Dr. Tia D. Jeffery is a dedicated public health nutritionist whose research focuses on health and nutrition equity, particularly in culturally tailored interventions, food security, and the intersection of nutrition and physical activity among aging adults as well as student-athletes. As a leader in the field and President of the Maryland Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, she actively shapes policies and practices that advance equitable healthcare solutions and improve health outcomes in diverse communities.
Experience
Education
Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health, Walden University Master of Science in Human Nutrition: Exercise Science, The Ohio State University Bachelor of Science in Dietetics, Magna Cum Laude, Oakwood University
Medical Nutrition Therapy I Lecture Medical Nutrition Therapy I Lab Medical Nutrition Therapy II Lecture Medical Nutrition Therapy II Lab Advanced Nutrition: Sports/Fitness Nutrition Assessment Lecture Nutrition Assessment Lab
Expertise
Clinical experience in sports medicine, human performance nutritiion, chronic kidney disease, cardiometabolic diseases and associated risk factors
Experience working with the public/community health on culturally tailored interventions, food and nutrition security; interdisciplinary linkages to address barriers to optimal health
Instructional experience with nutrition care management competencies and course design
Research Focus / Works in Progress
Health and nutrition equity; nutrition/physical activity and aging; performance and nutrition needs among aging adults and student athletes in minority-serving institutions
Leadership
President, Maryland Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2024-Present President-Elect, Chair of Awards & Honors and Bylaws Committees, Maryland Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2023-24 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Liaison, Maryland Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2021-23 Communications Chair, Religion Member Interest Group, Maryland Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2021-23
Impact
Selected Publications
Monroe-Lord, L., Ardakani, A., Jackson, P., Asongwed, E., Duan, X., Schweitzer, A., Jeffery, T., Johnson-Largent, T., & Harrison, E. (2024). Dietary shifts since COVID-19: A study of racial differences. Nutrients, 16(18), 3164. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16183164
Francis, S. L., Harrison, E., Contrady, A., Montgomery, D., Rudolph, C. Monroe-Lord, L., Asongwed, E., Jean Baptiste, A. M., Johnson-Largent, T., Harris, B. M., Jeffery, T. D., & Broadnax, P. (2023). Physical Activity: What do older adults prefer and need? A comparison of rural and urban older adults. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, 52, 94-95. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jneb.2020.04.213.
Price, M., & Jeffery, T. (2023). An analysis of socioeconomic determinants of the Black-white disparity in food insecurity rates in the US. Foods (Basel, Switzerland), 12(11), 2228. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12112228
Jeffery, T., Mufarraj, N., & Harper, C. (2022). The resurgence of blenderized tube feedings: A review of safety concerns, gastrointestinal outcomes, and anthropometrics. Support Line, 44(1), 20-26.
Jeffery, T. D., & Richardson, M. L. (2021). A review of the effectiveness of hibiscus for treatment of metabolic syndrome. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 270, 113762. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2020.113762
Selected Presentations
Jeffrey, T. (2023). Performance nutrition, nutrigenomics, and updates from the Academy oncompensation.Annual Conference of the Adventist Nutrition and Dietetics International Association, Virtual.
Batheja, S., Carter, A., Jones, C., & Westbrooks, J. (2023). Entrepreneurs of color buildingwellness platforms to improve eating habits and health outcomes in minority communities.Moderator: T. Jeffrey. Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo, Denver, Colorado.
Jeffery, T. (2023). Rewards and challenges of start-up projects promoting nutrition equity to mitigate health disparities of the Black community in D.C. Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior Conference, Washington, D.C.
Selected Grants
United States Department of Agriculture. (2017). Evaluation of multilevel and low barrier nutrition interventions through charitable food assistance programs.
National Institute of Food and Agriculture. (2018). Merging health with culture: A heritage model for improving plant-based food intake and mitigating racial/ethnic health disparities.
Recognitions
Member, Sigma Xi Scientific Research Honor Society, 2024 Member, National Society of Leadership and Success, 2023 Member, Washington Wizards-Monumental Sports and Entertainment Community Pillar (Health and Fitness), 2015 Member, Golden Key International Honor Society, 2014 Recipient, Excellence in Supporting Dietetic Interns Award, California State University, San Bernardino, 2013
Invited Participations
Jeffery, T. D., & Jackson, P. (2023). Engagement and programming with diverse communities.Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Virtual.
