Lauren Roberson

Headshot of Lauren Roberson

Assistant Professor, Department of Human Sciences

(614) 688-0261
roberson.177@osu.edu

Biography

Lauren Roberson is an Assistant Professor in the Human Nutrition Program, Department of Human Sciences. She also holds a joint appointment as a State Specialist in the Department of Extension, Family and Consumer Sciences. She earned her Ph.D. at the University of Kentucky, with expertise in strategic communication, health marketing, and health campaigns in a nutrition and wellness context. Her research program is grounded in community-engaged scholarship. She addresses community needs and co-develops campaigns, interventions, and nutrition education curricula with community partners to meet identified needs. With emphasis on behavior change across the lifespan, with a particular focus on aging, Roberson incorporates behavior change theory into her research design to build self-efficacy, requisite skills, and resources for behavioral maintenance.

Roberson’s research has been published in Educational Gerontology, the Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development, and Nutrition Today. She is co-editor of “Food & Supplement Medication Interactions” and co-author of a book chapter, “The Esports Athlete’s Nutrition Playbook,” to be published in the Handbook of Esports Medicine, both of which are to be released in Spring 2026. The latter two works are clinician focused, with translatable guidance for registered dietitian nutritionists and other members of the interdisciplinary team.

Education

  • Ph.D. Health & Strategic Communication, University of Kentucky, 2020
  • M.S. Dietetic Administration, University of Kentucky, 2014
  • Dietetic Internship (RDN credential), University of Kentucky, 2013
  • B.S. Dietetics, University of Kentucky, 2012

Research Interests

Research Summary

My research program focuses on the health and nutrition status of individuals across the life course from a holistic perspective. I view health as a multifaceted variable, with nutrition playing a significant role. The mission of my lab is to promote optimal well-being for individuals across the lifespan through nutrition-centered research, education, and practice. We explore how dietary behaviors intersect with physical and mental health, aging, and social environments to support sustainable behavior change. By translating theory into practice, we empower older individuals and communities to cultivate resilience, self-efficacy, and healthy eating habits. Our work bridges academic rigor with real-world relevance, advancing approaches to lifelong nourishment and longevity. To accomplish this mission, my scholarship falls under two categories.

Fostering a community environment that supports wellness, longevity, and aging-in-place (60%) – The goal is to improve health status and quality of life among individuals across the lifespan, with emphasis on community-dwelling older adults.

Improving diet quality of underserved populations through tailored nutrition education (40%) – This line of research is grounded in behavior change theory and formative work. The goal is to work with community partners to collect baseline data to better understand dietary intake patterns that can inform strategic development of multi-component nutrition education interventions that are then pilot tested using randomized controlled trial designs and assessed for feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness.

Selected Grants

  • 2025 - Berivan, E., Miller, C., Bucko, P., Liu, X., Vorland, C., Shen, L., & Roberson, L. Nourishing the Mind: An Umbrella Review of Nutrients Supporting Brain Health across the Lifespan, Institute for the Advancement of Food and Nutrition Sciences (IAFNS). $49,999.
  • 2025 - Roberson, L., Lowe, J., Harmon, M., Dunfee, L., Akgerman, L., Jepsen, D., & Tutt, K. Aging by design: Universal design education for aging in place. Ohio Joint Council of Extension Professionals (JCEP) Grant. $999.82. 
  • 2025 - Roberson, L. Spark Award. Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, The Ohio State University. CTSA Grant number (UM1TR004548). $3,200. 
  • 2024 - Roberson, L.  Scientific Writing and Editorial Services: Cognitive Health Committee Roundtable Discussion on Communicating the Science of Nutrition and Brain Health. IAFNS-ROBERSONLAUREN-20240103. Institute for the Advancement of Food and Nutrition Sciences (IAFNS). Requested: $3,000.

