Nikki Nollen, PhD

Assistant Professor, Preventive Medicine & Public Health
Assistant Director, Distinguished Visiting Scholar Lecture Series

What’s behind the obesity epidemic in our country? This pressing public health issue is the primary research focus of Nikki Nollen’s investigations – including an NIH-funded clinical trial. She examines environmental correlates of pediatric obesity and the use of novel technology-based strategies to improve diet and sedentary behaviors among children and adolescents. In addition to diet and physical activity, Nikki has investigated weight loss and smoking cessation interventions in diverse populations, including low income African American women. Her expertise in motivational interviewing is tapped within the MPH coursework where she teaches social and behavior health. Medical students learn about obesity and the obesogenic environment as well as how to motivate patients for health behavior change. Her service includes the Faculty Council and co-chairing the Society of Behavioral Medicine’s Obesity and Eating Disorders Special Interest Group.

BS	Psychology	Iowa State University
MA	Counseling Psychology	Ball State University
PhD	Counseling Psychology	University of Missouri-Kansas City