an interactive resume for
Danielle L. Lee, MPH, RD
• LinkedIn • Google Scholar • Research Gate • ORCID ID: 0000-0003-2138-1087• Download my Curriculum Vitae •
PROFILE
I am a public health dietitian nutritionist working to improve Americans' access to nutritious and sustainable food. I received my MPH from UC Berkeley, bachelor's degree in nutrition from UC Davis, and completed my dietetic internship in Los Angeles. In my free time, I enjoy exploring nature, foraging for wild foods, gardening and community-building in Nevada City, making bean-to-bar chocolate, and eating good food.
I am a public health dietitian nutritionist working to improve Americans' access to nutritious and sustainable food. I received my MPH from UC Berkeley, bachelor's degree in nutrition from UC Davis, and completed my dietetic internship in Los Angeles. In my free time, I enjoy exploring nature, foraging for wild foods, gardening and community-building in Nevada City, making bean-to-bar chocolate, and eating good food.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Director of Communications & Research Engagement | Policy Analyst IV
July 2021 - current
Nutrition Policy Institute | University of California, Agriculture & Natural Resources | Oakland, CA | remote
Create and manage content for our organization's website, monthly internal newsletter, quarterly email newsletter and social media. Engage with communications professionals across my organization and field to disseminate our latest research. Support grant writing and research project management, and development of peer-reviewed publications, reports and policy briefs for numerous federal and foundation-funded studies. Current research portfolio includes early childhood feeding and federally funded food programs, specifically healthy beverage policies for restaurants and child care operations, child care nutrition standards, reducing solid waste in school foodservice operations, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), and the National School Breakfast and School Lunch Programs.
Policy Analyst III
January 2017 - June 2021
Nutrition Policy Institute | University of California, Agriculture & Natural Resources | Oakland, CA | remote > 3/20
The Nutrition Policy Institute (NPI) envisions a world where healthy food, beverages and opportunities for physical activity are convenient, accessible, affordable and sustainable. Research project management for numerous federal and foundation-funded studies as well as organizational development for a rapidly growing research team. Research portfolio included early childhood feeding and federally funded food programs, specifically healthy beverage policies for restaurants and child care operations, child care nutrition standards, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), and the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
Dietetic Intern | WIC Clinic Supervisor
June 2015 – June 2016
California State University, Northridge (CSUN) | Northridge, CA
Women, Infants and Children (WIC) | Northeast Valley Health Corporation | San Fernando, CA
1220 hours of supervised dietetics practice in the combined CSUN/WIC internship focusing on community nutrition, nutrition therapy, nutrition policy, and foodservice management. In addition to supervised practice hours, I served as a paid WIC Clinic Supervisor. Rotation sites listed below:
Communications Assistant
January 2015 – June 2015
Berkeley Food Institute | University of California, Berkeley | Berkeley, CA
Maintained online presence including social media, website, email newsletters for over 2,000 subscribers and online event calendar. Designed and copyedited online and print presentations, handouts, event invitations and fliers, annual reports. Supported public events and donor relations.
Researcher | Instructor | Full-Time Graduate Student
August 2013 – June 2015
University of California, Berkeley | School of Public Health | Berkeley, CA
Supported California Food Policy Advocates, Berkeley Food Institute, UC Berkeley School of Public Health, and the UC Nutrition Policy Institute in establishing a scientific advisory committee and workshop to develop a pilot study protocol for a paired nutrition incentive/sugar-sweetened beverage restriction with participants of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Developed two policy briefs from the workshop proceedings. Supported principal investigator in the development of institutional review board and study protocols to assess the impact of high fructose corn syrup consumption on the human gut microbiota. Developed a grant proposal to research the impact of diet on gut microbiota and psychological disorders in conjunction with the UCSF Division of Adolescent Medicine. Compiled a list of proposed speakers and agenda for UCSF symposium on gut microbiota and its relationship with metabolic and psychological health. Conducted literature reviews on the the role of sustainable food systems and whole foods diets on influencing gut microbiota. Facilitated food properties laboratory for 18 students and supported food science lecture for 95 students in the Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology.
Research Assistant | Nutrition Consultant
August 2014 - January 2015
Willpower Labs, Inc. | San Francisco, CA
Conducted literature reviews on behavior modification therapy techniques for weight management, mindful eating, food psychology, hormonal signaling of hunger and satiety cues and the gut-brain axis.
