Dr. Christen Cooper
Professor and founder championing Food as Medicine through science, cooking, and real-world nutrition solutions.
Why you should book Dr. Christen Cooper for your next event
- Inspires audiences to rethink nutrition by connecting scientific insight with practical, affordable ways to eat for long-term health.
- Founder of a unique MS program focused on Food as Medicine, combining clinical nutrition with hands-on culinary expertise.
- Trusted voice featured in major media, with research spanning child nutrition, future food systems, and public health challenges.
Non-binding request for Christen Cooper
Food as Medicine expert bridging nutrition science and everyday cooking
Dr. Christen Cooper is a leading voice in the growing Food as Medicine movement, combining deep academic expertise with a practical approach to nutrition and health. As Founder and Professor in Pace University’s MS in Nutrition and Dietetics Program, she has shaped a unique educational model that integrates clinical knowledge with real culinary skills. With a Ph.D. in Nutrition from Columbia University and a career that spans research, policy, and global consulting, Dr. Cooper brings a rare perspective to modern health challenges. Her engaging talks translate complex nutritional science into actionable insights, showing how individuals and organizations can use food as a powerful tool for prevention, wellbeing, and longevity.
Dr. Christen Cooper – Food as Medicine in Practice
Dr. Christen Cooper is one of the most prominent advocates for redefining how we approach health through nutrition. As the Founder and Professor of Nutrition in Pace University’s MS in Nutrition and Dietetics Program, she has pioneered a curriculum centered on the concept of “Food as Medicine.” This approach reflects both scientific evidence and real-world needs, addressing the growing challenges of obesity, chronic disease, and preventative health.
Her program stands out by preparing students with a strong foundation in clinical and community nutrition while also equipping them with advanced culinary skills. This combination ensures that nutrition is not reduced to numbers on a page, but transformed into meals people can actually prepare, enjoy, and sustain in their daily lives.
Bridging Science and Everyday Life
Dr. Cooper’s philosophy is grounded in a simple but powerful truth: food is the foundation of good health. Through decades of epidemiological research and lived experience, this principle continues to prove essential in addressing modern health issues.
Her work focuses on closing the gap between knowing what to eat and understanding how to eat well. She emphasizes the importance of teaching individuals how to cook with real, whole foods, using herbs and spices to create flavor instead of relying on excess sugar, fat, and salt. This approach supports both disease prevention and long-term wellbeing.
In her teaching, students actively develop recipes in a learning kitchen, gaining hands-on experience in courses such as:
- Foods of World Cultures
- Functional Foods
- Nutrition Across the Lifespan
This practical training enables future nutrition professionals to guide others with confidence and clarity.
Academic Excellence and Research Impact
Dr. Cooper’s academic journey includes both a Master’s and Ph.D. in Nutrition from Columbia University, along with undergraduate studies at Wellesley College. Her research spans a diverse range of critical topics, including child nutrition, the future of food systems, and the intersection of nutrition and human trafficking.
With more than 20 peer-reviewed publications, her work contributes to advancing knowledge in both academic and applied settings. She brings depth and credibility to every stage she steps on, offering audiences insights grounded in evidence and shaped by real-world relevance.
Media Presence and Public Voice
Beyond academia, Dr. Cooper is a widely recognized expert in the media landscape. She has contributed to major publications such as U.S. News and World Report, Forbes, The Financial Times, The Huffington Post, and Men’s Health, among many others.
Her ability to communicate complex ideas in an accessible and engaging way has made her a trusted source for discussions on nutrition, health trends, and food systems. Whether speaking to professionals or general audiences, she delivers clarity without oversimplifying.
From Policy to Global Consulting
Before her career in nutrition and dietetics, Dr. Cooper worked as a Congressional aide in the U.S. House of Representatives, focusing on women’s health. This early experience shaped her understanding of policy, public health, and the broader systems that influence wellbeing.
She later worked as a management consultant, leading global teams on food and nutrition projects for Fortune 500 companies. This background adds a strategic dimension to her expertise, allowing her to address challenges at both individual and organizational levels.
Book Dr. Christen Cooper for Your Event
Dr. Christen Cooper brings a compelling mix of academic rigor, practical application, and engaging storytelling to every presentation. Her talks resonate with audiences looking to better understand the role of nutrition in health, while also gaining tools they can apply immediately.
Whether addressing healthcare professionals, corporate audiences, educators, or policymakers, she delivers insights that inspire action and lasting change. Her message is clear: when we understand food as more than fuel, we unlock its potential as one of the most powerful tools for health and longevity.
Keynotes
Keynote by Dr. Christen Cooper:
Child nutrition and food and nutrition education (role of parents and teachers)
Are children in your care developing lifelong healthy eating habits—or just getting through the day on convenience foods?
This is where Dr. Christen Cooper makes a measurable difference. Her keynotes cut through confusion and give parents and educators the tools to turn nutrition knowledge into daily practice. With her Food as Medicine approach, she shows how to guide children toward real, balanced meals while making food education engaging and realistic.
Dr. Cooper bridges the gap between theory and action—equipping adults to model, teach, and inspire better choices in both classrooms and homes. The result is not just healthier children, but stronger foundations for lifelong wellbeing.
Book Dr. Cooper to transform nutrition education into something children understand, enjoy, and carry with them for life.
Keynote by Dr. Christen Cooper:
Nutrition and human trafficking (I am the only author on this in my profession) and trauma-informed nutrition care
Are you equipped to recognize and support the hidden nutritional needs of individuals affected by human trafficking?
Dr. Christen Cooper addresses a critical gap few experts cover. As the only author in her profession focusing on nutrition and human trafficking, she brings unmatched insight into trauma-informed nutrition care. Her keynotes reveal how trauma impacts eating behaviors, nutrient status, and long-term health—and how professionals can respond with sensitivity and effectiveness.
Through clear frameworks and real-world applications, she empowers audiences to deliver care that is both clinically sound and deeply human. The value is immediate: better support, stronger outcomes, and a more informed approach to complex cases.
Book Dr. Cooper to bring a vital, often overlooked perspective to your audience—and lead meaningful change where it matters most.
Keynote by Dr. Christen Cooper:
Nutrition and the future of food (3-D food printing, ultra processed food)
Are you confident your organization can keep up with a food landscape shaped by ultra-processed products and emerging technologies like 3D food printing?
Dr. Christen Cooper brings clarity to a complex and fast-moving space. Her keynotes unpack what these innovations mean for nutrition, health outcomes, and consumer behavior—cutting through hype with evidence-based insight. She explains how ultra-processed foods impact long-term wellbeing, while also exploring where new technologies can support better, more accessible nutrition.
With a sharp, practical lens, she equips audiences to make informed decisions, adapt strategies, and stay ahead of change. The value is immediate: a deeper understanding of risks, opportunities, and how to respond with confidence.
Book Dr. Cooper to give your audience a clear, credible roadmap for navigating the future of food.
Keynote by Dr. Christen Cooper:
Food insecurity and food justice
Are you struggling to address food insecurity in a way that creates real, lasting change—not just short-term solutions?
Dr. Christen Cooper brings a powerful, evidence-based perspective to food justice, showing how nutrition, access, and education intersect. Her keynotes go beyond the surface, unpacking the systemic challenges behind food insecurity while offering practical strategies that organizations, educators, and leaders can apply immediately.
With her Food as Medicine approach, she highlights how equitable access to nutritious food can improve health outcomes and strengthen communities. Audiences leave with a clearer understanding of both the problem and the path forward.
Book Dr. Cooper to turn awareness into action—and equip your audience with the insight needed to drive meaningful, sustainable impact in food justice.
