Food Science and Human Nutrition Department

Laura Acosta, D.C.N., R.D.N., L.D.N

Office: Building 120, Room 104D

Phone: 352.273.3472

Laura Acosta's teaching interests include Clinical Nutrition, Medical Nutrition Therapy, Nutrition Counseling, and Fitness and Wellness.

Laura Acosta's research focuses on the effect of bioactive substances, particularly tea catechins, on cardiometabolic disease risk factors.

Acosta L. (2018). Walk Indoors! With Leslie Sansone. [New Resources for Nutrition Educators]. J Nutr Educ Behav. 50: 1063-1064.
Acosta L. (2017). Anorexia Nervosa and Premenopausal Osteoporosis: A Case Report. Top Clin Nutr. 32(3): 252-265.
Acosta L, O’Kane G, Kellett J, Kowalewska A. (2016). Collaborations in Dietetics Education Across Countries [abstract]. J Acad Nutr Diet. 116(9) Supplement: A68.
Acosta L. (2015). The Discussion-Based Lecture: A Promising New Model for Online Classrooms [abstract]. J Nutr Educ Behav. 47(4) Supplement: S16.
Acosta, L. 2014. Let’s Get Cooking: How to Host a Healthy Cooking Class. IDEA Fitness Journal. (In Press).
Acosta L. 2013. Mat Pilates for Fitness Professionals: An Instructor Training Manual. Printed by CreateSpace, Charleston, SC.
Acosta L. 2009. Living Lean: 8 Steps to Success™. LifeStyle Wellness LLC, Gainesville, FL.
Crowder T, Kidd K, Jensen N, and Jensen-Acosta L. January 2008. Enhanced nutrition education instead of consuming supplements. Strategies: A Journal for Physical and Sport Educators, 21(3), 19-27.

DCN (Doctor of Clinical Nutrition) Rutgers University, 2022
M.S. University of Florida; Food Science and Human Nutrition, 2007 (Minor: Applied Physiology and Kinesiology)
B.S. University of Florida; Food Science and Human Nutrition, 2005 (Specialization: Dietetics)
RDN. Commission on Dietetic Registration, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2007
LDN. State of Florida Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance, 2007
Other Certifications: Personal Fitness Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, Kickboxing Instructor, Yoga Instructor, Advanced Pilates Practitioner, Indoor Cycling Instructor

HUN 4445 Nutrition & Disease 1 (Fall)
DIE 4245 Medical Nutrition 1 (Fall)
DIE 4436 Nutritional Counseling and Communication (Spring)
IDS2935 Feeding the Planet: Nutrition, Sustainability, and the Economics of Eating (Spring)

Educator Award, June 2020
North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA)
Recognized for excellence in teaching within a college of agriculture.
University-Wide Teacher of the Year, April 2019
University of Florida
Recognized as the 2019 Teacher of the Year for the University of Florida.
Undergraduate Teacher of the Year, February 2019
College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Florida
Recognized as the college-wide undergraduate Teacher of the Year for 2019.
Outstanding Dietetics Educator, March 2018
Recognized by the Nutrition and Dietetic Educators and Preceptors Practice Group (NDEP) for excellence in teaching within a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD).
Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year, July 2017
Recognized by the Florida Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (FAND) for early career excellence and professional contributions.
American Council on Exercise (ACE) and Life Fitness, Personal Trainers to Watch Award, 2011