Influential Leaders Series
This page features a collection of short videos and written interviews with some of the influential leaders in SNEB history. Through these insightful interviews, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of their experiences, professional backgrounds, and personal visions for the future of SNEB. Dive in to discover the perspectives that are shaping the future of this field.
Johanna T. Dwyer, DSc, RD
Dr. Johanna Dwyer was involved with SNEB from the beginning as a staffer for Dr. Jean Mayer at the first White House Conference on Food, Nutrition, and Health in 1969. Dwyer served as the 9th President of SNE from 1976-77. Her career covers many dimensions of nutrition education, including cutting-edge scientific research, teaching at Tufts University, writing articles for the general public, editing major nutrition journals, publishing over 700 papers, and extensive work in government programs and policy.
Isobel R. Contento, PhD
Dr. Contento entered the field of nutrition education from a background in basic science and quickly realized that changing what people ate involved as much — if not more —psychology than basic science. Her definition of nutrition education has been widely adopted including by the Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior and by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-ed).
Joan D. Gussow, EdD
Gussow has published many articles, one, written with Dr. Kate Clancy, appeared in the Journal of Nutrition Education in 1986 and is often cited for having introduced the idea of Sustainable Dietary Guidelines. Gussow also served as SNEB President from 1979–1980 and inspired the formation of the Sustainable Food Systems Division.
Carol Miller
Carol Miller’s nearly five-decade career in nutrition education was inspired by her early experiences at the New York State Fair, leading her to pursue a lifelong commitment to the field. Beginning her career as a Clinical Dietitian and later contributing significantly to public health programs in Maryland, Carol’s work emphasized the importance of interactive education and behavior change. Her involvement with the Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior (SNEB) has been a cornerstone of her professional journey, providing opportunities for networking and personal growth. Carol advises students and early career professionals to embrace diverse experiences and actively participate in professional organizations like SNEB, as they can shape both career paths and lasting friendships.
Barbara Mayfield, MS, RDN, LD, FAND
Barbara, a registered dietitian-nutritionist and founder of Nutrition Communicator, LLC, has significantly impacted the field by enhancing communication skills among nutrition professionals and contributing to important publications, including Communicating Nutrition: The Authoritative Guide. Throughout her career, she has been an active member of SNEB, presenting research and sharing her insights at conferences, and she encourages young professionals to embrace diverse opportunities and continual growth within the field. Barbara’s vision for the future of nutrition education is optimistic, emphasizing the enduring need for effective communication and education in promoting health and well-being.
Author
Nila Pradhananga,
PhD Candidate, Louisiana State University
SNEB Student Division
Secretary- Treasurer Elect and SNEB Student Member
Ardyth Gillespie, Ph.D.
Dr. Ardyth Gillespie, a retired Cornell University professor and former SNEB president, has had a distinguished career in nutrition focused on collaboration, relationship-building, and innovation. She developed the Collaborative Engaged Research (CER) methodology, which she applied to studies of family and community food decision-making, and has made significant contributions to nutrition education, including an updated nutrition communication framework. Dr. Gillespie has emphasized the value of co-learning and co-creating through community-university partnerships, despite the challenges of navigating academic pressures and community needs. Her involvement in SNEB has deeply influenced her commitment to partnership development, and she continues to advocate for thoughtful, relationship-focused approaches in the field. In retirement, she is exploring creative non-fiction writing and working on a family memoir.
Author
Luyue(Cindy) Zheng
Ph.D. Student, University of New Hampshire
SNEB Student Member
The History Video interviews and videos were produced, recorded and edited by
Ben Koch of of Ben Koch Media. https://benkochmedia.com/