Stephenson-Martin succeeds Sarah Colby, PhD, RD, who served as president during the 2024-2025 term. In her new role, Stephenson-Martin will lead the association in advancing its mission to advance food and nutrition education research, practice, and policy that promote equity and support public and planetary health.

“I am honored to serve as President of the Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior and build upon the incredible work of my predecessors,” said Stephenson-Martin. “I look forward to working with our incredible leadership team, members, and staff to advance global leadership, research, and collaboration in nutrition education and behavior.”

Susan Stephenson-Martin, MS is currently the director of the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.

The SNEB 2025 International Conference gathered over 400 nutrition education professionals to inspire action and drive progress within the field.

For more information about the Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior or to learn more about the leadership team, visit https://sneb-prod.mod9multimedia.com/.

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Journalists interested in further comment or setting up an interview can reach out to SNEB Executive Director Nicole Brandt at nbrandt@sneb.org or Marketing and Communications Manager Andrew de Bie at adebie@sneb.org.

ABOUT THE SOCIETY FOR NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR

The Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior is an international organization of nutrition education professionals who are dedicated to advancing food and nutrition education research, practice, and policy that promote equity, and support public and planetary health. To learn more, visit sneb.dev.mod9multimedia.com/.

As an MPH candidate at the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, Jenna is passionate about public health and values the support of fellow professionals. She is particularly focused on the role of nutrition education in managing reproductive health conditions like PCOS and endometriosis. She also appreciates the opportunities provided by SNEB to connect with and learn from experts in the field.

What inspired you to become a member of SNEB?

As I navigate the field of public health, I have always found the most support and encouragement from other public health
professionals in the field. SNEB gives people the opportunity to connect and learn from the brightest minds.

Are there particular challenges or issues in the field of nutrition education that you are passionate about addressing?

I am particularly interested in the role of nutrition education as it pertains to reproductive health, specifically conditions like PCOS and endometriosis.

We sincerely appreciate you becoming a part of SNEB! We’re thrilled to have you in our community and are eager to see the contributions you’ll bring. We invite all our members to extend a warm welcome

Not a member of SNEB but interested in joining?

At SNEB, our greatest strength lies in the diverse talents of our community members. To celebrate and showcase this remarkable network, we’re thrilled to launch our Member Spotlight series! By sharing personal stories and achievements, we aim to strengthen connections and foster a deeper sense of belonging, creating a more unified and supportive SNEB community.

What inspired you to become a member of SNEB?

My work on leveraging nutrition education through digital tools.

Are there particular challenges or issues in the field of nutrition education that you are passionate about addressing?

I’m passionate about addressing health disparities in nutrition education. I’m particularly focused on using digital tools to improve access to reliable, culturally relevant information for underserved communities.

What specific skills or knowledge are you hoping to develop through your involvement with SNEB?

We sincerely appreciate you becoming a part of SNEB! We’re thrilled to have you in our community and are eager to see the contributions you’ll bring. We invite all our members to extend a warm welcome

Not a member of SNEB but interested in joining?

At SNEB, our greatest strength lies in the diverse talents of our community members. To celebrate and showcase this remarkable network, we’re thrilled to launch our Member Spotlight series! By sharing personal stories and achievements, we aim to strengthen connections and foster a deeper sense of belonging, creating a more unified and supportive SNEB community.

What inspired you to become a member of SNEB?

I was inspired to become a member of SNEB because of its strong emphasis on evidence-based nutrition education and its dedication to promoting healthy behaviors across diverse communities. I believe that SNEB’s resources, research, and professional network will help me develop the skills I need to effectively address both the physical and psychological aspects of nutrition, ultimately contributing to a more holistic approach to health and well-being.

Are there particular challenges or issues in the field of nutrition education that you are passionate about addressing?

With my background in dietetics, psychology, and mental health advocacy, I’m particularly interested in understanding how to educate diverse populations about healthy eating patterns while considering the psychological and emotional factors that influence food choices. Additionally, I want to learn more about designing educational programs that support both physical and mental health, with a focus on preventing disordered eating behaviors.

What specific skills or knowledge are you hoping to develop through your involvement with SNEB?

We sincerely appreciate you becoming a part of SNEB! We’re thrilled to have you in our community and are eager to see the contributions you’ll bring. We invite all our members to extend a warm welcome

Not a member of SNEB but interested in joining?

At SNEB, our greatest strength lies in the diverse talents of our community members. To celebrate and showcase this remarkable network, we’re thrilled to launch our Member Spotlight series! By sharing personal stories and achievements, we aim to strengthen connections and foster a deeper sense of belonging, creating a more unified and supportive SNEB community.

What inspired you to become a member of SNEB?

