Samantha Coogan

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Director, Didactic Program in Dietetics

Senior Lecturer, Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences

Expertise: Diet, Human nutrition, Food science, Lifecycle nutrition, Community nutrition, Global nutrition and cultural food practices

Biography

Samantha Coogan is a senior lecturer within the Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences, and serves as the director of the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD). She has been licensed in Nevada as a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) since 2014.

Coogan teaches human nutrition, sports nutrition, nutrition, global nutrition and cultural food practices, nutrition assessment, and medical nutrition therapy (MNT) within the B.S. in Nutrition Sciences undergraduate program. She has also taught in the areas of food science, lifecycle nutrition, and community nutrition.

Coogan is a fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, is a past president of the Nevada Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (NvAND), and is an active member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Nevada Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and Nutrition and Dietetic Educators and Preceptors practice group.

In 2019, she won the Nevada Emerging Dietetic Leader of the Year Award, and was then featured in the Opening Session of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo (FNCE) 2019 for her role as program director and passion for creating confidence in her students to become future leaders of the profession.

Coogan was later the 2023 Nevada Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year (RYDY) recipient for her contributions to the Las Vegas community, leadership in education and career guidance, and participation in the dietetics profession at the state and national levels.

She is frequently called upon by national media including Healthline, Sports Illustrated, Women's Health Magazine, Verywell, and Martha Stewart.

Education

M.S., Exercise Physiology, UNLV
B.S., Nutrition Sciences, UNLV

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Samantha Coogan In The News

Is Red Meat Actually Good for You?

Everyday Health

The new U.S. dietary guidelines praise red meat as a ‘high-quality, nutrient-dense protein food.’ Here registered dietitians weigh in on the benefits and drawbacks.

6 Winter Vegetables That Are Packed With Protein—and How to Enjoy Them

Martha Stewart

Versatile, protein-rich vegetables can be roasted, sautéed, blended, or added to soups and grains to enhance everyday meals.

What Eating Sourdough Does for Your Body, According to Nutrition Experts

Martha Stewart

When you eat sourdough bread, you're getting more than a delicious base for sandwiches and toast. You'll also experience many benefits for health, as the bread is high in essential nutrients. In fact, sourdough bread is considered to be one of the best breads to eat, particularly if you choose a loaf with a minimal ingredients list. Yet, you might wonder: What happens to the body when you eat sourdough, and how does it compare to other varieties of bread? We spoke with dietitians to find out.

What Daily Orange Juice Can Do for Your Heart and Longevity

Verywell Health

A new small study has found that a tall glass of orange juice may offer benefits beyond just a vitamin C boost—it may also be good for your heart health and overall longevity.