Christina Riccardo
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 200 | Nutrition and Culture |
| 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
Dahl WJ, Nagao-Sato S, Riccardo C. Culinary Medicine and the Promotion of Plant-Based Diets: Is Caution Needed for Older Adults? J Nutr Educ Behav. 2023 Nov;55(11):771-772. doi: 10.1016/j.jneb.2023.09.004. PMID: 37949522.
Riccardo C. (2023). Equitable Education for Introverts. NDEP.
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.
presentations
NATIONAL PRESENTATIONS
Riccardo, C., Dissen, A. Nutrition Needs and Considerations for Senior LGBTQIA+ Individuals. On Aging Conference, April 23, 2025, in Orlando, Florida.
Riccardo, C., Dissen, A. Nutrition-related needs, considerations, and using nutrition to address health disparities and promote gender-affirming care for transgender, gender non-conforming, and gender-expansive people. Collaborative Health Equity Webinar (CHEW), March 29, 2025.
Riccardo, C. Equitable Education for Introverts. Nutrition and Dietetic Educators
and Preceptors Annual Meeting, April 5, 2024 in Seattle, WA.
Riccardo, C. Toolkit: Nutrition Education in Congregate and Home-Delivered Meal Program
Settings Part 1- What do we know? Invited presentation for the National Resource Center
on Nutrition and Aging 2018.
Riccardo, C. Toolkit: Nutrition Education in Congregate and Home-Delivered Meal Program Settings Part 2- Where do we go? Invited presentation for the National Resource Center on Nutrition and Aging 2018.
REGIONAL PRESENTATIONS
Riccardo, C., Dissen, A. Trauma Informed Care. Invited presentation Atlantic Health
System, February 26, 2025.
Riccardo, C., Dissen, A. Trauma Informed Care and Transgender Nutrition Needs. Invited Presentation for New Jersey Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Region 3 Meeting, November 13, 2024
Riccardo C., Dissen A., Liar, L. Nutrition-Related Gender Affirming Care. Philadelphia
Trans Wellness Conference. Submitted Proposal for Sept 5-7, 2024 Conference. Not accepted
STATE PRESENTATIONS
Dissen, A., Riccardo, C. Nutrition Needs and Considerations in Gender-Affirming Care.
Invited presentation South Jersey Food Bank, March, 27, 2025.
Riccardo, C., Dissen, A.; Lair, L. Nutrition-Related Gender Affirming Care and LGBTQIA+ Competency. Invited presentation for New Jersey Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Annual Meeting, April 25, 2024.
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