Biography

Caree J. Jackson earned a PhD in Foods and Nutrition in August 2008 from the University of Georgia, where she also received a MS in nutrition in 2004. Caree received a BS in biology from Howard University. She is also a registered and licensed dietitian. Currently, Caree’s research involves creating innovative interventions to combat the problem of obesity in the African-American community. Caree is the author of, Lil’ Red Ridin Thru ‘Da Hood, a childhood obesity prevention live theater show and follow-up program for low-income African-American children. Her program has received funding from the Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation and has been professionally produced for thousands of children in Atlanta, GA, Athens, GA, Boston, MA, and Philadelphia, PA. Caree’s dissertation research focused on the development of a theater-based intervention that effectively conveys messages about healthy eating and physical activity to at-risk African-American adolescents. Her research interests include community nutrition, health disparities, and disease prevention. She focuses on demonstrating the effectiveness of using novel approaches such as media and arts programs to promote healthy lifestyle behavior. Caree is a Kellogg Health Scholar at the Morgan State University School of Community Health and Policy site. She is currently working in partnership with the Union Baptist Head Start Center in Baltimore, Maryland to design a culturally appropriate nutrition and physical activity intervention for Head Start children, parents, and staff members.