Pediatric Nutrition Fellow
May 2014 - September 2014
University of California, San Francisco | Benioff Children's Hospital | Division of Adolescent Medicine | San Francisco, CA
Communications specialist and clinical nutrition research assistant focusing on adolescent eating disorders, refeeding adolescents with malnutrition, malnutrition in obese and overweight patients, atypical anorexia and the gut microbiota in malnutrition. Conducted a retrospective chart review, collected and analyzed primary data using basic statistical analysis. Redesigned the meal-based eating disorders refeeding menu, incorporating the most updated evidence-based protocols. Developed a web-based curriculum on adolescent nutrition for nutrition professionals. Shadowed clinical rotations with dietitian in the Weight Assessment for Teen and Child Health (WATCH) and Adolescent Eating Disorders clinics. Participant in the Maternal and Child Health Training Program, Leadership Education in Adolescent Health fellow and trainee.
Sustainability Consultant
July 2013 – July 2014
UC Davis Dining Services | Sodexo, Inc. | Davis, CA
Supported campus-grown food programs which generated over $50,000 worth of organic produce annually. Managed a local and sustainable food procurement program with a budget of over $2.4 million dollars. Tracked and reported sustainable food purchases. Implemented solid waste diversion programs, eliminating over 85% of waste from the landfill.
Sustainability Manager
October 2009 – July 2013
UC Davis Dining Services | Sodexo, Inc. | Davis, CA
Created and managed the sustainability program for UC Davis Dining Services, operated by Sodexo, serving over 8,000 daily meals with an annual food budget of over $9 million. Ranked number one in the nation as Sierra Club Magazine’s ‘coolest school’. Developed a local and sustainable food procurement program, partnering with regional farmers and food hubs to source over $2.6 million dollars worth of certified sustainable food purchases annually. Expanded the waste diversion program for composting, recycling and biogas generation across campus, eliminating over 85% of waste from the landfill in all campus dining locations. Created and executed training for over 700 employees on food waste reduction, energy and water efficiency in the kitchen, sustainable food sourcing and communicating sustainability to customers. Tracked and reported key sustainability metrics including food waste, energy usage, water usage and sustainable food purchases. Coordinated the weekly UC Davis Farmers Market, including marketing, education and sourcing. Managed marketing and communications for sustainability and nutrition program including website, social media, annual report, and national sustainability surveys. Served as a guest lecturer for many campus courses and a keynote speaker for regional and nationwide events related to systems change for food sustainability. Developed and managed a student internship program with 10 paid student interns and 20 volunteer student interns. Managed four FTEs.
Sustainability & Education Coordinator
June 2008 – October 2009
UC Davis Dining Services | Sodexo, Inc. | Davis, CA
Created an education program on sustainable agriculture and food systems, including a Meatless Monday promotional campaign, a student food waste reduction program and bi-annual farm-to-fork related dining events. Facilitated a nutrition education program, supervising 20 paid student interns and engaging over 3,000 UC Davis undergraduate students throughout the academic year. Delivered numerous presentations on nutrition, sustainability, health and wellness to undergraduate students, including cooking demonstrations, hands on gardening activities and film screenings. Designed curriculum for culinary training of 50 chefs and cooks from California schools on incorporating more regionally sourced and seasonal fruits, vegetables and whole grains into school lunch programs.
Production Manager | Host | Media Director
June 2008 – September 2012
Local Dirt Radio | KDVS 90.3FM | Davis, CA | Volunteer Position
Co-produced and hosted over 100 hours of radio broadcasting on a prime-time public affairs show with content on environmental, health, social justice and agriculture-related issues in the local and national community. Conducted live in-studio and phone interviews, edited and published audio recordings using Adobe Audition. Managed web and social media presence, including blogcast.
Children's Area Co-Coordinator
March 2008 - October 2011
Hoes Down Harvest Festival | Ecological Farming Association | Guinda, CA | Stipend Position
Curated and managed art pieces, musicians, volunteers and hands-on farm-related children's activities for the annual Hoes Down Harvest Festival at Fully Belly Organic Farm.
