Areas of Expertise

• Mixed methods and implementation science applications in public health nutrition

• The influence of context (e.g., social, political or environmental conditions of local communities and organizations) on nutrition program/practice/policy adoption, implementation and sustainment

• The built food environment and health equity

Food Story

Houghtaling studied nutrition for her whole academic career, although was underwhelmed with a large educational focus on individual willpower to choose the “right diet.” Through applied experiences during her time as a graduate student at Montana State University, Houghtaling fell in love with conducting and contributing to research focused on the social, cultural and environmental factors that influence dietary patterns and practices. Since, a public health focus in nutrition has driven her research interests with a goal of informing policies and strategies to mitigate nutrition inequities. She has lived and worked in several rural and remote locations as a cook prior to pursuing a career in science and is always ready to try new dishes/cuisines.

Publications

Academic History

Ph.D., Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise, Virginia Tech, 2019

• Specialization: Community and Behavioral Science

• Dissertation: Prioritizing food retailer perspectives for environmental change in food stores to encourage healthy dietary purchases among low-income consumers in the United States

R.D.N., Iowa State University, 2016

M.S., Health and Human Development, Montana State University, 2015

• Specialization: Sustainable Food Systems

• Thesis: Maternal and child nutrition support in the food environment

B.S., Nutrition and Dietetics, Mansfield University of Pennsylvania, 2010