Leslie Thompson Van Horn (she/her)
Associate Professor College of Food Innovation & Technology Department of Culinary Arts Charlotte
Biography
Leslie Van Horn, DCN, RDN, LDN, FAND, holds a doctorate in Clinical Nutrition from the University of North Florida, where her dissertation focused on dietetics education and the validation of a survey measuring registered dietitian nutritionists’ knowledge of evidence-based practices. She completed postdoctoral research at the University of North Florida, focusing on food insecurity among older adults. She earned her master’s degree in human nutrition and completed her dietetic internship at Winthrop University, and holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the College of Charleston.
Before joining Johnson & Wales University, Van Horn taught dietetic students at Winthrop University and served as adjunct faculty at East Carolina University and the University of North Florida. She has also worked as a registered dietitian nutritionist in hospital and community settings across Charlotte.
At Johnson & Wales, Van Horn works closely with Culinary Nutrition students, overseeing culinary nutrition-related events that promote community health through the university’s teaching kitchen initiative.
Education
Doctorate of Clinical Nutrition, University of North Florida
Clinical Nutrition
MS, Winthrop University
Human Nutrition
BS, College of Charleston
Business Administration
Fellow of the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics (FAND)
Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics
Registered Dietitian (RD or RDN)
Commission on Dietetic Registration
Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist (LDN)
North Carolina Board of Dietetics/Nutrition
Student Abstract Research Award Winner
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Research Dietetic Practice Group
Graduate Student Research Prize
University of North Florida Dean’s Leadership Council
Outstanding Poster Award Winner 2021
South Carolina Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics
Riverside Foundation Fellowship
Riverside Hospital
Riverside Foundation Fellowship
Riverside Hospital
Riverside Foundation Fellowship
Riverside Hospital
“Plating Up Nutrition Empowerment in Charlotte.” Van Horn, L. (May 20, 2026)
https://www.jwu.edu/news/2026/05/nourish-up-pantry-to-plate-classes.html
“Fueling Futures: JWU’s Culinary Nutrition Program Is Nourishing Communities Through Hands-On Learning.” Van Horn, L. (April 15, 2025)
https://www.jwu.edu/news/2025/04/fueling-futures-culinary-nutrition-nourishing-communities.html
American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition
Public Health/Community Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group
Food & Culinary Professionals Dietetic Practice Group
The Teaching Kitchen Collaborative
Research Dietetic Practice Group
American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition
Nutrition & Dietetic Educators & Preceptors
Nutrition Educators of Health Professionals
North Carolina Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Cardiovascular Health & Well-being Dietetic Practice Group
Schneider, E. & Van Horn, L. & Sastre, L. (October (4th Quarter/Autumn), 2025). Dietitian Satisfaction in Primary Care Roles: A Survey of Primary Care Dietitians’ Experiences and Perceptions. (Journal Article).
Topics in Clinical Nutrition, 40(4), 311-322.
https://journals.lww.com/topicsinclinicalnutrition/abstract/2025/10000/dietitian_satisfaction_in_primary_care_roles__a.6.aspx
Worsfold, L. & Kattelmann, K. & Bacon, C. & Bezner, J. & Brody, R. & Chipman, K. & Davis, A. & Hanson, C. & Hodgkins, R. & Housley, L. & Mandali, S. & O’Sullivan-Maillet, J. & Pazzaglia, G. & Stevens, J. & Van Horn, L. & Vogelzang, J. & Wright, L. & Ziegler, J. & AbuSabha, R. (May, 2025). Report on the Development of the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics’ Academic “Accreditation Standards for Advanced Practice Doctoral Education in Nutrition and Dietetics. (Journal Article).
Journal of the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics.
https://www.jandonline.org/article/S2212-2672(25)00034-6/fulltext
Carol, F. & Van Horn, L. & Epps, J. & Ross, J. & Wright, L. (February, 2023). The Development of a New Scale to Measure Food Insecurity Among Older Adults Using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) Framework. (Journal Article).
Florida Public Health Review, 20(3).
https://digitalcommons.unf.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1287&context=fphr
Qubty, L. & Intiful, F. & Arikawa, A. & Van Horn, L. & Wright, L. (January (1st Quarter/Winter), 2023). A Two-Day Virtual Workshop on the Micronutrient-Directed Nutrition-Focused Physical Exam for Ghanaian Nutrition Professionals: Examining Perceived Self-Efficacy and Innovation. (Journal Article).
Journal of Dietetic Education, 1(1 (Article 7)).
https://ecommons.udayton.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1006&context=jde
Freiria, C. & Van Horn, L. & Arikawa, A. & Corona, L. & Wright, L. (October (4th Quarter/Autumn), 2022). Food insecurity among older adults living in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review. (Journal Article).
Public Health Nutrition.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36306201/
Van Horn, L. & Wright, L. & Arikawa, A. & Sealey-Potts, C. & Hamadi, H. (October (4th Quarter/Autumn) 4, 2022). Determinant Factors Associated with the Use of Evidence-Based Practices Among Registered Dietitian Nutritionists. (Journal Article).
Nutrition & Dietetics.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36193686/
Wright, L. & Ross, J. & Van Horn, L. & Freiria, C. (June, 2022). Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Food and Nutrition Security Among Older Adults: A Qualitative Perspective. (Journal Article).
