Article written by: Alissa Smethers PhD, RD, LDN
Spring is finally here! This month Lisa K. Diewald MS, RD, LDN will share her nutrition journey with you as part of the PAND Research Corner Spotlight.
Where do you live currently?
I live in Downingtown, Pennsylvania about 35 miles west of Philadelphia.
Is there anything you love about where you’re located?
Downingtown borough has lots of small town charm and a community feel, and I like that a lot. It also offers easy access to great bike and walking trails. I live only a couple of miles from Marsh Creek State Park and I go there often to hike, walk my dog, or just watch the boats on the lake.
Where are you from originally?
I’m a Pennsylvanian through and through. I was raised in Glenside, another quaint small town in a Philadelphia suburb located just outside the city.
What are you currently working on/researching?
I work in a couple of different positions, which makes my career very interesting. I work as Program Manager at the MacDonald Center for Obesity Prevention and Education in the M.Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing at Villanova University. We work on providing continuing education programs on obesity and obesity-related conditions for health professionals, primarily nurses and dietitians. In addition we are researching and implementing innovative ways to reach underserved, food insecure individuals and families with nutrition education in ways that promote self-sufficiency and self-confidence.
When I am not at Villanova, I work in a private practice called Nutrition for Living seeing clients with a variety of different medical conditions and/or weight concerns.
Where did you go to school? College, internship, etc.
I attended Drexel University and received a B.S. in Food and Nutrition Sciences. At that time, a Coordinated Undergraduate Program (CUP) was available so my last year was spent at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) and other community and clinical sites. Later I earned an M.S. in Health Education from Saint Joseph’s University.
What did you want to do after your studies were completed?
I wanted to be a clinical dietitian at a large teaching hospital and I was hired on at HUP upon graduation in a temporary capacity, filling in for an RD on maternity leave for six months. At the end of the six months, I was thrilled to be offered a permanent position. I stayed at HUP for 5 years and it provided me an excellent clinical foundation that I still draw upon today in my research and counseling roles.
Have you published anything professionally?
Yes, I am grateful to have worked with colleagues with extensive obesity research experience in clinical trials and through this experience, collaborated on several papers primarily relating to lifestyle interventions in obesity treatment.
How do you feel that your work in research has helped in application to real people?
Most of my research in obesity prevention and treatment focused on behavioral lifestyle modification interventions, which to me represents the “real life, everyday” struggles people face in weight management. This strong foundation helps me every day in working with clients to promote positive behavioral and dietary changes. Most recently, along with colleagues at Villanova University’s M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, we are researching ways health professionals can be better equipped to recognize weight stigma and bias, leading to more sensitive and respectful treatment of individuals with obesity.
Why did you decide to focus on nutrition as a career?
As a teenager, my sister and I were very focused-almost obsessed!-with healthy eating. I also enjoyed science and helping people. Nutrition seemed to be a way to bring together these interests.
How do you like to spend your free time?
I enjoy biking, hiking, church activities and spending time with family. My children are young adults now and although we all don’t live in the same house anymore, we really enjoy our time together. .
What is your favorite food? Is there anything people be shocked you like or hate?
Ever since I was a child, I loved spaghetti and all things pasta. I remember how I could polish off huge amounts of it when I was young! Now I try to practice a little more portion control (it’s hard sometimes!), and explore healthier versions of pasta.
