access, economy, environment and health determinants to improve quality of life for the present and future generations.

3. The nutrition science track increases student marketability, knowledge and skills through advanced study in nutrition science, specifically in the transformation from population-based nutrition to personalized nutrition and practice. This track allows students to become a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS)® from the American Nutrition Association.

Why Hood College? What made you choose to teach here?

I chose Hood College because of the mission and values I hold dear. Hood’s nutrition program and tracks are perfectly positioned to support President Biden’s pillars from the September 28, 2022, White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health. The last administration focus on nutrition was in 1969. The College is perfectly positioned to prepare graduates to support the implementation of Biden’s emphasis on improved nutrition for children, families, communities, food affordability, policy and healthcare. I enjoy starting new programs and serving as a change agent.

Any other interesting information that you would like to share?

Hood College’s nutrition program with three tracks is on target regarding the Ten Health and Nutrition Trends for 2022-2023. These trends include nutrition accountability, weight management, immune health and active aging. Our department will actually be hosting a webinar on November 1, discussing these trends with a panel of nutrition specialists in the area. Interested students can register here.

Inspired by Professor Davis' story and ready to #GOFURTHER in your career? Learn about Hood College’s graduate programs, including the nutrition science master’s program, here.