Welcome to the RDPG history website! The archived information contained within shows the long history and track record of the RDPG from its earliest years to present times. We invite you to scroll down history lane as you view the newly created RDPG History Timeline (coming soon). Take time to also peruse the archival pages of Past RDPG Chairs, past and recent members recognized for their contribution to the Academy and RDPG (Member Recognition), as well as the list of recipients of past honors and awards (Past Award Recipients). We hope you enjoy the historical journey!
We value your opinion and historical contributions, so please reach out to the RDPG historian if you have comments and historically relevant information to share.
Historical Snapshot
The Research Dietetic Practice Group (RDPG) has grown into a community of more than 800 members, including consultants, clinicians, researchers, and students across academia, industry, and non-profit sectors. The group’s foundation was built from several practice groups focused on nutrition research, research dietitians, and community nutrition research. The Research Dietitians and Community Nutrition Research groups merged in 1985, and the current name, Research Dietetic Practice Group, was adopted in 1997.
In 2016, the Academy underscored the importance of evidence-informed nutrition science by designating May as Research Month. Since then, the RDPG has expanded its reach and activities. At the close of the decade, the RDPG Digest highlighted the series “Pioneers in Professional Dietetics and War,” and the group continued its long-standing tradition of awarding research grants twice each year.
Entering the 2020s, RDPG broadened its educational offerings with CPEU opportunities, webinars, and peer-reviewed articles. Regular e-blasts began announcing grant cycles, and the group strengthened collaborations with Academy programs and initiatives.
During 2022 to 2023, RDPG supported the Diversity in Research Mentoring Task Force, advanced its mentorship program, and launched the IDEA Mini-Grant initiative to connect students from HBCUs with RDPG members. The Digest continued to evolve, with plans for CEUs and a structured peer review process.
By 2025, RDPG remains committed to awarding grants, offering webinars, and publishing a CEU-granting Digest. Monthly dissertation writing groups and mentor-mentee programs continue to support members’ scholarly growth, and work is underway on a new edition of the Research textbook.
Past Research DPG Chairs
- 2025-2026: Casey Colin, DCN, RDN
- 2024-2025: Andrea Arikawa, PhD, RDN
- 2023-2024: Tracey Ledoux, PhD, RDN
- 2022-2023: Mary N.R. Lesser, PhD, RD
- 2021-2022: Maria Morgan-Bathke, MBA, PhD, RD, CD
- 2020-2021: Barbara J. Goldman, MBA, RDN, LD
- 2019-2020: Barbara Gordon, MBA, RDN, LD
- 2018-2019: Ashley Vargas, PhD, MPH, RDN, FAND
- 2017-2018: Elizabeth (Beth) J. Reverri, PhD, RDN
- 2016-2017: Lauri O. Byerley, PhD, RDN, LDN
- 2015-2016: Karin Pennington, MS, RD, LD, FAND
- 2014-2015: Alanna J. Moshfegh, MS, RD
- 2013-2014: Nancy J. Emenaker, PhD, MEd, RD
- 2012-2013: Christopher A. Taylor, PhD, RD, LD
- 2011-2012: James Swain, PhD, RD, LD
- 2010-2011: Martha McMurry, MS, LD, RD
- 2009-2010: Jeanene J. Fogli, PhD, RD, LDN
- 2008-2009: Stacey L. Mobley, PhD, RD, CNSD
- 2007-2008: Debra Krummel, PhD, MS, RD
- 2006-2007: David Holben, PhD, RD, LD
- 2005-2006: Richard Mattes, PhD, MPH, RD
- 2004-2005: Deanna Hoelscher, PhD, RD, LD, CNS
- 2003-2004: Joan G Fischer, PhD, RD
- 2002-2003: Alana Cline, PhD, RD
- 2001-2002: Linda Vaughan, PhD, RD, FADA
- 2000-2001: Melinda Manore, PhD, RD
- 1999-2000: Nancy M. Lewis, PhD, RD, FADA
- 1998-1999: Phyllis E. Bowen, PhD, RD
- 1997-1998: Theresa A. Nicklas, DrPh
- 1996-1997: Barbara J. Stoecker, PhD, RD
- 1994-1996: Constance J. Geiger, PhD, RD, CD
- 1993-1994: Karen S. Kubena, PhD, RD, LD
- 1992-1993: Bernestine B. McGee, PhD, RD, LDN
- 1991-1992: Deborah Golden, MS, RD, CNSD
- 1990-1991: Janis F. Swain, MS, RD
- 1989-1990: Gail C. Frank, DrPH, MPH, RD
- 1988-1989: Sonja L. Connor, MS, RD, LD
- 1987-1988: Elizabeth Randall, PhD, RD
- 1986-1987: Linda J. Brinkley, RD
- 1985-1986: Dawn C. Laine, MPH, RD
- 1983-1984: Michelle Debartolo, RD
- 1982-1983: Phyllis Stumbo, PhD, RD
- 1981-1982: Barbara Lipinski, RD
Timeline of the Research DPG