Dr. Nahikian-Nelms is currently a professor of clinical health and rehabilitation sciences and the Director of Academic Affairs in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences-College of Medicine at The Ohio State University. She has practiced as a dietitian and public health nutritionist for over 35 years. She is the lead author for several textbooks and is the author of peer-reviewed journal articles and chapters for other texts.
Her clinical expertise focuses on development and practice of evidence based nutrition therapy for both pediatric and adult populations as well as the development of alternative teaching environments for students within their clinical training. Dr. Nahikian-Nelms serves as one of the leads for Interprofessional Education (IPE) and has contributed to the design of multiple simulations and IPE experiences within the seven health science colleges at Ohio State University.
Dr. Nahikian-Nelms has received the Ohio State University Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching, the Governor's Award for Outstanding Teaching for the State of Missouri, Outstanding Dietetic Educator in Missouri and Ohio, Outstanding Teacher in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, and received the PRIDE award from Southeast Missouri State University in recognition of her teaching.