While taking a course in my Master of Education program this fall, I was encouraged to research more professional organizations that would pertain to my career. I came across SNEB and was very interested in learning more about the information that is shared among its members and webinars that were offered. Since joining I have watched 4 previously recorded webinars and have thoroughly enjoyed listening to works being done across the globe.

What specific skills or knowledge are you hoping to develop through your involvement with SNEB?

We sincerely appreciate you becoming a part of SNEB! We’re thrilled to have you in our community and are eager to see the contributions you’ll bring. We invite all our members to extend a warm welcome

Not a member of SNEB but interested in joining?

At SNEB, our greatest strength lies in the diverse talents of our community members. To celebrate and showcase this remarkable network, we’re thrilled to launch our Member Spotlight series! By sharing personal stories and achievements, we aim to strengthen connections and foster a deeper sense of belonging, creating a more unified and supportive SNEB community.

What inspired you to become a member of SNEB?

While much of my current research focuses on food loss and waste, I find myself increasing working in close research collaboration with human nutrition research on the wider challenge of nutrition sensitive Pacific food systems.

Are there particular challenges or issues in the field of nutrition education that you are passionate about addressing?

While I assume SNEB has a fundamental focus on nutrition education, in the Pacific nutrition-based outcomes are often limited by the efficiency and sustainability of the local horticultural sector (in terms of the physical and economic accessibility of fresh fruits and vegetables). Many of the human nutrition students aligned to our research programs have limited appreciation of the fundaments of crop production and distribution. In the more challenging space of international development where trans-disciplinary research teams are the norm, I would like to advocate for better connectivity between the parallel field of horticulture and nutrition.

What specific skills or knowledge are you hoping to develop through your involvement with SNEB?

We sincerely appreciate you becoming a part of SNEB! We’re thrilled to have you in our community and are eager to see the contributions you’ll bring. We invite all our members to extend a warm welcome

Not a member of SNEB but interested in joining?

At SNEB, our greatest strength lies in the diverse talents of our community members. To celebrate and showcase this remarkable network, we’re thrilled to launch our Member Spotlight series! By sharing personal stories and achievements, we aim to strengthen connections and foster a deeper sense of belonging, creating a more unified and supportive SNEB community.

What inspired you to become a member of SNEB?

To network and learn from others who work in the community nutrition education field

Are there particular challenges or issues in the field of nutrition education that you are passionate about addressing?

I’m passionate about helping our program participants achieve a healthier quality of life. I believe in the mission of the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and recognize the unique challenges our participants face. If there’s something I can do to help them overcome these obstacles, I want to make it happen through our program.

What specific skills or knowledge are you hoping to develop through your involvement with SNEB?

I’m interested in keeping up with the latest in nutrition education research.

We sincerely appreciate you becoming a part of SNEB! We’re thrilled to have you in our community and are eager to see the contributions you’ll bring. We invite all our members to extend a warm welcome

Not a member of SNEB but interested in joining?

At SNEB, our greatest strength lies in the diverse talents of our community members. To celebrate and showcase this remarkable network, we’re thrilled to launch our Member Spotlight series! By sharing personal stories and achievements, we aim to strengthen connections and foster a deeper sense of belonging, creating a more unified and supportive SNEB community.

What inspired you to become a member of SNEB?

My desire to focus on reading, understanding, and applying research to my nutrition counseling practice.

Are there particular challenges or issues in the field of nutrition education that you are passionate about addressing?

At the moment I’m focused on menopause research. My backround is in eating disorder recvoery. How professionals interpret and apply statistics from a study to practice challenges me.

What specific skills or knowledge are you hoping to develop through your involvement with SNEB?

The practice of reading and understanding nutrition research. I’m especially interested in how to impact the behavioral aspect of nutrition education.

We sincerely appreciate you becoming a part of SNEB! We’re thrilled to have you in our community and are eager to see the contributions you’ll bring. We invite all our members to extend a warm welcome

Not a member of SNEB but interested in joining?

The SNEB Leadership Spotlight series highlights the remarkable individuals at the helm of our organization, offering an in-depth view of their journeys and contributions to advancing nutrition education. By sharing these narratives, we aim to strengthen the sense of community among our members.

Getting to know our leaders allows us to forge stronger connections with those championing SNEB’s mission. This initiative not only recognizes their successes but also fosters collaboration and meaningful dialogue within our network.

What inspired you to become a member of SNEB?

I was inspired to join SNEB by a mentor in extension who shared their own positive experiences with the organization. They spoke highly of the numerous opportunities SNEB offers for professional growth and networking. Their encouragement highlighted how SNEB could provide me with valuable connections in the field and access to a wealth of professional development resources. Their insights made it clear that becoming a member would be a strategic move to enhance my career and broaden my impact in nutrition education.

