School of Health Sciences

Education

• Ph.D., Food and Nutrition, University of Georgia

  MPH, Global Health, Emory University

  Dietetic Internship, University of Michigan

  BA, Biology, Carleton College

   

Biography

Dr. Ford is an Associate Professor and Program co-Director in the Dietetics and Human Nutrition programs at Eastern Michigan University. She has a broad background in foods and nutrition, with specific training and expertise in food production, menu analysis and creation, school nutrition, community academic partnerships, and training community members to create sustainable nutrition programs.  Dr. Ford earned an MPH with a focus on global nutrition from Emory University and a PhD in Foods and Nutrition from the University of Georgia. She has conducted research projects focusing on childhood nutrition both nationally and internationally. Additionally, Dr. Ford is a Registered Dietitian with experience working in school nutrition. In 2018, Dr. Ford was part of a team of faculty who were awarded REACH project funding for five years from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Her work on this project focuses on increasing access to healthy foods, helping community organizations implement nutrition standards, and promoting breastfeeding. 

Dr. Ford’s research interests include: 

• School nutrition

• Food access

• Foodservice guidelines

• Nutrition education

Publications

Publications/Presentations:

Ford, O, Rainville, A.J. Employee perceptions of a transition from self-operation to contract management dining. Savannah GA. Foodservice Systems Management Education Council Biennial Conference. March 2019.

Cheianu-Marshall, O, Ford, O, Rainville, AJ.  Breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes, and intentions of university students. Washington, DC. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo.  October, 2018.

Schwartz, L., Ford, O. Exploring Videography as a Media for Childhood Nutrition Education. Bay City, MI. Michigan Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. April, 2018.

Angastinioti, E., Ford, O., Rainville, AJ.  Dining Preferences and Satisfaction of International Students at a Midwestern University. Chicago, IL. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo.  October, 2017.

Ford, O., Rainville, AJ.  Can Afterschool Programming Improve Behaviors and Self Efficacy Related to Diet and Physical Activity? Chicago, IL. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo.  October, 2017.

Ford, O.  Challenges of nutrition and physical activity through afterschool programming. Grand Rapids, MI. Michigan Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. May, 2017.

Ford, O.  Research in Dietetics: Practicalities, Pitfalls, and Publication. Warren, MI, Southeastern Michigan Dietetic Association Spring Workshop, March, 2017. Oral presentation.

Ford, O.  Pros and Cons of the New NSLP Regulations for Dietetics Students and Educators. Memphis, TN. Foodservice Systems Management Education Council Biennial Conference. March 2015.

Seaver, O., Mullis, RM. Family Food and Fitness Fun Pack: A Pilot Study, Washington, DC. Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior, 2012.

Seaver, O., Mullis, RM., Bason, J., Davis M., Hanula G., Lewis R. Evaluation of an Afterschool Nutrition Intervention Targeting Youth of Immigrant and Refugee Families, Athens, GA. Georgia Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2012.

Courses

• DTC 108 Introduction to Careers in Nutrition and Dietetics

  DTC 350 Foodservice Systems Management

  DTC 358 Food and Culture

  DTC 372 Nutrition of the Lifecycle

  DTC 459 Development of the Entrepreneurial Dietitian

  DTC 638 Cultural Nutrition and Nutritional Ecology

  DTC 669 Vitamins and Minerals

   

Practice Experience

Practice Experience: 

School Nutrition

Corporate Wellness