Molly K. Parker

Molly K. Parker, PhD, RDN is a Collegiate Assistant Professor in the Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise at Virginia Tech. Her research focuses on dietary assessment methodology, sustainable food systems, and social determinants of health. She holds multiple graduate certificates including Public Health and Future Professoriate from Virginia Tech.

Education:

• PhD in Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise (Virginia Tech, 2023)
• MS in Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise (Virginia Tech, 2019)
• BS in Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise (Virginia Tech, 2018)
• Graduate Certificates in Public Health (2022) and Future Professoriate (2021)

Her research integrates sustainable dietary behaviors with planetary health, aiming to prevent non-communicable diseases through evidence-based interventions. Notable work includes developing the Planetary Health Diet Index and Healthy Beverage Index for children. Recent presentations address sustainable diets and weight bias in dietary reporting.

Awards:

• Carol B. Papillon Dietetic Scholarship (2017)
• Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Hokie Spirit Scholarship (2016)

Dr. Parker has extensive teaching experience as a Graduate Teaching Assistant and contributed to research roles since 2018. Her work bridges academic research with public health policy, emphasizing community-based solutions to improve dietary practices and address systemic health disparities.