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Home / Faculty / Kara Cucinotta

Kara Cucinotta

Program Director and Associate Professor

JWU Faculty Since 2013

Dietetics and Applied Nutrition Department Chair Kara Cucinotta

Contact Info

Email
kara.cucinotta@jwu.edu
Phone
401-598-2727
Campus
Providence

A graduate of Boston University, Johnson & Wales University and Maryland University of Integrative Health, Kara Cucinotta, D.C.N., M.S., RDN, LDN, CNSC, has practiced dietetics since 2009, working with adult and pediatric patients and clients in inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and a private practice for nutrition counseling.

Since joining Johnson & Wales as an instructor in 2013, Cucinotta has encouraged an actively engaged classroom, utilizing a variety of teaching methods and real-life examples.

Her continuous goal as an educator has been to inspire her students to incorporate the principles of nutrition into their career aspirations as well as their personal lives.

Education

  • D.C.N., Maryland University of Integrative Health
  • M.S., Nutrition, Boston University
  • B.S., Culinary Nutrition, Johnson & Wales University
  • A.S., Culinary Arts, Johnson & Wales University

“My continuous goal as an educator has been to inspire my students to incorporate the principles of nutrition into their career aspirations as well as their personal lives.”

Teaching Interests

Pediatric nutrition
Maternal health
Medical Nutrition Therapy
Nutrition assessment techniques
Nutrition support (enteral and parenteral nutrition)
Critical care nutrition
Integrative health
Lifestyle medicine

Courses

  • DIET4630: Advanced Medical Nutrition Therapy
  • DIET3030: Nutrition Assessment
  • SCI1050: Nutrition
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Extra Curricular Roles

Clinical Dietitian (per diem) at Lifespan Physician Group Lifestyle Medicine Center, Providence, RI

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Professional Affiliations

American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN)
American Society of Nutrition
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND)
Rhode Island Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (RIAND)
Nutrition and Dietetic Educators and Preceptors (NDEP)
Dietitians in Integrative and Functional Medicine Dietetic Practice Group
Dietitians in Medical Nutrition Therapy Dietetic Practice Group
Research Dietetic Practice Group

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Publications
  • Cucinotta, K. (2021, April). Impact of a Medical Home Dietitian/Nutritionist on Health Outcomes in Adults with Diabetes:  Retrospective Cohort Study Design. Poster session presented at the Maryland University of Integrative Health Research Symposium, Laurel, MD.
  • Han-Wen, O., Elia, D., Cucinotta, K. (2019, April). A dietary and botanical approach to the treatment of SIBO: A case report. Poster session presented at the Maryland University of Integrative Health Research Symposium, Laurel, MD.
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Honors And Awards
  • Student Research Poster Award, MUIH Research Symposium, 2019
  • Faculty of the Year, College of Health and Wellness, 2017-2018
  • National Honor Society

Q&A with Kara

At JWU, education is not confined to the four walls of the classroom. You’re not going to spend four years with your nose buried in a book, learning theories you may never get a chance to apply — you’re going to get out there and apply them, be it through internships, group projects, leadership opportunities, competitions and more.

How Did You Get Started?

After completing my Master's degree and Dietetic Internship, my first job was working as a Pediatric Clinical Dietitian at Hasbro Children's Hospital in Providence, RI. I worked there for 7 years in various roles, in both inpatient and outpatient settings. While I was still working full time as a clinical dietitian, I started teaching introductory nutrition courses as an adjunct in 2013. In 2015, I was hired full time as an Assistant Professor in the Culinary Nutrition Department in the College of Culinary Arts (now the College of Food Innovation and Technology).

What Is Your Favorite Teaching Moment?

My favorite part about teaching is watching the lightbulb click on for students when they understand a difficult topic! I absolutely love teaching and am so humbled that I am able to be part of the journey for future nutrition professionals.

What Advice Do You Have For Incoming Freshmen?

Four years may seem like a long time, but it goes by in the blink of an eye! Use your time wisely and remember to keep a good work-school-life balance. Get involved with clubs and student organizations, make new friends, gain real life experience through jobs, internships and volunteering, and use the resources available on campus to help you succeed!

What College Do You Teach In?

College of Health & Wellness