Padideh Lovan, PhD, RD, LDN, assistant professor in the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition at FIU’s Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, has been appointed director at large on the Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior (SNEB) Board of Directors for the 2026–29 term.
SNEB is an international professional organization dedicated to advancing nutrition education and behavior change through research, policy, practice and advocacy. As a member of the organization’s Board of Directors, Lovan will help guide its strategic direction while representing FIU within a global network of nutrition educators, researchers, practitioners and policymakers.
“As director at large, I have the opportunity to help shape the strategic direction of one of the leading professional organizations in nutrition education,” Lovan said. “This leadership role increases FIU’s visibility nationally and internationally while creating new opportunities for collaboration, professional development and student engagement.”
The appointment builds on Lovan’s longstanding involvement and leadership within SNEB. She has served as chair of both the organization’s Membership Committee and its Nutrition Education for Children Division, helping advance member engagement and strengthen connections among nutrition educators, researchers and practitioners.
That connection was on display this summer when Lovan traveled with FIU students Valentina Navas and Yvonne Quist to the 2026 SNEB conference in Washington, D.C. Both students presented research posters and connected with nutrition researchers and educators from across the United States and internationally.
Navas said the conference exposed her to current work spanning nutrition education, healthy aging, climate change and agriculture. She also participated in SNEB’s Hill Day, joining advocates in meetings with congressional staff to discuss the importance of nutrition education and physical activity programs.
“Participating in Hill Day was particularly meaningful,” Navas said. “The experience strengthened my understanding of how research, education and advocacy can work together to advance nutrition and public health.”
For Quist, a PhD student in the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition and recipient of a Graduate and Professional Student Committee Travel Award, attending SNEB offered an opportunity to take research she previously presented at Stempel College Research Day to a national and international audience.
“Presenting my research poster provided meaningful feedback and networking opportunities with professionals from across the country and internationally,” Quist said. “This experience strengthened my professional growth and reinforced the importance of lifelong learning. I am grateful for the support of FIU faculty, whose investment in student development made this opportunity possible.”
Through her position on the SNEB Board of Directors, Lovan hopes to continue strengthening those connections — increasing FIU’s visibility in the field while opening doors for students and faculty to participate in research, professional development, advocacy and collaborative opportunities beyond the university.