Happy end of Spring 2021 semester!

jamiepopeauthor
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‎05-05-2021 08:11 PM

I'm always amazed how quickly the 14 plus weeks of the semester seem to go by.   At the end of this 43rd semester teaching introductory nutrition to undergraduates, I ask myself if they've been equipped to navigate the evolving and often confusing arena of nutrition.  My university does not have a nutrition major and thus this is the only nutrition course most will ever take.  The goal was not to create nutrition "experts", but to ignite their interest, expose them to the many facets of nutrition,  acquaint them with credible sources of information to which they might return, and to heighten their nutrition literacy.   It is my hope that they are better able to evaluate what they read and hear about nutrition through a discerning lens.  I also seek to "free" them from dogmatic thinking and behavior around food.   I have often thought back on the art appreciation and music appreciation courses I took in college - I never went to a gallery or a concert the same way again - I developed an appreciation for the fundamentals of these arts as well as the talent and nuances of artists and musicians.   Intro nutrition is in a sense a nutrition appreciation course - intended to develop an understanding and cultivate appreciation for the complex and changing field of nutrition.   And for the nutrition professionals that may cross their paths personally or professionally.   Best to all!   

About the Author
Jamie Pope, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Adjunct Assistant Professor at Vanderbilt University, has worked in the areas of obesity research, health promotion, heart disease prevention, and since 2000 teaching introductory nutrition. Beyond the classroom, she adapted portions of her nutrition courses to produce a Massive Open Online Course attracting more than 175,000 participants from around the world. This experience earned Jamie an Innovation in Teaching award from the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. She is the co-author of the textbook entitled Nutrition for a Changing World. Now in its second edition, the text is in use in over 140 universities across the U.S. and the recipient of a 2020 Textbook Excellence Award. Most recently she developed and produced an audio course for Learn25.com (Nutrition 101: Understanding the Science and Practice of Eating Well) that is also featured on platforms like Apple Books and Audible. Jamie holds a Master’s of Science degree in Nutrition and post graduate work in Health Psychology. She is a Fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Jamie is an active member and serves on the board of the Textbook and Academic Authors Association. She has authored or contributed to numerous scientific and popular press publications. Jamie also held several corporate positions, serving as nutrition consultant and media representative.