Kelsey Rushing, PhD, RDN, LD

Kelsey Rushing, PhD, RDN, LD

  • Lecturer
  • Director, Dietetic Internship Program
  • Nutritional Sciences
(334) 844-3429
kar0015@auburn.edu
102F Poultry Science Building
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Dr. Kelsey Rushing, PhD, RDN, LD, is a Lecturer and Director of the Dietetic Internship Program in the Department of Nutritional Sciences at Auburn University. An Auburn alumna, Dr. Rushing earned her bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Auburn before completing her master's, dietetic internship, and PhD in Nutrition Sciences at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Her research experience spans both clinical and community nutrition. Dr. Rushing’s previous work focused on nutrient supplementation, energy balance, liver health, and functional recovery following concussion. Her current interests have expanded to include community-based nutrition issues, particularly food insecurity among college students and tactical populations, environmental influences on health behaviors, and innovative approaches to nutrition education. Dr. Rushing is committed to university, departmental, and professional service. She contributes to program development, student support initiatives, and interdisciplinary collaborations that enhance training opportunities for future dietitians and expand the impact of nutrition science in applied settings. Before returning to Auburn, Dr. Rushing served as an Assistant Teaching Professor and Director of the Accelerated Master’s Coordinated Program in Dietetics at the University of Missouri. She has taught a wide range of undergraduate and graduate courses in nutrition and dietetics and remains dedicated to creating inclusive, practice-focused learning environments that prepare students for success in the profession.

Education

  • Ph.D.University of Alabama at Birmingham2023

  • M.S.University of Alabama at Birmingham2017

  • Dietetic InternshipUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham2017

  • B.S.Auburn University 2016

Professional Experience

Lecturer, Department of Nutritional Sciences, Auburn University, October 2024–Present

Director, Dietetic Internship Program, Department of Nutritional Sciences, Auburn University, October 2024–Present

Assistant Teaching Professor, Division of Food, Nutrition, and Exercise Sciences, University of Missouri, July 2023–December 2024

Director, Accelerated Masters Coordinated Program in Dietetics, Division of Food, Nutrition, and Exercise Sciences, University of Missouri, July 2023–September 2024

Graduate Research Trainee, Department of Nutrition Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, August 2017–August 2023

Instructor, Departments of Nutrition Sciences and Human Studies, University of Alabama at Birmingham, August 2020–August 2022

Performance and Wellness Dietitian, Departments of Athletics and Campus Recreation, University of Alabama at Birmingham, August 2017–August 2020

Graduate Teaching Assistant, Department of Nutrition Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, June 2021–August 2021

Innovation

Peer-Reviewed Manuscripts

Cannon S, Mintz J, Roberts B, Rushing KA, Jenkins G, Plaisance EP, Morris CE. Evaluation of the Effectiveness of ROTC Army Cadet Exercise Training for the Army Combat Fitness Test. International Journal of Exercise Science. 2024; 17(4): 172-182

Rushing KA, Bolyard ML, Kelty T, et al. Dietary ketone ester attenuates the accretion of adiposity and liver steatosis in mice fed a high-fat, high-sugar diet. Front Physiol. 2023;14:1165224

Roberts BM, Rushing KA, Plaisance EP. Sex Differences in Body Composition and Fitness Scores in Military Reserve Officers' Training Corps Cadets. Mil Med. 2023;188(1-2):e1-e5

 

Published Abstracts

Pierce M, Reed E, Winchester L, Rushing KA, Bello M, Langford E, Morris CE. (2024) Fitness facilities and tactical occupations: is it necessary to have an on-site exercise facility? International Journal of Exercise Science: 16(3): 278

Morris CE, Rushing KA, Butler P, Graves G, Rich A, Steen M, Watson E, Willis K, Abadie A, Plaisance E. (2023) Pilot study to evaluate the feasibility of ketone supplementation to improve functional outcomes in adolescents post sports-related concussion. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 55(9S): 488

