Dr. Sandra Poirier is Professor of Nutrition and Food Science and Teacher Educator at Middle Tennessee State University.   She received her B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees from Florida State University and the University of Arizona respectively.  Her doctorate was received in 1998 from Florida International University in Miami, Florida with her dissertation in the area of health-related quality of life.  Prior to coming to MTSU, Dr. Poirier taught three years at Zayed University in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Additionally, she has worked at the University of Florida Extension Service, Florida International University, Florida Atlantic University, University of Arizona Extension Service, and Alberta Agriculture, Alberta, Canada. Dr. Poirier has more than 15 years of international teaching experience working in culturally diverse environments.  Her strengths include creating innovative educational programs with a focus on food and culture, identifying appropriate outreach efforts to solve community problems, and empowering students for successful careers.  She has been recognized for her ability to create and teach online courses, work as an advisor for student organizations, and creating positive educational environments for optimal learning. She has published over 35 journal articles and been invited to speak in Malaysia, Switzerland, Germany, Poland, Austria, Puerto Rico, Iceland, Australia, Greece, and the Andros Islands in the Caribbean.