Resume

Professional Summary

I fostered interdisciplinary collaboration among faculty and researchers, led joint public health research projects, and integrated diverse perspectives to enhance study outcomes. I exercised leadership in curriculum development by designing and implementing innovative public health courses that utilized evidence-based teaching methodologies. My research was published in peer-reviewed journals, employing rigorous evidence-based approaches to address contemporary public health issues. In the classroom, I encouraged collaborative learning environments, guiding students through evidence-based problem-solving activities and group projects to deepen their understanding of public health concepts. Additionally, I provided mentorship and guidance to students and junior faculty on the application of evidence-based practices in public health, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and academic excellence.

Work Experience

August 2019 - August 2025

Assistant Professor of Health Promotion

North Carolina Wesleyan University

I fostered interdisciplinary collaboration among faculty and researchers, led joint public health research projects, and integrated diverse perspectives to enhance study outcomes. I exercised leadership in curriculum development by designing and implementing innovative public health courses that utilized evidence-based teaching methodologies. My research was published in peer-reviewed journals, employing rigorous evidence-based approaches to address contemporary public health issues. In the classroom, I encouraged collaborative learning environments, guiding students through evidence-based problem-solving activities and group projects to deepen their understanding of public health concepts. Additionally, I provided mentorship and guidance to students and junior faculty on the application of evidence-based practices in public health, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and academic excellence.

January 2017 - August 2018

Assistant Professor of Public Health

Elon University

I developed multiple student-centered undergraduate courses in public health and exercise science, integrating evidence-based teaching and learning strategies. I delivered these courses through various platforms, including online and classroom-based formats, and adapted to different schedules, including accelerated 3-week sessions and full-term schedules. I also conducted individual and small group meetings with students to clarify course topics, provide encouragement, and promote creative problem-solving as needed.

May 2009 - August 2013

Clinical Dietitan

Peak Nutrition & Weight Loss

Used motivational interviewing and empathy-based inquiry to uncover user goals and barriers, and developed accessible resources and group programs tailored to diverse audiences—experience that directly translates to content testing, UX research, and usability studies.

August 2010 - January 2016

Speaker / Public Health Consultant

Balancing Life's Issues (BLI)

Delivered tailored health education programs and continuously refined content based on participant feedback, while engaging diverse users in corporate settings in ways that closely aligned with user and stakeholder research practices.

August 2019 - August 2025

Graduate Research Assistant

UNC Center for Health Promotion & Disease Prevention

I secured 100% of the funding required to conduct a primary dissertation research project, which consisted of a 6-month weight loss program tailored for severely obese African American women. I collected, summarized, and analyzed both qualitative and quantitative data from public health research projects, interpreting the results within the context of the broader literature on the topic and publishing the findings in peer-reviewed academic journals. I developed public health education materials by consolidating and translating technical scientific information into formats suitable for a lay audience. Additionally, I collaborated effectively with a diverse array of project stakeholders, including academics, administrators, and study participants, on the development of new research proposals and the publication of research findings in scientific manuscripts.

January 2009 - August 2010

Project Manager

UNC Center for Health Promotion & Disease Prevention

I supervised the implementation of a comprehensive million-dollar school-based intervention research project across twelve schools in Wake County, NC. I strategically planned and facilitated all study-related meetings and activities, engaging a diverse array of stakeholders, including funders, parents, teachers, principals, students, and county-level school administrators. I regularly assessed progress towards achieving program objectives, ensuring alignment with established goals, and oversaw the authorship of annual formal progress reports to the funding agency. I also adjusted protocols and timelines to address the inherent variability in program implementation, while maintaining accountability and ensuring the timely achievement of overarching project goals.

Education

2010 - 2016

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Public Health Nutrition

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill NC

2006 - 2008

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Public Health Nutrition

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill NC

2000 - 2004

Bachelor of Science (BS)

Biological Sciences with Nutrition Concentration

North Carolina State University, Raleigh NC

Skills & Expertise

UX Research Methods (Interviews, Usability Testing, Surveys, Focus Groups)
Mixed-Methods Analysis (Quantitative: SAS; Qualitative: Atlas.ti, NVivo)
Research Synthesis & Insight Communication
Survey Design & Implementation (Qualtrics, Google Forms)
Stakeholder Engagement & Cross-Functional Collaboration
Experience Mapping, Personas, Affinity Diagrams (Miro, Dovetail)
Health Behavior & Human-Centered Design

Publications

Alick, C. L., Braxton, D., Skinner, H., Alexander, R., Ammerman, A. S., Keyserling, T. C., & Samuel-Hodge, C. D. (2023). Rural African American Women With Severe Obesity: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Lifestyle Behaviors and Psychosocial Characteristics. American Journal of Health Promotion, 37(8), 1060-1069.

Crowley, S. K., Gill, M., Braxton, D. F., & Magal, M. (2021). Barriers To Physical Activity During The COVID-19 Pandemic. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 249-249.

Crowley, S. K., Wall, J. D., Avery, A. G., Braxton, D. F., Henderson, D., & Magal, M. (2020). Sitting Time Predicts Cortisol Levels in Women, Independent of Cardiorespiratory Fitness Level. Eur J Sport Sci, 1, 10.

Keyserling, T. C., Samuel-Hodge, C. D., Pitts, S. J., Garcia, B. A., Johnston, L. F., Gizlice, Z., ... & Ammerman, A. S. (2016). A community-based lifestyle and weight loss intervention promoting a Mediterranean-style diet pattern evaluated in the stroke belt of North Carolina: the Heart Healthy Lenoir Project. BMC public health, 16, 1-22.

Samuel-Hodge C. D., Johnson C. M., Braxton D. F., & Lackey M. (2014). Effectiveness of Diabetes Prevention Program translations among African Americans. Obese Rev, 15(S4), 107-124.

Swartz, J. J., Dowray, S., Braxton, D., Mihas, P., & Viera, A. J. (2013). Simplifying healthful choices: a qualitative study of a physical activity based nutrition label format. Nutr J, 12, 72.

Dowray, S., Swartz, J. J., Braxton, D., & Viera, A. J. (2013). Potential effect of physical activity based menu labels on the calorie content of selected fast food meals. Appetite, 62, 173-181.

Pitts, S. B., Vu, M. B., Garcia, B. A., McGuirt, J. T., Braxton, D., Hengel, C. E., Huff, J. V., Keyserling, T. C., & Ammerman, A. S. (2013). A community assessment to inform a multilevel intervention to reduce cardiovascular disease risk and risk disparities in a rural community. Fam Community Health, 36(2), 135-146.

Samuel-Hodge, C. D., Johnston, L. F., Gizlice, Z., Garcia, B. A., Lindsley, S. C., Gold, A. D., Braxton, D. F., & Keyserling, T. C. (2013). A pilot study comparing two weight loss maintenance interventions among low-income, mid-life women. BMC Public Health, 13(1), 653.

Swartz, J. J., Braxton, D., & Viera, A. J. (2011). Calorie menu labeling on quick-service restaurant menus: an updated systematic review of the literature. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act, 8, 135.