Dr. Jennifer Zuercher
Associate Professor
( e-mail)
Education:
PhD, 2009, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
MA, 1998, Syracuse University
BA, 1995, State University of New York at Geneseo
Specialization:
Weight management, the use of technology to promote behavior change, qualitative methodology
Phone:
618-650-5801
Office:
2626 Lukas Annex, Vadalabene Center
About Dr. Zuercher
Dr. Zuercher is an Assistant Professor and Program Director for the Nutrition program at SIUE. She obtained her Ph.D. in Nutrition from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2009. She completed her master’s degree and Dietetic Internship at Syracuse University and has worked as a Registered Dietitian in research as well as in community, corporate, and university settings.
Research Profile:
Dr. Zuercher's research focuses on improving dietary and related health behaviors at periods of life transition. Specifically, she is interested in working with college students to promote healthier choices using mobile technology as a means of providing information, feedback, and support. Additionally, Dr. Zuercher is conducting studies evaluating service learning and interprofessional education as a means of promoting civic mindedness, knowledge, and skill attainment in the health professions. She has presented her research at several conferences, including the Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior (SNEB) and the Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo (FNCE) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Dr. Zuercher teaches several courses throughout the Nutrition Program including Food Science (NUTR 205), Food and Culture (NUTR 210), Intro to Human Nutrition (NUTR 250), Lifecycle Nutrition (NUTR 327), Community Nutrition (NUTR 375), and Nutrition Education and Counseling (NUTR 401).
Representative Publications:
Zuercher JL and Kranz S. Toddlers and preschoolers consume more dietary fiber when high-fiber lunch items are served. Childhood Obesity, 8(1): 71-75, 2012.
Zuercher JL. College Eating 101: Factors influencing students’ food decisions. International Journal of Child and Adolescent Health. 5(1), 2012.
Zuercher J, Wagstaff D, Kranz S. Associations of food group and nutrient intake as well as diet quality between adults and children in a nationally representative sample of U.S. households. Nutrition Journal. 2011; 10:131.
Zuercher JL, Grace E, Kranz S. Comparing Diet Quality in Child Care Center Menus. Childhood Obesity. 2011. 7(5): 392-399.
Styles JL, Meier A, Sutherland LA, Campbell MK. Parent and Caregiver Concerns about Obesity in Young Children: A Qualitative Study. Fam Community Health. 2007; 30(4): 279-295.