Selected Publications

  • Roberson, L., Simpson, K., Rao, S., Kaiser, M., Dabelko-Schoeny, H., Sheldon, M., & Heemer, A.  (2025). Typology of food insecurity among older adults in central Ohio: Findings from a regional survey. Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development (in press).
  • Roberson, L., Obeng, R., Malm, E., Naber, J., Dada, O., Heinrich, E., & Dodd, A. (2025). An Appreciative Inquiry into protective lifestyle factors for longevity. Educational Gerontology. https://doi.org/10.1080/03601277.2026.2650502
  • Roberson, L. B., Latulippe, M. E., Ohlhorst, S., Faye, D., Aarts, K., Steiber, A., Ferland, G., Coetzee, T., Chura, L. R., & Ho, E. H. (2025). Best practices for communicating nutrition and brain health science. Nutrition Today, 60(2):p 74-81, 3/4 2025. DOI: 10.1097/NT.0000000000000744
  • Roberson, L. (2024). Challenges associated with screening community-dwelling older adults for malnutrition risk: a case management perspective. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 124(10), supplement A100. DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2024.07.147
  • Malm, E., Roberson, L., Dada, O., Naber, J., Dodd, A., Thurmond, J., Reid, K., & Heinrich, E. (2024). Sense of purpose, reduced stress, and connection as protective factors for longevity: An exploration of barriers. American Journal of Health Education.  https://doi.org/10.1080/19325037.2024.2366465
  • Roberson, L., Malm, E., Naber, J., Dodd, A., Dada, O., Thurmond, J., & Reid, K. (2023). Achieving longevity through nutrition and movement: An intuitive eating approach. Journal of Exercise Nutrition, 6(1): 15. https://doi.org/10.53520/jen2023.103151
  • Reeves, B., Carter, B., Roberson, L., & Jordan, D. G. (2023). Comparison of two reminder interventions to achieve adequate water intake and hydration in women: A pilot study. Journal of Exercise and Nutrition, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.53520/jen2023.103142
  • Roberson, L., Parker, K. A., Ivanov, B., & Hester, E. B. (2023). Feasibility and acceptability of a curricula to promote healthy eating in the golden years. Family & Consumer Sciences Research Journal, 51(3), 177-195. http://doi.org/10.1111/fcsr.12467
  • Naber, J., Dodd, A., Thurmond, J., Roberson, L., Dada, O., Malm, E., & Matson. (2022). Community vitality: A healthy life for everyone; Part 2: Resource website development. Journal of Nursing Education and Practice, 12(8). https://doi.org/10.5430/jnep.v12n8p18
  • Parker, K. A., Roberson, L., Ivanov, B., Carter R. E., & Riney, N. (2021). The road to recovery from addiction: A qualitative exploration of motivators and challenges to achieving sobriety in recovery housing. International Journal of Health, Wellness, and Society 11(2), 159-172. https://doi.org/10.18848/2156-8960/CGP/v11i02/159-172
  • Parker, K. A., Roberson, L., Ivanov, B., Carter R. E., & Riney, N. (2021). Participating in 12-step programs in recovery homes: The positive experience of structure, fellowship, and community of support. The International Journal of Interdisciplinary Social and Community Studies 16(1), 139-147. https://doi.org/10.18848/2324-7576/CGP/v16i01/139-147
  • Helme, D., Egan, K., Lukacena-Buzzetta, K., Roberson, L., Zelaya, C., McLeary, M., & Wolfson, M. (2020). Encouraging disposal of unused opioids analgesics in Appalachia. Drugs: Education, Prevention & Policy 27(5), 407-415. https://doi.org/10.1080/09687637.2020.1711871

Edited Volumes

  • Roberson, L., & Patel, A., Eds. (2026). Drug-Nutrient Pocket Guide for Dietetics Practitioners. The contract is with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). Scheduled for publication in Spring 2026.

Book Chapters

  • Roberson, L., & Thomas, C. (2026). The Esports Athlete’s Nutrition Playbook. In: Migliore, L., Moore, M., & McGee, C. (Eds.) Handbook of Esports Medicine: Clinical Aspects of Competitive Video Gaming. Springer Nature. Scheduled for publication in Spring 2026. 