Journal of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology.
https://clinmedjournals.org/articles/jgmg/journal-of-geriatric-medicine-and-gerontology-jgmg-8-133.php?jid=jgmg
Van Horn, L. & Wright, L. (April (2nd Quarter/Spring), 2022). Trends Related to Evidence-Based Dietetic Practice Among Dietitians with Varying Levels of Education and Experience. (Journal Article).
Topics in Clinical Nutrition, 37(2), 113-122.
https://journals.lww.com/topicsinclinicalnutrition/abstract/2022/04000/trends_related_to_evidence_based_dietetic_practice.4.aspx
Van Horn, L. & Wright, L. & Arikawa, A. & Sealey-Potts, C. (April (2nd Quarter/Spring), 2022). Validity and Reliability of a Questionnaire Measuring Evidence-Based Dietetic Practices Among Registered Dietitian Nutritionists. (Journal Article).
Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35485216/
Sastre, L. & Van Horn, L. (2020). Family Medicine Physicians’ Report Strong Support, Barriers and Preferences for Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Care in the Primary Care Setting. (Journal Article).
Family Practice.
Wright, L. & Marrero, A. & Van Horn, L. & Zeola, S. & Boateng, L. & Epps, J. & Lewis, S. (June, 2020). Culturally Adapted, Hands-on Malnutrition Workshop for Dietitians in Ghana Increases Self-efficacy, Knowledge, and Skills. (Journal Article).
Topics in Clinical Nutrition, 35(2), 116-120.
Exum, B. & Thompson, S. & Van Horn, L. (2014). A pilot study of grocery store sales: do low prices=high nutritional quality?. (Journal Article).
Nutrition & Food Science, 44(1), 64-70.
Thompson, S. & Van Horn, L. (2004). Gender differences in collegiate cross-country coaches’ body dissatisfaction and perceptions of eating disorders among runners. (Journal Article).
GAHPERD Journal, 37(1), 21-27.
Teaching Kitchen Event for Atrium Health Union County Residents & Faculty, “Food Matters: A Culinary Medicine Demonstration & Session,” JWU CFIT. (June 10, 2026).
REAL CTL Post-Commencement Programming, “REAL Innovators Panel,” REAL Committee & CTL. (May 11, 2026).
Teaching Kitchen Event for Ebenezer Baptist Church, “Sweet Balance: Cooking Up Smart Solutions for Blood Sugar Management with Ebenezer Baptist Church,” JWU CFIT Teaching Kitchen. (February 21, 2026).
Charlotte IDEAS Festival, “Food as Medicine: The Power of Nutrition in Healthcare,” Charlotte Center for the Humanities & Civic Imagination, Charlotte, NC, United States. (April 5, 2025).
Charlotte Ideas Festival, “The Evolution of Food as Medicine: Healthcare, Culinary, and Community Perspectives (duplicate with presentation details),” The Charlotte Center for the Humanities & Civic Imagination, Charlotte, NC. (April 5, 2025).
Shepard Center Of Charlotte, “Eating Well for One (or Two): Cooking Demonstration & Nutrition Workshop,” JWU and Shepards Center of CHarlotte, CHarlotte, United States. (April 2, 2025).
Teaching Kitchen Event for Shepherd’s Center of Charlotte, “Eating Well for One (or Two): Cooking Demonstration & Nutrition Workshop (duplicate to account for details),” Charlotte, NC. (April 2, 2025).
Teaching Kitchen Event for Ebenezer Baptist Church, “Promoting Health Through Food & Nutrition,” Charlotte, NC. (March 29, 2025).
Teaching Kitchen Events for Camino Health, “2024-25 Camino Health Daycare Presentations,” Charlotte, NC. (March 28, 2025).
2025 University Scholarship & Best Practices Expo, “Community Engagement Opportunities: JWU Charlotte Teaching Kitchen Needs Assessment Findings,” JWU Center for Teaching and Learning, Charlotte, NC. (February 14, 2025).
NCAND Virtual Educational Meeting, “NCAND Lightning Slide Poster Reviewer,” North Carolina Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics. (February 7, 2025).
Teaching Kitchen Event for Sun City Carolina Lakes – EatSmart & Live Healthy Club, “Sweet Balance: Cooking Up Smart Solutions for Blood Sugar Management,” Charlotte, NC. (October 11, 2024).
NCAND Educational Meeting, “NCAND Lightning Slide & Poster Reviewer,” North Carolina Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics. (April 19, 2024).
Virtual NCAND Educational Meeting, “NCAND Lightning Slide Poster Reviewer,” North Carolina Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. (December 8, 2023).
Sun City Carolina Lakes Mind Body Spirit Interest Group, “Eat Smart: Nutrition for Active Adults,” Sun City Carolina Lakes, Indian Land, SC, United States. (November 10, 2023).
NCAND Virtual Education Meeting, “NCAND Lightning Slide Poster Reviewer,” North Carolina Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics. (December 9, 2022).
Medical Nutrition Therapy Graduate Course, “Irritable Bowel Disease: Crohn’s Disease,” University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana. (August, 2021).
Winthrop University Interdisciplinary Food Conference, “The impact of food and nutrition on health and chronic disease: From birth to death,” Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC, United States. (February, 2019).
“Hands-On Nutrition-Focused Physical Exam Workshop,” University of Ghana & University of North Florida, Accra, Ghana. (August, 2018).