Jennifer S. Zabinsky

Jennifer S. Zabinsky serves as an Adjunct Instructor in the Department of Human Nutrition, Foods & Exercise at Virginia Tech, while also operating Bliss Nutrition, a private practice specializing in sports performance nutrition and eating disorder recovery. She holds multiple roles, including Performance Nutrition Consultant for Virginia Tech Athletics and former Associate Athletics Director of Sports Nutrition (2011–2019). Her expertise spans sports nutrition, disordered eating interventions, and vitamin/fatty acid research in athletic populations.

Education:

• MAEd in Instructional Technology, Virginia Tech (2013)
• BS in Dietetics, Virginia Tech (2009)
• BA in Sociology, Roanoke College (2005)

Research Interests: Focused on optimizing athletic performance through nutrition, addressing eating disorders in athletes, and investigating biomarkers like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and ferritin in collegiate athletes. Her work emphasizes practical applications for enhancing recovery, performance, and long-term health.

Publications: Highlights include studies on omega-3 status in athletes (2020), vitamin D supplementation effects in swimmers (2019), and ferritin's role in athletic performance. Her research bridges sports science and clinical nutrition, emphasizing evidence-based practices.

Awards:

• 2018 Outstanding Recent Alumna, Virginia Tech College of Agriculture & Life Sciences
• 2018 Outstanding Undergraduate Alumni, Virginia Tech Department of Human Nutrition
• 2010 Outstanding Virginia Dietetic Intern

Advising & Grants: Collaborates as co-investigator on studies involving omega-3 intake, hydration validation in golfers, vitamin D effects, and ferritin research. Maintains a private practice offering individualized nutrition therapy and team consultations.