Dr. Tia D. Jeffery is a dedicated registered dietitian/nutritionist and public health professional whose research focuses on health and nutrition equity, particularly in culturally tailored interventions, food security, and the intersection of nutrition with physical activity/athletic performance and mental health among aging adults as well as student-athletes. As a leader in the field and Past 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
Roles
Program Director, Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics, 2025-Present Senator, Nutrition and Dietetics Program, UDC Faculty Senate, 2025-Present Member, UDC Accreditation Steering Committee, 2023-2025 Alliance Representative, UDC-NEA Faculty Association, 2021-2026 Chair/Member, UDC-CAUSES-DHNN Departmental Evaluation and Promotion Committee, 2021-23 Chair, UDC-CAUSES Curriculum Committee, 2023-24 Member, Faculty Research Committee, UDC Faculty Senate, 2020-21 Member, UDC-CAUSES Grievance Committee, 2019-21
Courses Taught
NUDT 317 Advanced Nutrition: Sports/Fitness NUDT 324 Nutrition Assessment NUDT 470 Medical Nutrition Therapy I NUDT 471 Medical Nutrition Therapy II NUDT 532 Advanced Nutrition Assessment and Counseling NUDT 633 Health Communication
Expertise
Clinical experience in general medical nutrition therapy, sports medicine/performance nutrition, chronic kidney disease, cardiometabolic diseases and associated risk factors.
Public health and community program/policy experience in culturally tailored interventions, plant-based nutrition, sustainable food systems, food and nutrition security, wellness and interdisciplinary linkages to address barriers to optimal health.
Instructional experience with applied nutrition and community health competencies, face-to-face course design, and online course design.
Research Focus / Works in Progress
Health and nutrition equity; nutrition/physical activity and aging; performance nutrition needs among aging adults and student athletes; nutrition and complementary
Leadership
Food and Nutrition Policy Committee, American Public Health Association, 2025-Present President, Maryland Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2024-2025 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
Jeffery, T., Schweitzer, A, Miller, C. (2025). Hybrid delivery of a culturally tailored.
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
Jeffery, T. (2025, February 5). MAND’s Role in Advocacy [State of Maryland
Legislative Sessions-Presentation]. Maryland Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics-Advocacy Day 2025. Annapolis, MD, USA.
Jeffery, T. (2023). Performance nutrition, nutrigenomics, and updates from the Academy on compensation. Annual Conference of the Adventist Nutrition and Dietetics International Association, Virtual.
Batheja, S., Carter, A., Jones, C., & Westbrooks, J. (2023). Entrepreneurs of color building wellness platforms to improve eating habits and health outcomes in minority communities. Moderator: T. Jeffery. 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.
Certifications/Licensures
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), Commission on Dietetic Registration Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist (LDN), Maryland Department of Health Licensed Dietitian (LD), DC Department of Health Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®), National Commission on Health Education Credentialing
Recognitions
Member, Sigma Xi Scientific Research Honor Society, 2024 Member, National Society of Leadership and Success, 2023 Recipient, 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
Genentech, Jeffery, T. D., Common Spirit, Valhalla Athletics (2026, May 3). Panel Discussion on Diabetes, Nutrition, and Physical Fitness. Moderator: Montell Williams. Military Basketball Association: Veteran’s Health Summit, Colorado Springs, CO, USA.
Jeffery, T. D., & Jackson, P. (2023, February). Engagement and programming with diverse communities. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Virtual.
