Austin Brooks, MS, RDN, CPT
- Project Coordinator, Physical Activity Access and Opportunities
- Focus area(s): Physical activity promotion; policy, systems, and environmental supports for physical activity; active transportation and the built environment
Education
M.S., Dietetics, University of Vermont, 2012
B.S., Human Foods, Nutrition, and Exercise - Dietetics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 2010
Experience
Jan 2020 – present: Program Coordinator for Physical Activity Access and Opportunities, Virginia Family Nutrition Program, Blacksburg, VA
July 2012 – December 2019: Project Coordinator for Nutrition and Physical Activity Social Media and Support Initiative, Virginia Family Nutrition Program, Blacksburg, VA
I have worked for the Virginia Family Nutrition Program (EFNEP & SNAP-Ed) for the past ten years to help low income families across the state eat smart and move more. I began my career as the social media coordinator for the program where I created digital educational content about basic nutrition and physical activity.
In my current role, I facilitate opportunities and access for physical activity through policy, systems, and environmental changes. I also contribute to student learning projects in collaboration with HNFE and staff training efforts related to nutrition and physical activity. I aim to help families make healthy food and activity choices on a limited budget through practical tips, useful resources, and evidence-based interventions.
I also work with staff to be confident in leading physical activities and incorporating more physical activity into their own lives, as both strategies help them more effectively reach their target audience.
Much of my research focus is understanding how to best promote physical activity access and opportunities for low-income Virginians as well as implementing physical activity initiatives with program staff.
Reviewed Journals
- Everette A, Brooks A, Ramalingam NS, Powell T, Eaton R, Serrano E, Harden SM. (2017). An Integrated Research–Practice Partnership for Physical Activity Promotion in a Statewide Program. Translational Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine. 2(11), 57-67. Link.
Oral Presentations
- Brooks, A., Young, G.C., Ledlie-Johnson, M.L.J., Misyak, S., Serrano, E.
(2021) Planning physical activity PSE interventions for Virginia SNAP-Ed. 2012 American Public Health Association Conference. Denver, CO. - Brooks, A., Sneed, C. (2018) Practical Use of Social Media as a Social Marketing and Nutrition Education Tool. 2018 Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior Conference. Minneapolis, MN.