Margaret Wing-Peterson, M.S., R.D., Emeritus

Assistant Professor

Margaret Wing-Peterson is a registered dietitian whose career has focused on health promotion and nutrition education for the public and for professionals in medicine, nursing, dentistry, health education, and culinary. She feels fortunate to have opportunities to integrate nutrition science with her interests in cultural food patterns, consumer behavior, food, and culinary science. Her 40+ year professional practice includes service as an outpatient cardiology dietitian, weight management and wellness counselor, pediatric public health nutrition manager, maternal and child health educator, food and nutrition newspaper columnist, behavioral medicine trainer, and most recently faculty at PLNU. Since 2002, she has been associated with PLNU’s Department of Family and Consumer Sciences as adjunct professor, full-time assistant professor, affiliated faculty, and academic advisor in nutrition/dietetics.

Education

  • M.S., Nutrition Science, University of California-Davis
  • Accredited Dietetic Internship, Mercy Hospital and Medical Center; San Diego, CA
  • B.S. with High Distinction, Foods and Human Nutrition, University of Arizona 

Courses Taught

  • Cultural Foods – FCS 303 (2017)
  • Child and Adolescent Nutrition and Health – CDV 325 (2016)

Experience in Field

  • Instructor, PLNU: fundamentals of nutrition science, food economics and management, cultural foods, life cycle nutrition, community nutrition, nutrition in women's health, practices in nutrition education and dietary counseling, food service production and management, advanced foods, food science, catering; 2002 – present 
  • Program Nutritionist, Dental Health Initiative/Share the Care, San Diego State University Research Foundation, 1995 – 2007 
  • Program Nutritionist, Child Health and Disability Prevention Program, San Diego County Department of Health Services, 1991 – 1995
  • Outpatient Clinical Dietitian, San Diego Cardiac Center, 1990 – 2003
  • Syndicated Columnist, ""Diet and Health,"" Copley News Service,1989 – 1992
  • Weekly Columnist, "The Heart Line," (San Diego) Evening Tribune, 1987 – 1992
  • Coordinator, Program Development and Training, DANNIS Behavioral Medicine Group, Inc., 1985 – 1990

Professional and Community Involvement

  • Member, California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), AND Food and Culinary Professionals Practice Group 
  • Roundtable Moderator, Third Annual Oral Health Conference, San Diego Oral Health Initiative, 2008
  • Selection Committee, San Diego State University Foundation WIC Dietetic Internship, 2007
  • Member, Advisory Committee, San Diego State University Foundation WIC Dietetic Internship, 2001 – 2002
  • Grant Reviewer, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Minority Health/Women's Health, 1996
  • PLNU Employee Wellness Committee, 2014 – 2015
  • PLNU Faculty Resources Committee, 2014 – 2015
  • San Diego Chinese Women's Association; First Vice-President, 2016 – present; Corresponding Secretary, 2014 – 2016
  • Chair-elect/Chair, Membership Committee, San Diego District Dietetic Association, 2000 – 2002
  • Chair, Nominations Committee, San Diego District Dietetic Association, 1998 – 99

Awards and Honors

  • Nominee, California District Dietetic Association’s “Excellence in Community Nutrition” Award, 2000  
  • Robie Gold Medal Award, Outstanding University-Wide Senior Woman, University of Arizona, 1974

Dissertations, Presentations, and Publications

  • Master's Thesis: "Source Credibility Effects on Consumer Perceptions of Nutrition Claims Made in Food Advertisements"
  • Publications/Featured News Articles:
  • The San Diego Union-Tribune: “Do Kids’ Lunches Make the Grade?” and “An Affinity for Fish Doesn’t Have to Include Fat”
  • The (San Diego) Evening Tribune: “Age-Old Use of Spices Reduces Need for Salt” and “East Meets West” 
  • Senior World: "Prevention is Best Way to Beat Osteoporosis"
  • “Preserving Vitamins and Minerals (during food preparation),” in The Complete Guide to Vitamins and Minerals; HP Publishing; San Diego, CA

Presentations:

  • Hype or Health: What's on Your Plate? San Diego Gas and Electric Co. Employee Wellness Safety Stand Down, 2014