Elizabeth A. Dennis

Dr. Elizabeth A. Dennis is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Her academic journey includes a BS and PhD from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), a Dietetic Internship from Marywood University, and a Postdoctoral Fellowship at Georgetown University Medical Center. She maintains dual expertise as both a researcher and registered dietitian (R.D.).

Dr. Dennis's research program focuses on community health, nutrition, and disease prevention, with particular emphasis on dietary intake, weight management strategies, and lifestyle interventions across diverse populations. Her early work examined beverage consumption and adult weight management, then evolved to explore dietary habits of African American breast cancer survivors, and now centers on older adults with impaired mobility. She investigates how disability negatively impacts dietary quality and identifies barriers to healthy eating among this vulnerable population. Her research extends to teacher workplace health behaviors and school environments through an AHA career development award.

Dr. Dennis leads two significant NIH-funded initiatives: the SEPA-funded Cure Connections program, a STEM enrichment initiative for 9th and 10th grade UMB CURE Scholars, and the RAMP program, which provides summer research training for high school students. These programs reflect her commitment to addressing health disparities through education and research capacity building in underserved communities.

• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Research Dietetics Practice Group Published Paper Award for Junior Faculty (2014)
• American Society for Nutrition Emerging Leaders in Nutrition Science Poster Competition Award (2015)
• Maryland Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year (2016)
• Research DPG Member of the Year (2016)
• Outstanding Recent Graduate Alumni Award, Virginia Tech (2018)

Dr. Dennis has secured substantial research funding and maintains an active publication record with over 30 peer-reviewed articles. Her work demonstrates a strong trajectory toward increasingly complex studies addressing nutrition-related health challenges across multiple vulnerable populations including teachers, older adults with mobility limitations, veterans, and urban youth. She actively mentors the next generation of researchers through her NIH-funded programs and maintains professional leadership in nutrition science and public health.