Rushing KA, Butler P, Graves G, Rich A, Steen M, Watson E, Willis K, Abadie A, Plaisance E, Morris C. (2023) Pilot study to evaluate the feasibility of ketone supplementation to improve functional outcomes in adolescents post sports-related concussion. International Journal of Exercise Science. 16(2): 75

Rushing KA, Cannon SA, Mintz JA, Roberts BM, Jenkins GW, Fisher G, Plaisance EP, Morris CE (2022) Evaluation of the effectiveness of ROTC army cadet exercise training for the army combat fitness test. International Journal of Exercise Science. 16(1): 334

Plaisance E, Rushing KA, Bolyard M, Kelty T, Wieshhaus N, Rector S. (2022) Dietary ketone ester attenuates hepatic steatosis in mice on a high-fat, high-sugar diet. The Obesity Society. 30: 201

Chimera L, Dellana J, Farris A, Wentz L, Harman T, Dommel A, Rushing KA, Stowers L, Behrens C. (2022) Food insecurity among college student athletes in the southeastern region: a multi-site study. International Journal of Exercise Science.

Dellana J, Chimera L, Farris A, Nunnery D, Harman T, Dommel A, Rushing KA, Stowers L, Behrens C. (2022) The impact of sexual orientation on food insecurity among Division 1 student athletes. International Journal of Exercise Science.

Rushing KA, Ticknell J, Bolyard M, Niedergeses C, Rector S, Plaisance E. (2021) Effects of a ketone supplement on energy balance and adiposity in mice on a high-fat high-sugar diet. The Obesity Society.

Engagement

University-Level Service

  • Teaching Effectiveness Committee, University Senate, Auburn University

  • Committee for Persons with Disabilities, University of Missouri

  • College & Departmental-Level Service

  • Graduate Programs Committee, Department of Nutritional Sciences, Auburn University

    • Chair, 2024-2025

  • AU Health Professions Simulation Community of Practice, Auburn University

  • Faculty Search Committees, Department of Nutritional Sciences, Auburn University                                                                                                  

    • Lecturer, Foodservice Management & Certified Dietary Manager Credentialing Program 

    • Assistant/Associate Professor – Human Nutrition 

    • Assistant Professor in Nutritional Sciences

  • Strategic Planning Committee, Division of Food, Nutrition, and Exercise Sciences, MU

  • Study Abroad Faculty Advisor – Italy, College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources, MU

  • Graduate Admissions Committee, Division of Food, Nutrition, and Exercise Sciences, MU

  • Advisory Board, Coordinated Program in Dietetics, MU

  • Professional Development Committee, Department of Nutrition Sciences, UAB

  • New Student Liaison, Department of Nutrition Sciences, UAB

  • Professional & Scholarly Service 

  • Manuscript Reviewer, Journal of Foodservice Management & Education

  • Manuscript Reviewer, Alabama Cooperative Extension System

  • Manuscript Reviewer, International Journal of Exercise Science

  • Preceptor, Departments of Athletics, Nutrition Sciences, and Human Studies, UAB

  • Community, Outreach, & Interdisciplinary Service 

  • Nutrition Team Faculty Advisor, ROTC, Department of Nutritional Sciences, Auburn University

  • Reimbursement, Billing, & Coding Workshop Planning Committee, Auburn University

CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSURE

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Commission on Dietetic Registration

Licensed Dietitian, Alabama Board of Examiners for Dietetics and Nutritionists

Certified Manager, National Restaurant Association, ServSafe Management

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING

New Faculty Scholars Program, Biggio Center, Auburn University

Engaged and Active Student Learning Academy, Biggio Center, Auburn University

Aspire Auburn: Leading Teams, Office of Human Resources, Auburn University

Writing Across the Curriculum: Teaching Critical Thinking with AI, Auburn University Writing

Reimbursement, Billing, & Coding Workshop, Auburn University

Aspire Auburn: Leading People, Office of Human Resources, Auburn University

Learning and Expanding Abilities for Professoriate Cohort Fellows Program, MU

Program Director Workshop, ACEND

Intensive Course in Pediatric Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, UAB