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Brenda M. Davy, PhD, RDN

Professor
  • Focus area(s): Obesity and body weight regulation; behavioral and metabolic aspects; diet and cardiovascular diseases; dietary intake assessment; water and beverage intake and health
A Virginia Tech HNFE faculty member stands outside for a photo.
266B Wallace
  • Graduate Program Track(s): Behavioral & Community Science; Clinical Physiology and Metabolism

Education

Ph.D., Human Nutrition, Colorado State University, 2001
M.S., Exercise Physiology, Virginia Tech, 1992
B.S., Human Nutrition, Virginia Tech, 1989

Experience

2015 – present: Professor, Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA

2008 – 2015: Associate Professor, Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA

2003 – 2008: Assistant Professor, Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA

2002 – 2003: Assistant Professor, Division of Hypertension, Department of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS     

1993 – 1998: Research Dietitian/Clinical Trials Coordinator, Center for Human Nutrition, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO 

1992 – 1993: Chief Clinical Dietitian, Mediplex Rehabilitation Hospital, Thornton, CO  

1991-1992: Cardiac Dietitian, Roanoke Memorial Hospital, Roanoke, VA

Selected Major Awards

  • 2019 – Excellence in Outcomes Research Award, Weight Management Dietetics Practice Group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
  • 2019 – Outstanding Reviewer Award, Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
  • March 2017 – Achievement Award, SCAN Dietetic Practice Group
  • 2015 – 2016 – Outstanding Alumna for the Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise
  • 2013 – Fellow, The Obesity Society (FTOS)
  • 2009 – Excellence in Research Award, Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise, Virginia Tech
  • 2008 – Recipient, International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI) Future Nutrition Leader Award
  • 2007 – Fellow, American College of Sports Medicine (FACSM)
  • 2004 – Recipient, SCAN's "Excellence in Practice" Award. Sports, Cardiovascular, Wellness and Disordered Eating Nutritionists (SCAN) Practice Group of the American Dietetic Association

Program Focus

I conduct research investigating the role of diet and physical activity behaviors in the prevention and treatment of obesity and related comorbidities, beverage consumption and weight management, and dietary assessment methodologies. Current research trials are focused on the influence of ultra-processed food consumption on type 2 diabetes risk and eating behaviors, and water consumption and weight control.