Areas of Expertise

• Rural and urban differences in food access

• Food systems and community food access

• Food insecurity, hunger and related coping behaviors

• Dissemination and implementation science

• Collective impact and development of shared measures and community capacity

Food Story

Growing up on the west coast of Canada, Parks remembers working in her parent’s large garden and learning to cook at an early age. These interests have continued, and she enjoys maintaining a garden, supporting local farmers, and preparing meals for friends and family.

Publications

Academic History

Ph.D., Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise, Virginia Tech, 2010

• Specialization: Behavioral and Community Track

• Dissertation: The home environment and childhood obesity

M.H.K., Sport and Exercise Psychology, University of Windsor, Windsor, Canada, 2007

• Specialization: Body Image and Exercise Psychology

• Thesis: Examining the dysfunctional body change behaviours model in male and female weight lifters

B.H.Sc., with Honours, Health Science, Minor: Psychology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada, 2005

Academic Appointments

• Special Dean’s Appointment, Department of Health Promotion, Social and Behavioral Health, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center

• Affiliate Member, Eppley Cancer Center

• Adjunct Assistant Professor, Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Professional Affiliations

• Member, Society of Behavioral Medicine

• Member, International Society of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity