Expertise
About
Jennifer K. Frediani, PhD, RD, ACSM-CES, is a nutrition scientist, exercise physiologist, and registered dietitian with over two decades of experience in clinical research, education, and lifestyle intervention. She's an assistant professor, research track, at the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing at Emory University, adjunct faculty in the nutrition and health sciences program at the Rollins School of Public Health, and a member of the Winship Cancer Institute.
Dr. Frediani earned her PhD in nutrition science from Emory University, and a master’s in exercise science and a bachelor’s in nutrition and dietetics from Georgia State University. Her doctoral research focused on body composition and dietary assessment among tuberculosis patients in the Republic of Georgia, and her postdoctoral work explored nutritional influences on pediatric liver disease.
She has published widely in journals such as Nature Scientific Reports, The New England Journal of Medicine, Clinical Nutrition, and Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases.
At Emory, she directs adult clinical studies for the NIH RADx initiative, overseeing trials on novel diagnostics for infectious diseases. She also leads the development of Emory’s fully online master of science in clinical nutrition program, designed to prepare future registered dietitian nutritionists through integrated coursework and supervised experiential learning.
Her research focuses on weight-neutral lifestyle interventions to improve cardiometabolic outcomes, with a special emphasis on dietary assessment, physical activity, and metabolomics.
Frediani’s teaching philosophy centers on creating inclusive, student-driven learning environments that foster critical thinking and professional growth. She is passionate about reducing weight stigma in clinical care and promoting sustainable, individualized approaches to food and movement.
Outside of work, Frediani is an avid runner and food enthusiast who travels the world to explore culinary traditions and cultural foodways. She believes that everyone deserves to enjoy food that nourishes both body and soul — without shame or restriction.
Education
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Nutrition and Dietetics, Georgia State University, Atlanta
- Master of Science (MS) in Exercise Science, Georgia State University
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nutrition and Health Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta
Certifications
- Board-certified in Translational Research
- Registered Dietitian (RD) from the Commission of Dietetic Registration
- Clinical Exercise Specialist (ACSM-CEP) from the American College of Sports Medicine
Awards
- Pilot Project of the Year, Georgia Center for Diabetes Translational Research (2021)
- Best Football is Medicine Program in the World, Football is Medicine (2020)
- Poster and Lightning Talk Award, Metabolomics Association of North America (2019)
- Global Nutrition Student Award, America Society of Nutrition (2014)
Professional Organizations
- Member, Nutrition and Dietetic Educators and Preceptors
- Member, Academy for Nutrition and Dietetics
- Member, International Society for Behavior, Nutrition, and Physical Activity
- Member, Society of Behavioral Medicine, Chair Elect for Obesity, Eating Disorder SIG
- Member, American Heart Association
- Member, American College of Sports Medicine
Research
Dr. Frediani’s research involves the study of weight-neutral lifestyle interventions involving diet and exercise for cardiometabolic disease.
