Yendi Caraballo Lopez joined the Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition at the University of Kentucky in 2025 as Program Coordinator II. She brings extensive experience in medical nutrition therapy, clinical management, and higher education.

Yendi earned her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from Universidad Ana G. Méndez Gurabo Campus in Puerto Rico, followed by a Master of Science in Nutrition with a focus on Community Nutrition from Nova Southeastern University. She is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, licensed in several states including Florida and Kentucky, and also holds the Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC) credential. Prior to joining the University of Kentucky, Yendi served as Director of Nutrition Systems I at Morrison Healthcare, where she managed clinical nutrition operations for three hospitals, led projects such as malnutrition screening, cost reduction, and promoted teamwork across professions. Additionally, she has supervised dietetic interns in clinical settings and partnered with academic institutions to create agreements for student rotations designed to enhance learning and workforce readiness. Yendi has taught both undergraduate and graduate nutrition courses online as an adjunct faculty member at various universities.

Her key areas of expertise include medical nutrition therapy, clinical nutrition management, leadership, and dietetics education. Currently, Yendi is pursuing a Doctor of Clinical Nutrition degree from the University of North Florida, with research interests in hospital-based quality improvement, interprofessional education, and innovative strategies for dietetics training.