Tracy Bruen, DCN, RDN, LDN, joins Health Sciences as assistant professor
The MTSU alumna and registered dietitian nutritionist brings 30 years of practice and eight years in academia to the Nutrition and Food Science program.
Tracy Bruen, DCN, RDN, LDN, has joined the Department of Health Sciences as an assistant professor, returning to the university where she first discovered dietetics.
Why it matters: Bruen’s research targets nutrition education and access in at-risk communities, diabetes prevention, and women’s health, areas that connect directly to the department’s public health and nutrition work.
Key details
- Experience: Registered dietitian nutritionist for more than 30 years, including the past eight in academia.
- MTSU roots: Earned her B.S. in Nutrition and Food Science at MTSU.
- Education: M.S., University of Memphis, 1996. Doctorate in Clinical Nutrition, Rutgers University, 2019.
- Research focus: Nutrition education and access in at-risk communities, diabetes prevention, and women’s health.
- Professional service: President of the Tennessee Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
From interior design to dietetics
Bruen’s path began in an MTSU classroom. She was pursuing an interior design concentration when she took her first nutrition course.
“I took my first nutrition course while pursuing an interior design concentration and discovered that nutrition was a profession,” Bruen said. “I changed my major and have loved the field ever since.”
She returned to school to earn her doctorate, then moved into teaching.
“I have enjoyed a progressive career as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for more than 30 years, including the past eight in academia, and I truly believe I have one of the most rewarding jobs,” she said.
Learn more
Explore the Nutrition and Food Science program or meet the faculty in the Department of Health Sciences.