Sharon Brown

Sharon Brown is a Professor at Transylvania University, affiliated with the Department of Health and Exercise Science and Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies. She holds a Ph.D. and M.S. from the University of South Carolina (1994) and a B.S. from Eastern Illinois University (1984). Her research focuses on childhood obesity prevention, the Mediterranean diet, the Slow Food movement, and the intersection of food culture with health. She has conducted fieldwork in Italy, Kenya, and Denmark, collaborating with students on projects funded by grants like the Jones/Kenan and Kenan Sabbatical programs.

Research Highlights: Brown’s work emphasizes global comparisons of school lunch programs and food sustainability. Notable projects include studying Slow Food initiatives in Northern Italy and Denmark’s New Nordic Diet in childhood obesity prevention. She integrates cultural anthropology and environmental sustainability into her research, often involving students in international fieldwork.

Awards:

• 2014 Monroe Moosnick Memorial Award
• 2004–present Bingham Teaching Fellow
• 2000 Bingham Award for Excellence in Teaching

Grants & Advising: Secured multiple grants for international research (e.g., Kenya, Italy, Denmark). Advised students on projects blending nutrition, public health, and cultural studies. Courses taught include Kinesiology, Nutrition, Women’s Health, and a travel course on French culture and sustainability.

Labs & Teams: No formal lab mentioned, but collaborates with international institutions on food sustainability and school health programs.