Dietetics and Nutrition

FIU Dietetics & Nutrition faculty, alumna join Florida Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics (FAND) leadership board

Our Panthers are leading the pack across Florida in the dietetics and nutrition field.

FIU Stempel College’s faculty — Catherine Coccia, Ph.D., RD and Nadine Mikati, Ph.D., RD, LDN — and alumna — Shanté Jeune, MS ’18, Ph.D. ’22 — join the Florida Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics’ (FAND) 2025-2026 leadership team.

Established in 1935, FAND is the state’s largest association of dietetics and nutrition professionals who are in the forefront of health and nutrition information and education.

From left to right: Dr. Catherine Coccia, Dr. Nadine Mikati, and Dr. Shante Jeune

Catherine Coccia, Ph.D., RD: President, Florida Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics (FAND) 

Dr. Catherine Coccia

Catherine Coccia serves as the 2025-2026 president for FAND. Under this role, she helps support FAND’s goals to advance the dietetics & nutrition profession and support membership initiatives.

“I am especially honored to serve in this role during FAND’s 90th anniversary year,” shares Coccia. “I join a long list of FIU faculty and alumni that have held this position and other important positions at FAND, resulting in meaningful change in the dietetics & nutrition field across Florida.”

Coccia is an associate professor and registered dietitian at FIU Stempel College’s Department of Dietetics & Nutrition. Her research focuses on childhood obesity and improving community health outcomes through proper nutrition.

Nadine Mikati, Ph.D., RD, LDN: District 5 President, South Florida Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics (SFAND)

Dr. Nadine Mikati

Nadine Mikati serves as president for the South Florida Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics (SFAND) district. In this role, she oversees the district’s strategic direction and collaborates with the statewide board to plan professional development events, community outreach initiatives, and student engagement activities.

“Being both an FIU faculty member and SFAND president is deeply meaningful to me,” shares Mikati. “I’m especially proud to foster connections between students and practicing professionals by building a stronger pipeline into the field.”

Mikati is a registered dietitian and assistant teaching professor at the Department of Dietetics & Nutrition. She also serves as the director of the Didactic Program (DPD). Her research focuses on obesity prevention.

Shanté Jeune, Ph.D., RDN: District 3 President, Central Florida Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics (CFAND)

Dr. Shante Jeune

Shanté Jeune, MS ’18, Ph.D. ’22, serves as president for the Central Florida Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics (CFAND) district. In this role, she sets the district’s strategic goals and oversees the successful planning and execution of events and initiatives for fellow members.

“I am honored to represent the Central Florida district, especially at such an important time for the field of dietetics,” shares Jeune. “I plan to use my voice to be an ambassador that collaborates with others at the state and national level to ensure that our prospectives and needs are part of a broader conversation.”

Jeune holds both Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from FIU Stempel College’s Department of Dietetics & Nutrition. She credits FIU as the foundation for her success. “Through rigorous coursework, meaningful mentorship, research opportunities and active involvement in student organizations, I developed the ability to think critically, communicate effectively and lead with intention,” shares Jeune.

Jeune is a registered dietitian and assistant professor at the University of Central Florida’s (UCF) Department of Health Sciences, where she mentors future professionals and collaborates on interdisciplinary research projects to advance the field of dietetics and nutrition. Her research focuses on improving health and nutrition outcomes among children, adolescents, and young adults through nutrition education.