The American Society for Nutrition (ASN) recently selected Rachel Johnson, professor emerita in the Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, to be inducted into its Class of 2021 Fellows. Being inducted as a Fellow is the highest honor bestowed by the ASN, recognizing individuals for significant discoveries and distinguished careers in the field of nutrition.

An accomplished scholar, teacher and leader, Johnson has positively impacted the lives of her students, as well as millions of everyday Americans through her work in national nutrition policy. During her tenure at the University of Vermont, Johnson served on a number of prestigious federal committees, including the National Academy of Sciences-Institute of Medicine Panel on the Dietary Reference Intakes and Committee to Review the WIC Food Packages. She was appointed by former President Barack Obama to the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition Science Board where she served from 2011-2014, and invited by First Lady Michelle Obama to participate in a White House panel evaluating food marketing to children as part of the “Let’s Move Initiative.”

In addition to her many activities at the federal level, Johnson was extensively involved with the American Heart Association (AHA) where she served as chair and vice chair of the nutrition committee and as an AHA national spokesperson.

“Dr. Johnson has clearly left her mark nationally and internationally as a leader in nutrition and in the process has informed and inspired countless future dietitians and medical professionals,” said Cathy Donnelly, professor in the UVM Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences.

At UVM, Johnson held several leadership roles including serving as dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, director of the Vermont Agricultural Experiment Station and associate provost of UVM. She was later appointed as the Robert L. Bickford, Jr. Green and Gold Professor of Nutrition, the first endowed professorship in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, where she returned to her love of teaching and research.

“It is a distinct honor to announce the individuals selected as Fellows of the American Society for Nutrition,” said ASN President, Lindsay Allen, PhD.  “As trailblazers in the field, these nutrition leaders are recognized for their lasting contributions, enabling us to further the mission of pursuing a healthier world through evidence-based nutrition. We celebrate them for their legacy and thank them for inspiring the next generation of global nutrition leaders.”

Johnson is one of 15 scholars from universities across the U.S. and Canada to be named to the ASN Class of 2021 Fellows.