University of Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky
Dr. Julie Plasencia is a registered dietitian and assistant professor in the department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition at the University of Kentucky with a joint appointment at the College of Dentistry - Diagnosis Wellness and Prevention Clinic. Her research interests are in investigating how culture influences dietary behaviors in Mexican-Americans with diet-related chronic diseases. She is currently completing formative work to develop a culturally sensitive nutrition education program for Hispanics/Latinos in Kentucky in collaboration with the Kentucky Nutrition Education Program.
Dr. Plasencia teaches Global Foods, Diet and Culture and Research and Writing in Dietetics. She currently serves as on the Nominating Committee of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics as the National Leader in Practice for 15 Years or Less. Previously she served as the chair and mentoring program coordinator for Latinos and Hispanics in Dietetics and Nutrition, a member interest group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Prior to her academic career, she worked as a clinical dietitian doing both in-patient and out-patient diabetes education with Hispanics/Latinos in Las Vegas, NV. She was named the 2011 Nevada’s Recognized Young Registered Dietitian of the Year award recipient for her professional service in the dietetics profession.