Carlin Rafie

Carlin Rafie is an Assistant Professor and Senior Extension Specialist at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, focusing on community health through the Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise. She holds a PhD in Dietetics and Nutrition from Florida International University (2009) and has over a decade of experience in extension programs.

• Ph.D., Dietetics and Nutrition, Florida International University, 2009
• M.S., Food, Nutrition, and Institutional Administration, Oklahoma State University, 1986
• B.S., Biology, Oklahoma State University, 1983

Her research centers on disseminating lifestyle behavior change programs for chronic disease prevention, particularly diabetes, and addressing the opioid crisis via community engagement. She developed the Colon Cancer Free Zone and SEED Method, emphasizing stakeholder collaboration and implementation science.

Dr. Rafie’s awards include multiple National Extension Association honors, USDA-NIFA recognition, and NIH/NIDA funding. Her recent publications highlight participatory research methods, rural health disparities, and innovative program delivery strategies like distance learning.

• National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Science, Communications Newsletters Award: 2nd Place National Winner (2021)
• Extension Foundation USDA-NIFA New Technology for Ag Extension (NTAE) Program Accelerator Award (2021)
• NIH/NIDA Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (2006-2008)

She leads initiatives integrating community health workers into extension programs and works on national frameworks for diabetes prevention. Her work bridges academic research with practical, community-driven solutions.