Nutrition

philosophy

As an educator, my goal is not simply for students to acquire knowledge, but to help them understand how that knowledge applies to the people, communities, and professional situations they will encounter as nutrition and dietetics professionals. I strive to create a learning environment that is engaging, supportive, and relevant while challenging students to think critically, communicate effectively, and apply what they learn.

I believe students learn best when they are active participants in the learning process. Rather than relying solely on traditional lectures, I incorporate a variety of teaching strategies. These approaches give students opportunities to apply concepts, collaborate with their peers, communicate their ideas, and approach problems from different perspectives. Active learning is particularly important in nutrition and dietetics, where students must be able to translate scientific knowledge into practical recommendations and communicate effectively with diverse populations.

Creating a supportive learning environment is equally important to me. I want my students to know that I care about them not only as students, but as people. College students balance academics with work, family responsibilities, financial pressures, and many other challenges that can affect their ability to succeed. While I maintain high expectations and hold students accountable for their learning, I also recognize that flexibility, compassion, and communication can make an important difference. I strive to meet students where they are, help them identify a path forward when they encounter challenges, and provide the support and encouragement they need to succeed.

Education

Year	Degree	School/University	Location
2018	Doctorate of Nutrition Education	Columbia University	New York, NY
2004	Master of Science in Nutrition	Boston University	Boston, MA
2002	Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics	Rutgers University	New Brunswick, NJ

Courses

Course Number	Course Name
NTD 200	Nutrition and Culture
NTD 303	Introduction to Human Nutrition
NTD 415	Community Nutrition
NTD 515	Public Health Nutrition
NTD 600	Maternal  & Child Nutrition
FYE 100D	First-Year Experience

Publications

 Dissen, A., Riccardo, C., & Lair, L. O. (2026). Nutritional needs and well-being for the LGBTQIA+ community. Cognella

Dissen, A, Riccardo, C, Lair, L. Assessing the LGBTQ+ beliefs, behaviors, and competency of nutrition professionals: A mixed methods study. Journal of Dietetic Education. 2025; 3(2): 55-70.

Dissen, A, Riccardo, C. Nutrition-related needs and considerations in the transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) population: Current gaps and future directions in research. Advances in Clinical Experimental Medicine. 2025.

Dahl, W.J. & Riccardo, C. (2025). Undoing Nutrition Education Missteps to Improve Brain Health. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, 57(10), 899-900.

Dahl WJ, Nagao-Sato S, Riccardo C. Culinary Medicine and the Promotion of Plant-Based Diets: Is Caution Needed for Older Adults? J Nutr Educ Behav. 2023 Nov;55(11):771-772.

Riccardo C. (2023). Equitable Education for Introverts. NDEP.

Riccardo C. Eating disorder considerations in the transgender population and implications for athletes. Expeditions. 2022; 2(1): 14-16.

Riccardo C, Koch P, Contento I, Wolf R. Current state of utilization of theory based, behaviorally focused nutrition education in congregate and home-delivered meal sites and factors contributing to its use. JNEB. 2019; 51(7): S103.

Riccardo C, Koch P, Contento I, Worl R. Nutrition education in congregate and home delivered meal sites: What do we know? JNEB. 2019; 51(7): S69-70.

presentations

NATIONAL PRESENTATIONS

Riccardo, C., Dissen, A. Nutrition Needs and Considerations for Senior LGBTQIA+ Individuals. On Aging Conference, April 23, 2025, in Orlando, Florida.

Riccardo, C., Dissen, A. Nutrition-related needs, considerations, and using nutrition to address health disparities and promote gender-affirming care for transgender, gender non-conforming, and gender-expansive people. Collaborative Health Equity Webinar (CHEW), March 29, 2025.

Riccardo, C. Equitable Education for Introverts. Nutrition and Dietetic Educators and Preceptors Annual Meeting, April 5, 2024 in Seattle, WA.

Riccardo, C. Toolkit: Nutrition Education in Congregate and Home-Delivered Meal Program Settings Part 1- What do we know? Invited presentation for the National Resource Center on Nutrition and Aging 2018.

Riccardo, C. Toolkit: Nutrition Education in Congregate and Home-Delivered Meal Program Settings Part 2- Where do we go? Invited presentation for the National Resource Center on Nutrition and Aging 2018.

REGIONAL PRESENTATIONS
Riccardo, C., Dissen, A. Trauma Informed Care. Invited presentation Atlantic Health System, February 26, 2025.

Riccardo, C., Dissen, A. Trauma Informed Care and Transgender Nutrition Needs. Invited Presentation for New Jersey Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Region 3 Meeting, November 13, 2024

Riccardo C., Dissen A., Liar, L. Nutrition-Related Gender Affirming Care. Philadelphia Trans Wellness Conference. Submitted Proposal for Sept 5-7, 2024 Conference. Not accepted
 
STATE PRESENTATIONS
Dissen, A., Riccardo, C. Nutrition Needs and Considerations in Gender-Affirming Care. Invited presentation South Jersey Food Bank, March, 27, 2025.

Riccardo, C., Dissen, A.; Lair, L. Nutrition-Related Gender Affirming Care and LGBTQIA+ Competency. Invited presentation for New Jersey Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Annual Meeting, April 25, 2024.

Memberships

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics 

Pennsylvania Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

New Jersey Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior

Southeastern PA Geriatric Society