Samantha Coogan

Director, Didactic Program in Dietetics
Senior Lecturer, Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences
Expertise: Diet, Human nutrition, Food science, Lifecycle nutrition, Community nutrition, Global nutrition and cultural food practices

Biography

Samantha Coogan is a senior lecturer within the Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences, and serves as the director of the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD). She has been licensed in Nevada as a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) since 2014.

Coogan teaches human nutrition, sports nutrition, nutrition, global nutrition and cultural food practices, nutrition assessment, and medical nutrition therapy (MNT) within the B.S. in Nutrition Sciences undergraduate program. She has also taught in the areas of food science, lifecycle nutrition, and community nutrition.

Coogan is a fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, is a past president of the Nevada Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (NvAND), and is an active member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Nevada Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and Nutrition and Dietetic Educators and Preceptors practice group.

In 2019, she won the Nevada Emerging Dietetic Leader of the Year Award, and was then featured in the Opening Session of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo (FNCE) 2019 for her role as program director and passion for creating confidence in her students to become future leaders of the profession.

Coogan was later the 2023 Nevada Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year (RYDY) recipient for her contributions to the Las Vegas community, leadership in education and career guidance, and participation in the dietetics profession at the state and national levels.

She is frequently called upon by national media including Healthline, Sports Illustrated, Women's Health Magazine, Verywell, and Martha Stewart.

Education

  • M.S., Exercise Physiology, 性视界传媒
  • B.S., Nutrition Sciences, 性视界传媒

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Samantha Coogan In The News

Martha Stewart
Sourdough bread is considered to be one of the best breads to eat, particularly if you choose a loaf with a minimal ingredients list. Yet, you might wonder: What happens to the body when you eat sourdough, and how does it compare to other varieties of bread? We spoke with dietitians to find out.
Verywell Health
Consuming caffeine before exercise is a popular way to optimize workout performance, and new research suggests that adding melatonin to your nighttime routine may result in even more improvement.
Martha Stewart
Eating cholesterol-lowering foods like oats can improve heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Verywell Health
As fiber and protein continue to stand in the social media spotlight, it鈥檚 no surprise that people are finding fun ways to add more of these nutrients to their diet.

Articles Featuring Samantha Coogan

Some early studying during the opening week of the Spring 2026 semester (Josh Hawkins/性视界传媒).
Campus News | February 3, 2026

A look at some of the most eye-grabbing headlines featuring 性视界传媒 faculty, staff, and students.