Director of Communications & Research Engagement | Policy Analyst IV
July 2021 - current
Nutrition Policy Institute | University of California, Agriculture & Natural Resources | Oakland, CA | remote
Create and manage content for our organization's website, monthly internal newsletter, quarterly email newsletter and social media. Engage with communications professionals across my organization and field to disseminate our latest research. Support grant writing and research project management, and development of peer-reviewed publications, reports and policy briefs for numerous federal and foundation-funded studies. Current research portfolio includes early childhood feeding and federally funded food programs, specifically healthy beverage policies for restaurants and child care operations, child care nutrition standards, reducing solid waste in school foodservice operations, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), and the National School Breakfast and School Lunch Programs.
Policy Analyst III
January 2017 - June 2021
Nutrition Policy Institute | University of California, Agriculture & Natural Resources | Oakland, CA | remote > 3/20
The Nutrition Policy Institute (NPI) envisions a world where healthy food, beverages and opportunities for physical activity are convenient, accessible, affordable and sustainable. Research project management for numerous federal and foundation-funded studies as well as organizational development for a rapidly growing research team. Research portfolio included early childhood feeding and federally funded food programs, specifically healthy beverage policies for restaurants and child care operations, child care nutrition standards, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), and the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
Dietetic Intern | WIC Clinic Supervisor
June 2015 – June 2016
California State University, Northridge (CSUN) | Northridge, CA
Women, Infants and Children (WIC) | Northeast Valley Health Corporation | San Fernando, CA
1220 hours of supervised dietetics practice in the combined CSUN/WIC internship focusing on community nutrition, nutrition therapy, nutrition policy, and foodservice management. In addition to supervised practice hours, I served as a paid WIC Clinic Supervisor. Rotation sites listed below:
- Northeast Valley Health Corporation | WIC Clinic and Community Health Centers | San Fernando, CA
- Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center | Los Angeles, CA
- VA Greater Los Angeles Health Care System | Los Angeles, CA
- Los Angeles County Department of Public Health | Los Angeles, CA
- UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital - Division of Adolescent & Young Adult Medicine | San Francisco, CA
- CSUN Public Policy Day 2016: Advocating for a Healthy and Sustainable Food Environment | Northridge, CA
Communications Assistant
January 2015 – June 2015
Berkeley Food Institute | University of California, Berkeley | Berkeley, CA
Maintained online presence including social media, website, email newsletters for over 2,000 subscribers and online event calendar. Designed and copyedited online and print presentations, handouts, event invitations and fliers, annual reports. Supported public events and donor relations.
Researcher | Instructor | Full-Time Graduate Student
August 2013 – June 2015
University of California, Berkeley | School of Public Health | Berkeley, CA
Supported California Food Policy Advocates, Berkeley Food Institute, UC Berkeley School of Public Health, and the UC Nutrition Policy Institute in establishing a scientific advisory committee and workshop to develop a pilot study protocol for a paired nutrition incentive/sugar-sweetened beverage restriction with participants of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Developed two policy briefs from the workshop proceedings. Supported principal investigator in the development of institutional review board and study protocols to assess the impact of high fructose corn syrup consumption on the human gut microbiota. Developed a grant proposal to research the impact of diet on gut microbiota and psychological disorders in conjunction with the UCSF Division of Adolescent Medicine. Compiled a list of proposed speakers and agenda for UCSF symposium on gut microbiota and its relationship with metabolic and psychological health. Conducted literature reviews on the the role of sustainable food systems and whole foods diets on influencing gut microbiota. Facilitated food properties laboratory for 18 students and supported food science lecture for 95 students in the Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology.
Research Assistant | Nutrition Consultant
August 2014 - January 2015
Willpower Labs, Inc. | San Francisco, CA
Conducted literature reviews on behavior modification therapy techniques for weight management, mindful eating, food psychology, hormonal signaling of hunger and satiety cues and the gut-brain axis.
Pediatric Nutrition Fellow
May 2014 - September 2014
University of California, San Francisco | Benioff Children's Hospital | Division of Adolescent Medicine | San Francisco, CA
Communications specialist and clinical nutrition research assistant focusing on adolescent eating disorders, refeeding adolescents with malnutrition, malnutrition in obese and overweight patients, atypical anorexia and the gut microbiota in malnutrition. Conducted a retrospective chart review, collected and analyzed primary data using basic statistical analysis. Redesigned the meal-based eating disorders refeeding menu, incorporating the most updated evidence-based protocols. Developed a web-based curriculum on adolescent nutrition for nutrition professionals. Shadowed clinical rotations with dietitian in the Weight Assessment for Teen and Child Health (WATCH) and Adolescent Eating Disorders clinics. Participant in the Maternal and Child Health Training Program, Leadership Education in Adolescent Health fellow and trainee.
