Nutrition

philosophy

When teaching, I discuss the practical aspects of the topics to show relevance and to increase interest. To that end, I also incorporate new research and current events into classroom discussions and provide opportunities for learning outside of the classroom, such as service learning experiences and free webinars or conferences. I use multiple modalities when teaching nutrition including lecture, videos, group discussions, debates, projects, case studies, games, and individual assignments. Incorporating a variety of modalities not only keeps the course interesting and well-rounded, but also enables all types of learners to benefit. Students should be actively engaged in learning as this helps them grasp more complicated material and elevates the learning experience. I believe in creating an environment in which students know I care about them as people. I understand there are many stressors for college students that impact their success in class and I believe part of my role as an educator is to help students when possible so they can be as successful as possible. I believe in elevating students to achieve their best and in going above and beyond for my students.

Education

Year	Degree	School/University	Location
2018	Doctorate of Nutrition Education	Columbia	New York, NY
2004	Master of Science in Nutrition	Boston University	Boston, MA
2002	Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics	Rutgers	New Brunswick, NJ

Courses

Course Number	Course Name
NTD 303	Introduction to Human Nutrition
NTD 415	Community Nutrition
NTD 515	Public Health Nutrition
NTD 600	Maternal  & Child Nutrition
FYE 100D	First-Year Experience

Publications

Dissen, A, Riccardo, C, Lair, L. Assessing the LGBTQ+ Beliefs, Behaviors, and Competency of Nutrition Professionals: A Mixed-Methods Study. Journal of Dietetic Education. 2025; 3(2): 55-70.

Dissen, A, Riccardo, C. Nutrition-related needs and considerations in the transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) population: Current gaps and future directions in research. Advances in Clinical Experimental Medicine. 2025.

Riccardo C. Eating disorder considerations in the transgender population and implications for athletes. Expeditions. 2022; 2(1): 14-16.

Riccardo C, Koch P, Contento I, Wolf R. Current state of utilization of theory based, behaviorally focused nutrition education in congregate and home-delivered meal sites and factors contributing to its use. JNEB. 2019; 51(7): S103.

Riccardo C, Koch P, Contento I, Worl R. Nutrition education in congregate and home delivered meal sites: What do we know? JNEB. 2019; 51(7): S69-70.

Webinar for Nutrition and Aging Resource Center.  Toolkit: Nutrition Education in Congregate and Home-Delivered Meal Program Settings Part 1 – What Do We Know?

Webinar for Nutrition and Aging Resource Center. Toolkit: Nutrition Education in Congregate and Home-Delivered Meal Program Settings Part 2 – Where Do We Go?

Memberships

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics 

Pennsylvania Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

New Jersey Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior

Southeastern PA Geriatric Society