How has your involvement with SNEB influenced your work or perspective in the field?

Through SNEB, I’ve gained leadership opportunities and built a network of connections with other dedicated extension professionals. The vision of SNEB aligns with my own professional goals, particularly in promoting effective nutrition education and behavior through research. Being part of this organization ensures that I stay at the forefront of the latest developments and best practices in the field, enabling me to provide the most current and effective guidance in my work.

What do you see as the biggest challenge in nutrition education today, and how do you address it?

I feel one of the biggest challenges in nutrition education today is combating misinformation and the pervasive influence of diet culture. These issues can severely undermine the effectiveness of nutrition education and lead to widespread confusion among the public. To address this, I focus on providing clear, evidence-based information and promoting critical thinking. By staying informed about the latest research and engaging in transparent communication, I aim to help individuals make well-informed decisions and foster a more balanced and accurate understanding of nutrition.

How do you think the field of nutrition education will evolve in the next 5-10 years?

I anticipate that the field of nutrition education will increasingly focus on local foods and sustainable eating practices. As awareness grows about the environmental impact of food choices and the benefits of supporting local economies, there will likely be a stronger emphasis on integrating these principles into nutrition education and guiding people towards more informed and conscientious food choices.

What role do you see SNEB playing in the future of nutrition education?

SNEB will play a crucial role as a leading source of reliable information and evidence-based practice. By staying at the forefront of research and best practices, SNEB can help ensure that nutrition education remains accurate, relevant, and impactful, supporting informed decision-making and promoting overall public health.

What advice would you give to someone just starting in the field of nutrition education?

Regularly reflecting on your experiences and actively seeking feedback from peers and mentors. This practice will help you continuously improve your skills, stay aligned with best practices, and adapt to new challenges. Embrace a mindset of lifelong learning and remain open to diverse perspectives, as these will enrich your understanding and enhance your ability to make a meaningful impact in the field.

Not a member of SNEB but interested in joining?

The SNEB Leadership Spotlight series shines a light on the outstanding individuals guiding our organization, providing an in-depth view of their experiences and contributions to the field of nutrition education. Through these stories, we hope to foster a deeper sense of community among our members.

By getting to know our leaders, we strengthen our connection with those who represent SNEB and their commitment to our mission. This initiative not only recognizes their accomplishments but also encourages collaboration and conversation within our network.

What inspired you to become a member of SNEB?

I joined SNEB as a student while pursuing my Master’s degree at Teachers College, Columbia University. The active involvement of our faculty in SNEB, along with their accomplishments in the field of nutrition education, inspired me to become a member.

How has your involvement with SNEB influenced your work or perspective in the field?

My involvement as a leader and member of SNEB has allowed me to connect with the innovative work of others and stay informed about emerging research methods in the field. The leadership opportunities have significantly contributed to my professional growth, enabling me to develop communication and leadership skills that I might not have acquired otherwise. I have also gained broader perspectives on nutrition education research and practice that could impact local, regional, or federal food and nutrition policies. Lastly, my leadership experience is also recognized and valued by my university.

What do you see as the biggest challenge in nutrition education today, and how do you address it?

The public is exposed to a large amount of misinformation about nutrition and healthy eating, especially on social media, which often lacks credibility. It is crucial to properly train the next generation of nutrition professionals and reach broader populations with innovative, evidence-based nutrition education. At the same time, we should identify strategies to promote and maintain sustainable food systems that support food justice and health equity.

How do you think the field of nutrition education will evolve in the next 5-10 years?

Personalized approaches involving precision nutrition, including genetics and microbiome research, will continue to evolve. At the community level, multilevel multicomponent approaches are encouraged to address complex food systems and food access issues in addition to nutrition education incorporating behavioral change strategies. It is also interesting to see how A.I. and machine learning will be used in the field of nutrition education in the next 5-10 years.

What role do you see SNEB playing in the future of nutrition education?

(1) Supporting and disseminating cutting-edge research through the journal and the annual meeting; (2) Advocating for comprehensive strategies that go beyond individual behavioral change and include community, food system, and policy-level interventions to enhance human health while promoting sustainable food systems; and (3) Participating in major policy dialogues related to food and nutrition at both national and international levels.

What advice would you give to someone just starting in the field of nutrition education?

The field of nutrition education is constantly evolving but remains critical in our society where misinformation about healthy foods and nutrition is widespread. Stay connected with the latest research, guidelines, and best practices by engaging with SNEB divisions and attending its conferences, webinars, and journal clubs. Volunteering and networking with people in the society have truly helped me grow as a nutrition education professional and researcher.

Not a member of SNEB but interested in joining?