Leslie Van Horn

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Assistant Professor

��ý Faculty Since 2022

Contact Info

Email: leslie.vanhorn@jwu.edu
Phone: 980-598-1468
Campus: Charlotte

Leslie Van Horn holds a doctoral degree in Clinical Nutrition from the University of North Florida. Her dissertation focused on dietetics education and survey validation through the evaluation of an instrument measuring knowledge of evidence-based practices among registered dietitian nutritionists. Upon finishing her dissertation, she was a postdoctoral researcher at the University of North Florida, concentrating on food insecurity among older adults. She completed her master’s degree in human nutrition and dietetic internship at Winthrop University. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the College of Charleston.

Prior to joining Johnson & Wales, Van Horn taught dietetic students as an instructor at Winthrop University and adjunct faculty member at East Carolina University and the University of North Florida. She also has experience working as a registered dietitian nutritionist in hospital and community settings in the Charlotte region.

Education

D.C.N., Clinical Nutrition, University of North Florida
M.S., Human Nutrition, Winthrop University
B.S. Business Admiistration, College of Charleston

“When the joy goes out of eating, nutrition suffers.” Ellyn Satter

Teaching Interests

Medical Nutrition Therapy
Lifespan Nutrition
Nutrition Research & Evidence-Based Practices
Nutrition Education

Scholarly Interests

Evidence-based dietetic practices, food insecurity, chronic disease prevention, mental health, body image and eating disorders, nutrition and dietetics education

Courses

SCI1050 Nutrition
DIET2070 Lifespan Nutrition
DIET3080 Community Nutrition

Professional Affiliations

Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics
North Carolina Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics

Publications

Q&A with Leslie

At ��ý, education is not confined to the four walls of the classroom. You’re not going to spend four years with your nose buried in a book, learning theories you may never get a chance to apply — you’re going to get out there and apply them, be it through internships, group projects, leadership opportunities, competitions and more.

How Did You Get Started?

I've always been passionate about health, well-being, food, nutrition and helping others. My interest in teaching came later in my career after being encouraged to teach as an adjunct instructor by one of my mentors and working with interns in the field. During these experiences, I realized how much I value mentoring students. I jumped at the opportunity to take on a full-time faculty role after working for a few years in a healthcare setting as a dietitian. I love being able to share my passion for nutrition and my experiences as a dietitian with my students.

What Advice Do You Have For Incoming Freshmen?

As with any life change, the first year can be overwhelming. Be sure to utilize all the resources available to you. Build your ��ý community and support network early on - seek help from your peers, instructors, faculty mentors, advisors, etc. Also, know that while there will likely be setbacks or obstacles along the way, use these as learning experiences.

What College Do You Teach In?

College of Food Innovation & Technology

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