Dr. Serah W. Theuri

Serah Theuri is an Associate Professor of Nutrition in the Food and Nutrition Program. Prior to joining the faculty at the University of Southern Indiana, Serah was an Assistant Professor of Clinical Nutrition at Zayed University in the United Arab Emirates. Serah is a registered dietitians and an active member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetic. She is a 2016-2017 Board Member of the Indiana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.  As a member of the Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior, Serah served as the 2014-2015 chair in the Society’s Division of International Nutrition Education.

Professional Organizations

• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
• Indiana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
• Nutrition and Dietetics Educators and Practitioner Practice Group
• Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior
• American Society of Nutrition

Research

My research focuses on access to healthy food in urban underserved communities and its impact on human health.  Households with limited resources to purchase enough healthy foods often purchase cheap, high-calorie foods in an effort to stretch the food dollar which promotes poor health. Our most recent nutrition assessment study indicated obesity, poor blood glucose control, hypertension and hyperlipidemia as major areas of health concern in adults in these communities.  We are currently providing nutrition services for patients at the USI Community Health Centers with the goal to improve these health indicators, and also measure the level of readiness to make changes. This work received the (FNCE®) 2016 Outstanding Abstract in October.

Education

   PhD: Mississippi State University

   Dietetic Internship: Mississippi State University

   MSc:  University of Central Oklahoma

   BSc: Kenyatta University

 Certification

   Registered Dietitian: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics