Background

Personal Profile

Cecilia Chen, Ed.M, RD, is a Registered Dietitian with expertise in disordered eating and body image, digestive health, and general nutritional advice. Her approach focuses on non-diet, mindful eating strategies to address various medical and emotional challenges associated with food and wellness across all age groups.

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Education

2022-2026

Teachers College,

Columbia University

Ph.D. in Behavioral Nutrition

Research Area: Parental Influence on the Management of Celiac Disease in Adolescents and Quality of Life

2021-2022

Cornell University

Dietetic Internship

Supervised Practices in Clinical Nutrition, Community Nutrition, Foodservice Management, and Nutrition Research

2020-2021

Harvard Graduate School of Education

Ed.M. in Human Development and Psychology

Research Area: Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder in Adolescents

2016-2020

University of California, Davis

B.S. in Clinical Nutrition (Highest Honors)

B.S. in Psychology (Highest Honors)

Research Area: Development of Visual Attention in Infants in the U.S. and Malawi, Africa, and the Relationship Between Solid Food Introduction and the Gut Microbiome in Infancy

Nutrition Philosophy

We connect through food. I advocate for body neutrality, combat weight stigma, and support the appreciation of diverse body aesthetics while fostering body confidence.

I adhere to the Health At Every Size® philosophy, maintaining that no food is inherently good or bad. Nutritious meals can also be tasty, fun, and enjoyable.

The goal is to empower informed food choices and foster a positive and healthful relationship with eating.

Qualifications

Licenses, Certifications, and Accreditations

Registered Dietitian (U.S.)
Registered Dietitian (China)
Certified Personal Trainer, American Council on Exercise®
ServSafe Food Manager Certification

Awards

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Commission on Dietetic Registration Doctoral Scholarship (2023-2024)
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, First International Nutritionist/Dietitian Fellowship for Study in the USA (2022-2023)

Professional Memberships

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (2019-Present)
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Nutrition Entrepreneurs Dietetic Practice Group (2022-Present)
Chinese Nutrition Society (2020-Present)
North American Chinese Association for Nutrition (NACAN) (2022-Present)
NYC Nutrition Education Network (2022-Present)
North American Menopause Society (2022-Present)

Community Affiliations

Harvard Innovation Lab (2020-Present)
Harvard Alumni for Global Women’s Empowerment (Harvard GlobalWE) (2022-Present)
Harvard Alumni for Climate and the Environment (HACE) (2022-Present)
Columbia Venture Club (2022-Present)
U8 World Innovation Summit (2021-Present)
Stanford Future Health Club (2021-Present)
Cornell Women Entrepreneurship (2021 Cohort)