Sustainability Consultant
July 2013 – July 2014
UC Davis Dining Services | Sodexo, Inc. | Davis, CA
Supported campus-grown food programs which generated over $50,000 worth of organic produce annually. Managed a local and sustainable food procurement program with a budget of over $2.4 million dollars. Tracked and reported sustainable food purchases. Implemented solid waste diversion programs, eliminating over 85% of waste from the landfill.
Sustainability Manager
October 2009 – July 2013
UC Davis Dining Services | Sodexo, Inc. | Davis, CA
Created and managed the sustainability program for UC Davis Dining Services, operated by Sodexo, serving over 8,000 daily meals with an annual food budget of over $9 million. Ranked number one in the nation as Sierra Club Magazine’s ‘coolest school’. Developed a local and sustainable food procurement program, partnering with regional farmers and food hubs to source over $2.6 million dollars worth of certified sustainable food purchases annually. Expanded the waste diversion program for composting, recycling and biogas generation across campus, eliminating over 85% of waste from the landfill in all campus dining locations. Created and executed training for over 700 employees on food waste reduction, energy and water efficiency in the kitchen, sustainable food sourcing and communicating sustainability to customers. Tracked and reported key sustainability metrics including food waste, energy usage, water usage and sustainable food purchases. Coordinated the weekly UC Davis Farmers Market, including marketing, education and sourcing. Managed marketing and communications for sustainability and nutrition program including website, social media, annual report, and national sustainability surveys. Served as a guest lecturer for many campus courses and a keynote speaker for regional and nationwide events related to systems change for food sustainability. Developed and managed a student internship program with 10 paid student interns and 20 volunteer student interns. Managed four FTEs.
Sustainability & Education Coordinator
June 2008 – October 2009
UC Davis Dining Services | Sodexo, Inc. | Davis, CA
Created an education program on sustainable agriculture and food systems, including a Meatless Monday promotional campaign, a student food waste reduction program and bi-annual farm-to-fork related dining events. Facilitated a nutrition education program, supervising 20 paid student interns and engaging over 3,000 UC Davis undergraduate students throughout the academic year. Delivered numerous presentations on nutrition, sustainability, health and wellness to undergraduate students, including cooking demonstrations, hands on gardening activities and film screenings. Designed curriculum for culinary training of 50 chefs and cooks from California schools on incorporating more regionally sourced and seasonal fruits, vegetables and whole grains into school lunch programs.
Production Manager | Host | Media Director
June 2008 – September 2012
Local Dirt Radio | KDVS 90.3FM | Davis, CA | Volunteer Position
Co-produced and hosted over 100 hours of radio broadcasting on a prime-time public affairs show with content on environmental, health, social justice and agriculture-related issues in the local and national community. Conducted live in-studio and phone interviews, edited and published audio recordings using Adobe Audition. Managed web and social media presence, including blogcast.
Children's Area Co-Coordinator
March 2008 - October 2011
Hoes Down Harvest Festival | Ecological Farming Association | Guinda, CA | Stipend Position
Curated and managed art pieces, musicians, volunteers and hands-on farm-related children's activities for the annual Hoes Down Harvest Festival at Fully Belly Organic Farm.
EDUCATION
California State University, Northridge
June 2015 – June 2016
Department of Family & Consumer Sciences | Northridge, CA
Dietetic Internship to complete 1220 supervised practice hours and 8 units of graduate coursework to become a board-certified Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).
University of California, Berkeley
August 2013 – June 2015
School of Public Health | Berkeley, CA
M.P.H. in Public Health Nutrition with a focus on federal food policies and programs, sustainable food systems, and the gut microbiota.
University of California, Davis
September 2006 - June 2008
College of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences | Davis, CA
B.S. in Clinical Nutrition, recipient of the Regents Scholar Award and Nutrition Department Honor Roll.
Reedley College
August 2004 - May 2006
Reedley, CA
A.S. in Biological Sciences, participant in the P. P Peters' Honors Program and recipient of the Dean’s Honor Roll and Outstanding Tiger Student Leader of the Year awards.
