Food Behavior
Interdisciplinary Research

R E S E A R C H  I N T E R E S T S

As a community nutrition researcher and registered dietitian, Dr. Jung’s primary research focuses on investigating strategies to decrease health disparities and improve nutritional status while ensuring the long-term health of the food system by promoting both healthy and environmentally sustainable food choices. Thus, she conducts interdisciplinary studies using mixed methods to identify psychosocial determinants motivating dietary choices and influencing nutritional status by working collaboratively with researchers in various disciplines including social work, gerontology, sociology, hospitality, nursing and psychology.

R E S E A R C H  P R O J E C T S

“Home Grown Away from Home-Known” Study 

Although there have been studies on international students and local food consumption, there is a lack of theory-based research specifically focusing on their perspectives regarding the use of local ingredients in their ethnic cooking. Therefore, this study aims to investigate international students’ underlying beliefs and knowledge regarding the use of locally grown fruits and vegetables in their ethnic cooking.

Cook Local! Study

​Purchasing and consuming local food can have various benefits including the environment and individual health.  This USDA funded project is designed to increase understanding of the value of Alabama specialty crop consumption among students at The University of Alabama by educating students on cooking methods and recipes involving Alabama specialty crops.

Eat WELL Study: Eating Whole-grains Equals Living Longer

Given the known health benefits of whole grains in promoting overall health, as well as the low intake of whole grain products by low-income older adults, there is a need for developing effective health promotion programs targeting low-income older adults to prevent disease by improving their eating habits. This funded study aims to explore the underlying beliefs of low-income older adults regarding whole grain consumption using a behavioral theory framework.

Eat Local ! Study 

The purpose of this USDA-funded project is to explore college students’ perceptions of Alabama-grown fruits and vegetables. The goal is to support the development of a theory-based local food promotion program that increases students’ awareness and knowledge of Alabama specialty crops.

DINNER Study: 
Dietitians Investigating Needs for Nutrition Education among Retirees 

This funded qualitative research study uses the Social Ecological Model to understand how the COVID19 pandemic has influenced the nutritional status of older adults. The long-term objective of this funded research is to use the results of the qualitative study to create tailored nutrition education program to optimize the nutritional status of older adults.

Eat Fruits and Vegetables! Study

Even though fruits and vegetables (F&V) have many well known health benefits, intake by low-income older adults and college students do not meet recommendations. Thus, our research team utilized behavioral theories to better understand significant predictors influencing F&V consumption among both low-income older adults and college students.

MOSAIC Study: Modulating Oxidative Stress through Antioxidant-Infused Spice Chews 

Functional foods are growing in popularity with consumers and have the potential to improve health and attenuate disease risk. This funded study utilized the Value-Attitude-Behavior model with the purpose of identifying factors that influence consumers’ intention to buy a functional chewing gum in order to provide valuable insight for developing successful marketing strategies. 

Older Adults and Nutritional Status Study 

Maintaining good nutritional status plays an important role in successful aging. Thus, our research team investigate multidimensional psychosocial determinants influencing nutritional status of low-income, rural area-residing, and centenarian older adults to improve this population’s nutritional health.

P H O T O S

If you are interested in learning more about Dr. Jung’s research and lab, please complete the form below. 

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Seung Eun Jung, PhD, RD

Associate Professor
Department of Human Nutrition & Hospitality Management 
The University of Alabama
420 Russell Hall
Box 870311 
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 
Phone 205-348-6560 | Fax 205-348-2982 
sejung@ches.ua.edu | http://www.nhm.ches.ua.edu

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