Through discussion of the courses she teaches, Dr. Amy Drescher gives strategies to have students approach complex topics and sound advice for all about how people approach food. Dr. Drescher shares her journey toward achieving her PhD that includes overcoming a lack of mentorship and an unrealistic expectation of what it would take to complete it as well as the importance of giving grace and celebrating success in the face of challenges. Dr. Graham and Dr. Drescher explore purposes for bringing students together and how to manage group dynamics in the classroom space.

Amy earned her bachelor’s and Doctoral degree at the University of Arizona and completed a combined dietetic internship and graduate school program at the University of Kansas Medical Center. Her diverse career path includes practicing as a clinical dietitian, conducting clinical research in both pediatrics and adults, directing a Dietetic internship, writing, and consulting.

She is currently an Assistant Professor of Practice for the School of Nutritional Sciences and Wellness at the University of Arizona. She teaches online and in person introductory nutrition courses, upper division courses; Applied Nutrition and Disease and Counseling and Education as well as a graduate level course; Assessment and Regulation of Human Body Composition. She is passionate about mentoring the next generation of nutrition professionals as well as new faculty.

In addition to spending time with her family, which includes her husband, three teen/adult boys and two rescue dogs, she also enjoys being an AFAA certified exercise instructor specializing in mat Pilates and currently pursuing certification in Pilates using equipment.