Kara Cucinotta
Associate Professor
JWU Faculty Since 2013
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. She has expertise in nutrition support, pediatric nutrition, integrative health and lifestyle medicine.
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. Students can expect to learn and develop skills through interactive demonstrations, hands-on practice, and interprofessional collaboration opportunities.
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
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
Scholarly Interests
Patient-centered health outcomes
Interprofessional education
Integrative health
Courses
- DIET4630: Advanced Medical Nutrition Therapy
- DIET3030: Nutrition Assessment
- DIET1020: Introduction to Nutrition & Dietetics Professions
- SCI1050: Nutrition
Extra Curricular Roles
JWU College of Health & Wellness Outcomes Assessment Committee
JWU College of Food Innovation & Technology Outcomes Assessment Committee
JWU360 Health & Wellness Subcommittee
University Outcomes Assessment Committee
JWU Nutrition & Dietetics Advisory Board
Peer Reviewer, Topics in Clinical Nutrition
New York-Presbyterian Dietetic Internship Advisory Board
Professional Affiliations
American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN)
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND)
Rhode Island Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (RIAND)
Nutrition and Dietetic Educators and Preceptors (NDEP)
Dietitians in Integrative & Functional Medicine Dietetic Practice Group
Dietitians in Medical Nutrition Therapy Dietetic Practice Group
Research Dietetic Practice Group
Nutrition Educators of Health Professionals Dietetic Practice Group
Nutrition Education for the Public Dietetic Practice Group
Food and Culinary Professionals Dietetic Practice Group
Publications
- Cucinotta, K; Simon, R. (2023, April). Interprofessional Education Opportunities to Meet Dietetics Core Knowledge Requirements [Presentation]. JWU University Scholarship & Best Practices Expo, Providence, RI.
- Cucinotta, K. (2023, March). 2022 Standards Implementation Through Interprofessional Education Opportunities. [Round table discussion]. 2023 Nutrition and Dietetics Educators and Preceptors (NDEP) Conference, Omaha, NE.
- 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.
Honors And Awards
- Outstanding Dietitian of the Year, RI Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics, 2022-23
- Student Research Poster Award, MUIH Research Symposium, 2019
- Faculty of the Year, College of Health and Wellness, 2017-2018
- National Honor Society