Selected Presentations

  • 2025 - Roberson, L., Parker, K. A., Borden, E., Anderson, S., Zies, S., Harmon, M., Sankar, S., & Pound, A. From isolation to integration: How senior centers are poised to treat the loneliness epidemic among older adults. Presented at the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) Annual Scientific Meeting on November 14, 2025, in Boston, MA.
  • 2025 - Roberson, L., Anderson, S., Borden, E., Parker, K. A., Sankar, S., Zies, S., Harmon, M., & Pound, A. Reframing the Status Quo of Community-Based Programming for the Aging Demographic: Lessons from a Needs Assessment. Presented at the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences annual meeting, October 20-23, 2025, in Grand Rapids, MI. 
  • 2025 - Whelan, J., Mahon, A., Roberson, L., Armstrong, C. L. H. Nutrition Micro-Credentialing for Health Professions. Presented at the Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior (SNEB) Annual Conference on July 8-11, in Indianapolis, IN.
  • 2025 - Roberson, L., Armstrong, C. L. H., Mahon, A., Whelan, J., Saenz, C., Bartosiewicz, T., Latimer, L., & Heemer, A. Fueling Victory: Postseason Insights on the Diet Quality of 7 NCAA Division I Female Collegiate Basketball Athletes. Presented at the annual Ohio Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (OAND) food and nutrition conference and expo on April 11, 2025, in Cleveland, OH.
  • 2025 - Armstrong, C. L. H., Mahon, A., Roberson, L., & Whelan, J. Empowering Dietetics Students: Adapting Teaching Methods for Competency and Engagement. Presented at the annual Nutrition and Dietetic Educators and Preceptors (NDEP) Practice Group, an Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics affiliate, March 27, 2025, in Memphis, TN. 
  • 2025 - Roberson, L., Whelan, J., Mahon, J., Armstrong, C. L. H., & Bartosiewicz, T. How do Female Collegiate Athletes’ Diets Measure Up? A Case Series of 7 NCAA Division I Basketball Players. Presented February 20, 2025, at the College of Education and Human Ecology 2025 Annual Research Forum in Columbus, OH. 
  • 2025 - Roberson, L., Obeng, R., & Heinrich, E. Secrets to Longevity: Exploring Lifestyle Habits of Wellness in Older Adults. Presented February 20, 2025, at the College of Education and Human Ecology 2025 Annual Research Forum in Columbus, OH.
  • 2024 - Roberson, L., Elbe, D., Litchford, M. Drug-nutrient interactions: The role of the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist in identifying micronutrient deficiencies. Presented at the Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo (FNCE) on October 7th, 2024, from 1:30 - 3:00 PM in Minneapolis, MN. 
  • 2024 - Roberson, L. Challenges associated with screening community-dwelling older adults for malnutrition risk: A case management perspective. Presented at the Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo (FNCE) in Minneapolis, MN, on October 8th, 2024.
  • 2024 - Roberson, L., & Boer-Sobtaguim, H. Best practices for malnutrition screening to decrease malnutrition risk in community-dwelling older adults. Presented at the Indiana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (IAND) Annual Conference in Indianapolis, IN, on April 11-12th, 2024.
  • 2024 - Roberson, L., Hickey, A., & DeWitt, E. Building capacity and resiliency among dietetics program directors and educators. Presented at the Nutrition and Dietetics Educators and Preceptors (NDEP) in Seattle, WA, on April 4-5th, 2024.
  • 2023 - Roberson, L. Action Alert: Strategies for Addressing Malnutrition among Older Adults in Kentucky. Presented at the Kentucky Department of Aging and Independent Living (DAIL) annual conference in Lexington, KY, on September 28th, 2023.  
  • 2023 - Roberson, L., Naber, J., Malm, E., Thurmond, J., Dodd, A., Dada, O., Reid, K. Community vitality: A healthy life for everyone. A four-part interdisciplinary research study. Presented at the 2023 Professional Nurse Educator Group (PNEG) Conference, Louisville, KY, September 13-15th, 2023.
  • 2023 - Roberson, L. (2023). Food-Drug Interactions: Asserting our Role as RD's. Presented at the Kentucky Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics 2023 Annual Nutrition Conference and Expo (ANCE) in Lexington, KY, on March 23rd, 2023. 
  • 2023 - Roberson, L., Pals, E. Muscle dysmorphia prevalence in collegiate males: A comparison between athletes and non-athletes. Presented at the Kentucky Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics 2023 Annual Nutrition Conference and Expo (ANCE) in Lexington, KY, on March 23rd, 2023.    
  • 2022 - Roberson, L., Parker, K. A., Tucker, K., & Stoess, A. Healthy eating in the golden years: An intervention to improve nutrition status. Presented at the Occupational Therapy Research Seminar, Murray State University, December 7, 2022. 
  • 2022 - Roberson, L., Parker, K.A., & Tucker, K. Action alert: Strategies for addressing malnutrition among older adults in Appalachia. Presented virtually at the Malnutrition in Clinical Settings: Research Gaps and Opportunities, September 12-14,2022 https://www.labroots.com/ms/virtual-event/malnutrition-clinical-settings-research-gaps-opportunities.
  • 2022 - Roberson, L., & Jordan, D. G. The forgotten class: A comparison of psychological health among pre-pandemic and pandemic college graduates. Presented at the Kentucky Public Health Association Annual (KPHA) conference, April 20-22, 2022. 
  • 2022 - Roberson, L., Naber, J., Malm, E., Thurmond, J., Dodd, A., Dada, O., Reid, K. Community vitality: A healthy life for everyone; A four-part interdisciplinary research study. Presented at the Kentucky Conference on Health Communication, April 2022.
  • 2021 - Roberson, L., & Allen, M. Seeking online social support for eating disorder recovery. Presented virtually at the Kentucky Public Health Association Annual (KPHA) conference April 21-22nd, 2021.