Rachel Gillespie

Rachel Gillespie
Senior Extension Associate

Professional Profile

Rachel Gillespie joined the Department of Family Consumer Sciences and works primarily on the CDC High Obesity Program project focusing on community programming and implementation of evidence-based strategies to target obesity.

As a University of Kentucky alumnus with both a Bachelor’s Degree in Dietetics and a Master’s Degree in Nutrition and Food Systems, Rachel developed a niche in research and community nutrition work, with a particular focus on food environments and systems. Additionally, she has worked extensively with rural areas and food insecure communities. 

Rachel is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Kentucky Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Bluegrass Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Education

  • 2016, University of Kentucky – Bachelor of Science – Dietetics
  • 2017, University of Kentucky – MS – Nutrition & Food Systems – Thesis: Connecting Self-Efficacy of Dietary Choices and the Association With Dietary Intake Among Rural Adolescents in North Carolina and Kentucky
  • 2019, Priority Nutrition Care Dietetic Internship

Areas of Interest

Extension