Education:

• Ph.D., Nutrition Science, University of California, Davis
• B.S.,  Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University
• Registered Dietitian, Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist

Research Interests:

My research focuses on community nutrition, nutrition and food safety education, and distance learning using technology.  I am interested in developing and evaluating innovative educational programs to meet learner needs, including online programs, materials and interventions with older adults, African Americans, food pantry recipients, and other community groups.

Selected Publications:

• Miller, G.D., Cohen, N.L., Fulgoni, V.L., Heymsfield, S.B., and Wellmann, N.S. From nutrition scientist to nutrition communicator: Why you should take the leap. American J. of Clinical Nutrition 83:1272-5, 2006.

• Ma, Y., Bertone, E.R., Stanek, E.J., Reed, G.W., Hebert, J.R., Cohen, N.L., Olendzki, B.C., Rosal, M.C., Merriam, P. A., and Ockene, I.S. Eating patterns in a free-living healthy U.S. adult population.  Ecology of Food and Nutrition 44:37-56, 2005.
• Cohen, N., Hollingsworth, C., Laus, M.J., Brennan Olson, R., Coli, W. Farm food safety practices: A survey of New England Growers. Food Protection Trends 25:5:33-40, 2005.
• Fey-Yensan, N., Kantor, M., Cohen, N.L., Laus, M.J. and Rice, W.  Issues and strategies to increase fruit and vegetable consumption in older adults.  Topics in Clinical Nutrition 19(3):180-193, 2004.
• Akobundu, U., Cohen, N.L., Laus, M.J., Soussloff, M., and Schulte, M. Vitamins A and C, calcium, fruits and dairy products are limited in food pantries.  J. American Dietetic Assoc. 104:811-813, 2004.
• Beffa-Negrini, P.A., Cohen, N.L., and Miller, B.L. Strategies to motivate students in online learning environments.  Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior 34:334-340, 2002.
• Beffa-Negrini, P.A., Miller, B., and Cohen, N.L. Factors related to success and satisfaction in online learning. Academic Exchange Quarterly 6 (3):105-114 , 2002.

Recent Grants:

• Online Education for Secondary Science Teachers:  An Integrated Approach to Food Safety Training. USDA/CSREES; 10/02-9/06
• Efficacy of Producing Stable Omega-3 Fatty Acids Enhance Food to Improve Human Health. USDA/CSREES; 10/01-9/06
• Nutrition and Food Safety Education for Staff and Caregivers of ADH Programs. Mass. Department of Education; 6/05 – 6/06
• UMass Amherst Multicultural Nutrition Scholarship Program, USDA/CSREES; 1/06-12/10
• Improving Plant Food Intake in Older Adults. USDA/CSREES; 10/04-9/09

Teaching:

Community Nutrition, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Assessment, Nutrition Seminar, Introduction to the Profession of Nutrition