Elizabeth Droke

Dr. Elizabeth Droke is an Associate Professor in the Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Hospitality at South Dakota State University (SDSU), part of the School of Health and Human Sciences. She serves as program coordinator for the Ph.D. in Nutrition and Exercise Sciences and the M.S. in Nutritional Sciences specialization. Her expertise spans nutrition and dietetics education, with a focus on advancing teaching and research in these fields.

Education:

• B.S. in animal science (honors), University of Illinois, 1985
• M.S. in animal science, The Ohio State University, 1988
• Ph.D. in nutrition (minor in physiology), North Carolina State University, 1991
• Coordinated program in dietetics, University of Minnesota, 1999

Research interests include nutrition education, dietetics pedagogy, and interdisciplinary approaches to human nutrition. Her teaching spans undergraduate and graduate courses such as Nutrition Across the Lifecycle, Advanced Human Nutrition, and Nutrition and Immunology. She has held continuous academic roles since 1991, including postdoctoral research positions at the USDA and University of Minnesota before joining SDSU in 1998.

Awards:

• College of Family and Consumer Sciences Faculty Award
• Distinguished Researcher (College of Family and Consumer Sciences)
• Advisor for Outstanding Student Organization (FDH Club)
• Travel Award for external funding contributions

Dr. Droke’s academic responsibilities include committee work at the school, college, and university levels. Her career has emphasized bridging research and practice in nutrition education and dietetics, with a legacy of mentorship and program development.