Marilyn Nehls

Marilyn Nehls, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion at the University of Kentucky. She holds a Ph.D. in Exercise Science, an MS in Nutritional Sciences, and an MPH in Population Health Policy and Management, all from the University of Kentucky. Her research focuses on human nutrition, sports nutrition, cardiovascular health, obesity, and exercise, with a particular emphasis on translational studies linking dietary interventions to physiological outcomes.

Dr. Nehls teaches undergraduate courses including Introduction to Kinesiology and Health Promotion (KHP 151), Nutrition and Physical Fitness (KHP 240), and Introduction to Exercise Testing and Prescription (KHP 450). She leads innovative study abroad programs in Mediterranean Diet-focused locations like Italy, Greece, and Costa Rica, integrating cultural and nutritional education. As Director of Life Fitness, she oversees activity-based courses and collaborates with teaching assistants to enhance experiential learning.

Her research explores the interplay between nutrition and cardiovascular health, including dietary interventions for obesity, inflammation modulation in chronic diseases, and the effects of functional foods like curcumin and coconut sugar. Recent work has examined pandemic-related shifts in physical activity patterns among university employees and the impact of dietary acid loads in hemodialysis patients.

Dr. Nehls’ research outputs span systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and clinical trials, emphasizing evidence-based approaches to health promotion. While no formal awards are listed, her active grant-funded projects likely support her interdisciplinary work in exercise science and public health. She mentors undergraduate students through her directorship roles and lab collaborations, fostering future leaders in health education and research.