Jennifer Dixon Cravens

Jennifer's Motto: Prevention is the Key !

Jennifer Dixon Cravens is a Family & Consumer Sciences and Nutrition Educator.

Jennifer’s primary areas of expertise and teaching are nutrition, health, wellness, chronic disease management, food safety & preservation. 

Her role as a Faculty Extension Educator is to assess the needs in the communities she serves and develop relevant, cultural competent,laser educational programs to promote health,improved nutrition and dietary changes, reduce health disparities, and to improve individuals and communities health outcomes.

Jennifer Dixon Cravens, successfully completed her MS in Nutrition & Dietetics  from University of District of Columbia, Washington, DC. (2012). She received her BA in Human Resource Management & Organizational Behavior from University of North Texas, Denton, TX (1993).  Jennifer has over 15 years’ experience in community outreach and education-based knowledge in the field of Nutrition, Health, Wellness, Community Health, Outreach & Engagement.

Jennifer's Highlights: Online Newsletters and Classes

Link:  website  or  https://extension.umd.edu/news/newsletters/harford-county-health-wellness

Jennifer's Research Interest:  Food and Water Insecurity, Chronic Disease Prevention Management, Community Nutrition, Geriatric Nutrition, Environmental Nutrition and Health, Public Policy, International Nutrition,Leadership in Nutrition, Healthy Living Environments, and Food Safety & Sanitation.

THESIS RESEARCH:

Topic: The Interconnection of Global Water Insecurity to Health & Nutrition

Jennifer's THESIS research created a new database for data collected on 172 countries and performed analysis to investigated a Correlations using the 14 variables selected.

• Collected and conducted qualitative and quantitative data relevant to water insecurity and malnutrition

• Analyzed the correlation between improved water supply with indicators of malnutrition

• Demonstrated how contaminated water compromises global nutrition

• Examined and documented the interconnections of water insecurity, water quality, food Insecurity, micro nutrient malnutrition, and its impact on health and nutritional status

• Demonstrated link and interconnections with water, food, and nutrition security

• Demonstrated improved water supply coverage and improved sanitation has a profound Impact on health and long term nutritional status

Demonstrated the growing concern of food and water insecurity globally and in the US

• Provided recommendations for future research and solutions

• Presented research at symposium and local universities

EDUCATION:

MS in Nutrition & Dietetics – 2012

Teacher Assistant Program 2011 & Didactic Program in Dietetics 2014         University of District of Columbia - Washington, DC

BA in Human Resource Management & Organizational Behavior-1993       University of North Texas – Denton, Texas ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

MEMBERSHIPS:

The National Society of Collegiate Scholars

American Academy of Nutrition & Dietetic

Minorities in Agriculture Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRS)

Vegetarian Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group

Public Health & Community Health Dietetic Practice Group

Student Dietetic Association

Environmental Sustainable Leaders

The Association of Professional Woman 

Honors Society.org

Volunteer Experience: 

University of Maryland Senate  Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion (EDI) Committee

Team Member on Healthy Food Systems Strategic Initiatives  

Areas of EXPERTISE:

• Nutrition
• Health
• Wellness
• Chronic Disease Management
• Food Preservation & Food Safety
• Community Nutrition & Community Health Communication
• Community Outreach & Engagement 

PERSONAL INTERESTS

In Jennifer spare time she enjoys yoga, walking, and helping others.

Jennifer is a foodie, an avid reader, and jazz enthusiast. She also enjoys traveling.