Dr. Lauri Wright, a USF College of Public Health associate professor and director of the college’s nutrition and dietetics program, has been named president of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Wright, a registered dietitian nutritionist who received her PhD from USF’s College of Education in 2007, specializes in food insecurity and health disparities, global nutrition, senior nutrition and the nutritional needs of people with AIDs.

Her one-year term commenced on June 1.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the world’s largest professional organization of food and nutrition practitioners, boosting over 112,000 members. The group is committed to improving health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy.

 “In a world where all people thrive through the transformative power of food and nutrition, there are countless opportunities for the future of our profession,” Wright said. “Those opportunities include transitioning from a traditional medical model to a population health model; enhanced policy development and advocacy; food access and sustainability at a global level; and incorporating technology to enhance practice and reimbursement. The academy and our members have the expertise and skills to lead and succeed in all these areas. I look forward to working closely in the coming year with the Board of Directors as we embrace our opportunities.”

While Wright currently leads the COPH’s MPH concentration in nutrition and dietetics, she has also chaired the department of nutrition and dietetics at the University of North Florida and served the Bay Pines VA Hospital in St. Petersburg, Fla., as a registered dietitian and dietetic internship director.

“It is a true honor to be chosen by my peers to lead the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics over the next year,” Wright said. “The profession of dietetics makes such an impact on the health and well-being of individuals and their communities. I am proud to work to elevate and promote our profession.”

Story by Donna Campisano, USF College of Public Health