California State University, Northridge
June 2015 – June 2016
Department of Family & Consumer Sciences | Northridge, CA
Dietetic Internship to complete 1220 supervised practice hours and 8 units of graduate coursework to become a board-certified Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).
University of California, Berkeley
August 2013 – June 2015
School of Public Health | Berkeley, CA
M.P.H. in Public Health Nutrition with a focus on federal food policies and programs, sustainable food systems, and the gut microbiota.
University of California, Davis
September 2006 - June 2008
College of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences | Davis, CA
B.S. in Clinical Nutrition, recipient of the Regents Scholar Award and Nutrition Department Honor Roll.
Reedley College
August 2004 - May 2006
Reedley, CA
A.S. in Biological Sciences, participant in the P. P Peters' Honors Program and recipient of the Dean’s Honor Roll and Outstanding Tiger Student Leader of the Year awards.
TECHNICAL SKILLS
- Adobe: Acrobat Pro, Articulate 360, Illustrator
- Apple: iMovie
- Cloud Services: Box, DropBox, Google Drive, Mail Chimp, Qualtrics, Zoom
- E-learning: Articulate 360, Moodle
- Microsoft: Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Publisher, Outlook, Azure, Sharepoint, OneDrive
- Statistical Analysis: R (beginner)
CURRENT PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
- American Society for Nutrition
- UC Davis Food Loss & Waste Collaborative
- UC Agriculture and Natural Resources Disaster Preparedness & Response Workgroup
- UC Agriculture and Natural Resources Consumer Climate Change Literacy Workgroup
- UC Agriculture and Natural Resources Climate Change Program Team
- Western Region Mental Health & Nutrition Network
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
- American Public Health Association
- California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
- Los Angeles Food Policy Council - Food as Medicine Working Group (2015-2016)
- GradFood at UC Berkeley (2013-2015)
- Western Maternal Child Health Nutrition Leadership Network (2014-2015)
- University of California - Sustainable Foodservice Working Group, co-chair (2009-2013)
- Sacramento Food System Collaborative, member (2009-2013)
- Davis Club Vegan at the Davis Food Co-op; founder, director (2011-2013)
- Sodexo Sustainability and Environment Expert Development (SEED), member (2008-2013)
- Cal Aggie Christian Association, board member (2010-2012)
- KDVS Local Dirt Radio, co-host of public affairs show highlighting local agriculture, environment, social justice (2008-2012)
- Ecological Farming Association, Hoes Down Harvest Festival Children’s Area, coordinator (2008-2011)
- Real Food Challenge, pilot campus coordinator (2006-2009)
- Kids in the Garden at UC Davis, student educator (2008)
- Students for Sustainable Agriculture at UC Davis, president (2007-2009)
- Multifaith Living Community, resident and manager of food waste composting program, developed a work-trade program for the residents at the living community and the on-campus student farm (2007-2008)
- Focus the Nation at UC Davis, Coffee House zero-waste coordinator (2008)
- California Student Sustainability Coalition, UC Davis food representative (2007)
- American Red Cross Club at UC Davis, secretary (2007-2008)
- Davis Vegetarian Society, co-founder, treasurer (2007-2008)
- Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society at Reedley College, president, vice president, secretary (2004-2006)
- Relay for Life in Reedley, CA, committee member, Kids Camp coordinator and team captain (2005-2006)
- Reedley College Health Advisory Committee, student representative (2005)
- Reedley College Associated Student Body, secretary (2004-2005)
AWARDS, GRANTS & FELLOWSHIPS
- National WIC Association Leadership Award (2022)
- University of California, Agriculture & Natural Resources, Staff Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) Award (2018, 2019, 2020)
- Augustus Oliver Brown Fellowship, UC Berkeley School of Public Health (2014-2015)
- US Department of Health and Human Services, Maternal and Child Health, Leadership Education in Adolescent Health Fellowship (2014)
- Outstanding Graduate Student Instructor, UC Berkeley (2014)
- Reshetko Family Scholarship, UC Berkeley School of Public Health (2013-2014)
- Eco Hero, Cool Davis (2013)
- Real Food Award, Real Food Challenge (2013)
- National Spirit of Progress Award, Sodexo (2011)
- Regents Scholarship, UC Davis (2006-2008)
- Outstanding Student Leader of the Year, Reedley College (2006)
- Valedictorian, Reedley High School (2006)