Cassandra Nguyen, Ph.D.

Cassandra J. Nguyen has formal training in human nutrition and promoting healthy behaviors, having completed a PhD and MS in nutrition at the University of Illinois after earning a BS in dietetics from Central Washington University. Dr. Nguyen was a first-generation college student and the first in her family to earn a graduate degree. The long-term goal of her research is to bridge the gap between “what we know” and “what we do” about food insecurity. Studies she leads broadly align with one of three areas of interest: 1) revitalization of local food systems to increase diet quality and wellbeing among Native communities and families, 2) integration of food insecurity screening into healthcare services to better address chronic diseases, and 3) advancements in the charitable food system to increase equity and empowerment of clients. Dr. Nguyen uses both qualitative and quantitative methods to address research questions related to each of these interests.