Tara Whiton is an Assistant Professor of Health Administration (Community Health) and Curriculum Development Specialist for the new Health Administration degree as part of the Title III grant. Tara has a Master’s in Health and Human Development and PhD in Sport Physiology and Performance. She is passionate about chronic disease prevention through health education and promotion of nutrition, fitness, and wellness, as well as maternal and infant nutrition, and nutrient energy availability and resources. She channels her academic knowledge and experiences through several community service oriented projects representing UMPI/UMFK on the board at Aroostook County Action Program, an advisor to the board of the First 1,000 Days Maine Initiative – an approach that highlights the importance of adequate nutrition in early life, from conception to a child’s second birthday, and as a member of the obesity-member interest group for the Maine Public Health Association. Tara is involved in research and drafting policy briefings and educational materials to key stakeholders for creating change in the public health infrastructure of these areas in the state of Maine. Outside of the academic realm, Tara enjoys spending time with her husband, Tim and son, Rhys. She enjoys the outdoors, endurance sports, cooking, baking and gardening.