Dr. Beerman teaches in the School of Biological Sciences at Washington State University. She is the author of several published articles assessing the impact of bioactive components in soy (isoflavones) on health parameters in menopausal women. More recently, she has been studying the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia in rural, impoverished regions of Guatemala, and efficacy of a novel approach to improve iron status in women and children. Dr. Beerman teaches the 300-level nutrition course for health-related majors (Nutrition, Health, and Disease), as well as courses related to women's health (Biology of Women). She also teaches a course in teaching methodology (Teaching Methods in Higher Education) for graduate students. Since joining the faculty at Washington State University in 1989, she has taught more than 12,000 students and has been the recipient of several college and university teaching awards. Dr. Beerman's years of teaching experience, combined with her wide knowledge base in nutrition, health sciences and educational pedagogy, has helped create this innovative introductory nutrition text.