Emily Dow, PhD, RD, CSCS

Education & Professional Training:

• PhD, Exercise & Nutritional Sciences, Arizona State University (2025)
• MS, Nutrition & Human Performance, Logan University (2022)
• BS, Dietetics, Arizona State University (2020)
• RDN, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (2025)
• CSCS, National Strength and Conditioning Association (2024)

About:

Dr. Emily Dow is a nutrition scientist, strength and conditioning specialist, and registered dietitian whose work centers on the application of evidence-based nutrition and exercise principles to support mental and physical health across youth, recreational, athletic, and tactical populations. Her background and training span nutrition science, exercise physiology, and behavioral health, with experience in medical nutrition therapy, health promotion, and human research methodologies. Her scholarly work has focused on nutrition- and exercise-based lifestyle interventions, with particular interest in the microbiota–gut–brain axis and its relevance to mood regulation, gastrointestinal function, and cognitive health. Her research experience primarily leverages clinical trials to examine the effects of resistance training, dietary supplements, educational interventions, and functional foods on these outcomes, with the goal of translating mechanistic insights into applied, evidence-based practice.

In parallel with her academic work, Emily also has hands-on experience as a private-practice sports dietitian, working primarily with youth and recreational athletes to support performance, health, and long-term engagement in sport. Her applied experience informs her teaching and mentorship, allowing her to bridge classroom instruction with real-world practice to effectively prepare students for careers in nutrition, dietetics, and human performance.

Emily is deeply committed to effective scientific communication and the responsible translation of research into accessible, actionable guidance. She is particularly passionate about bridging the gap between academic science and public understanding, ensuring that complex topics in nutrition, exercise, and health are communicated accurately without sacrificing clarity or nuance. In addition to academic instruction, Emily engages with broader audiences through media and online platforms, where she translates current research into practical insights for athletes, practitioners, and the general public. Her work in these spaces prioritizes accuracy, context, and real-world relevance, with the goal of countering misinformation and empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health and performance.

Academic Activities:

• NSC 406R -  Exercise Prescription and Metabolic Testing
• NSC 406L - Exercise Physiology and Metabolic Testing Laboratory
• NSC 315 - Sports Nutrition