About DHN
The mission of the Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition (DHN) in contributing excellence in learning, discovery and engagement is to:
- Promote healthy lifestyles through sustainable, nutritionally sound food choices and regular physical activity
- Enhance the well‐being of people through meaningful nutrition education, research and service experiences; and
- Expand economic opportunity by generating and sharing knowledge of human nutrition, dietetics and food systems.
Message from the Chair
Food, Nutrition and Health for All
The Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition offers outstanding higher education opportunities for students passionate about food, health and wellness. Our undergraduate program in Human Nutrition provides a strong foundation to prepare students for dental, medical, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy or physician assistant studies. We also have a long history of preparing successful Registered Dietitians for a rewarding career through our accredited didactic, coordinated and internship programs. For undergraduates interested in further specializations, we offer a Certificate in Food Systems and Hunger Studies and a Certificate in Nutrition for Human Performance. Our graduate program in Nutrition and Food Systems is focused on practical and critical thinking to solve nutrition-related problems in an evolving global society.
DHN is home to the Campus Kitchen at University of Kentucky, we partner with The Food Connection and Sustainable Agriculture, and have a well-equipped Performance Nutrition and Body Composition Laboratory. Our research generates new discoveries that build the evidence base for improving health through nutrition and food security and promoting a sustainable environment. Faculty in DHN are engaged in a wide variety of research, from food environment and culture to exercise and physiology. We value community engagement and offer award-winning Cooperative Extension Service programs through Family and Consumer Sciences Extension to help Kentuckians live their best lives.
Please contact us with any questions you have about our programs. We take pride in our work to fulfill the land-grant mission of teaching, research and service. We hope you’ll join us. Look for us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. We post about food, fun and adventure in Kentucky and around the world.
Get Involved with DHN
Lemon Tree Restaurant
The Lemon Tree provides real world, science-based experiences to students in the Quantity Food Production class, a capstone course for Dietetics and Hospitality Management & Tourism undergraduate students. The Lemon Tree is more than just a restaurant; it’s a living classroom where students gain invaluable hands-on experience. Reservations are required.
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Alumni and Giving
Graduates are encouraged to stay connected and meet other alumni at our annual Dietetics and Human Nutrition alumni event. Find out how to become a member of the UK Martin-Gatton CAFE Alumni Association and the benefits of membership. You can also explore the ways you can give back to the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.
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Performance Nutrition Lab
In our Performance Nutrition and Body Composition Laboratory, we help individuals better understand their bodies, equipping them to make healthy lifestyle improvements. We assess body composition and resting metabolic rate, with follow-ups to measure progress. The lab offers state-of-the-art, research-grade body composition and resting energy expenditure testing.
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Faculty Like Family
Our esteemed faculty will be available to support and guide you every step of the way as you pursue your career in Dietetics or Human Nutrition. Visit our directory to meet your future professors and mentors.
The Dietetics and Human Nutrition faculty have a passion for nutrition and well-being that is infectious, and they go above and beyond to promote success. They have become like a second family to me, and I am forever grateful for the time, effort and resources they have invested in me and my future.
Kara Koldiron
DHN in the Community
Campus Kitchen
The Campus Kitchen at UK focuses on student-powered hunger relief on campus and in the community. Volunteers work to recover food that would otherwise be wasted to provide nutritious meals to underserved communities.
Explore the Campus KitchenCooperative Extension
With Cooperative Extension Service programs through Family and Consumer Sciences, we are proud to offer award-winning community programming that improve the lives of everyday Kentuckians through better nutrition.
Discover Extension ServicesLatest News
Every day, DHN students are making waves for their contributions to nutrition, research and their community. Learn about the history of the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition and catch up on the latest news.
Check Out Our Past & PresentConnect With Us
Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition
204 Funkhouser Building
Lexington, KY 40506
859-257-3800
dhn@uky.edu
