Jessica Nigg

Education

PhD, Hospitality Management, Iowa State University

M.S., Family and Consumer Sciences - Dietetics, Eastern Illinois University

B.S., Family and Consumer Sciences - Dietetics, Eastern Illinois University

Biography

Jessica Nigg is a Registered Dietitian (RD) with previous work experience in long-term care. She joined the FCS department in 2013. She is the director of the undergraduate Nutrition & Dietetics program.

Teaching

Dr. Nigg teaches a variety of courses in dietetics and the FCS core curriculum. Courses include Food & World Culture, Medical Nutrition Therapy, and Foodservice Management.

Scholarship

Dr. Nigg’s research interests include the intersection of hospitality and healthcare, older adult nutrition, long-term care foodservice, and food preparation skills.

Nigg, J. K., Arendt, S. W., Sapp, S. G., Francis, S. L. (2025). Food-related control and person-centered care: Influences on life satisfaction in long-term care residents. Journal of Nutrition in Gerontology and Geriatrics, 44(1), 17-35. https://doi.org/10.1080/21551197.2024.2428660

Nigg, J. K., Arendt, S. W., Sapp, S. G. (2024). Development of the food-related control scale (FRCS) for long-term care. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior. 56(9), 653-662. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jneb.2024.05.233

Service

She has held leadership positions in both the Central Illinois and Illinois Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics.

She is the faculty advisor for the Dietetic Student Association and serves on departmental committees.