Elena Serrano

Elena Serrano, Ph.D., is a Professor and Extension Specialist in the Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise at Virginia Tech. She directs the Virginia Family Nutrition Program (VFNP), a land-grant initiative focusing on nutrition security and chronic disease prevention. Her work emphasizes evaluating food assistance programs and promoting healthy eating through community partnerships. She holds a Ph.D. from Colorado State University (2001) and has served at Virginia Tech since 2002, advancing from Assistant to Associate Professor before her current role. Her research explores food security contributors, SNAP program effectiveness, and mental health linkages among low-income mothers. Notable awards include the Virginia Tech Alumni Award (2022) and recognition for early career contributions (2007).

• Education: Ph.D. & M.S. in Food Science and Human Nutrition (Colorado State University), B.S. in Development Studies (UC Berkeley)
• Key Roles: Director of VFNP, Virginia Cooperative Extension leader, and Extension Specialist

Her research focuses on nutrition security, food environment interventions, and policy evaluation. Recent work examines SNAP-authorized retailers’ healthy product commitments and the impact of food insecurity on maternal mental health. She collaborates on initiatives to enhance access to nutritious foods through farmers markets, school programs, and community health worker models.

• Awards: Virginia Tech Alumni Award (2022), American Heart Association Volunteer Award (2010), and multiple NEAFCS recognitions
• Grants/Programs: Leads multi-state collaborations for school nutrition programs and Healthy Food Retail initiatives

Program highlights include the VFNP’s 50-year history improving family nutrition and its “Eat Smart, Move More” motto. Current projects address food waste in camps, SNAP consumer environments, and drone technology for food security. She has over 50 peer-reviewed publications and presents at national conferences like ISBNPA and Society for Nutrition Education.