Yuuki Nakayachi, Ph.D., RDN

Yuuki Nakayachi, Ph.D., R.D.N (he/him/his) is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Urban Public Health and Nutrition, and Program Director of the undergraduate Didactic Program in Nutrition.  

Dr. Nakayachi originally pursued undergraduate study in philosophy and sociology, before pivoting to pursue a career in nutrition in graduate school. His clinical interests include chronic disease prevention and management, particularly type 2 diabetes mellitus and its associated diseases. As a clinical dietitian he specialized in outpatient counseling, working with elderly clients and their caregivers, Veterans, and members of limited-resource communities.  

Work with these communities eventually lead him to focus on how individual nutrition outcomes are influenced by the social determinants of health and the public health coalitions that aim to eliminate health disparities. His dissertation research examined how the “coordinators” of these coalitions promote and foster collaboration among their diverse members, which include community members, civil society groups, government institutions, non-profit organizations, and practitioners. 

Areas of Expertise

Community Health Partnerships/Coalitions

Chronic Disease Prevention

Cultural Humility

Nutrition Counseling

Qualitative Research

Education

PhD, 2023, Cornell University; Ithaca, NY, Nutritional Sciences

RDN, 2010, James J. Peters VA Medical Center; Bronx, NY, Dietetic Internship

MS, 2010, New York University; New York, NY, Nutrition and Dietetics

AB. 2005, The College of William and Mary; Williamsburg, VA, Philosophy

Professional Credentials

Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist

Teaching

NUTR 165 Principles of Nutrition

NUTR 420 Nutrition Education and Counseling

NUTR 510 Nutrition Communication

Professional Affiliations

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics 

American Public Health Association