Valerie B. Duffy, PhD, RD

Professor, Allied Health Sciences (Principal Investigator)

Research Overview

Valerie B. Duffy (PhD, RD) and her team have two complimentary research interests. First, we attempt to understand variation in chemosensory perception in humans and how this variation influences food flavor, food preference and food intake. Our ultimate goal is to understand how chemosensory variation influences our ability to follow a healthy diet for the prevention of chronic disease and obesity. Second, we collaborate with community agencies across the state to promote healthy diets and healthy weights of children and their, particularly those of economic disadvantage. Through involvement of undergraduate and graduate student research, we are investigating the effectiveness of community-based interventions to improve vegetable intake and level of physical activity of children. Dr. Duffy and her students have numerous publications and presentations at national and international meetings. She has received several awards for excellence in teaching, research and service. Students who have trained with Dr. Duffy are advancing nutrition and health through research, practice or public health leadership.

Education

Human Nutrition-Cornell University (UG); Rush University (MS, RD); University of Connecticut Psychophysics, Taste; Yale University School of Medicine (Post-Doc)