Dr. James’ research interests include health disparities, obesity and weight management, nutrition education, curriculum integration,
program evaluation and qualitative research.  In the last 5 years her research has focused on: 1) the impact of culture on food and
activity patterns among African Americans; 2) barriers and motivators to weight management among African Americans;
3) cancer screening behaviors among rural African Americans; and 4) tobacco use among children and adolescents.  She has recently incorporated health literacy into her research.

Dr. James has received numerous awards and honors for her research, teaching, and service.  In 2000, James was named Teacher
of the Year for the College of Health and Human Performance, and has received the Faculty Research Award from the Department of
Health Education and Behavior several times.   Dr. James is a prolific writer.  She is currently writing Nutrition Education:
A Multicultural Perspective (Lippincott, Williams, & Wilkins, 2007).  She was editor-in-chief for a two-volume encyclopedia,
Nutrition and Well-being: A-Z (Thompson Gale, 2004).  She also wrote Keepers of the Temple,
a spiritually-based wellness book for adolescents. 

Dr. James is both a registered dietitian and a health educator and has an extensive background in public health and private practice.   
She is a fellow of the American School Health Association.  Dr. James is active in several professional organizations.  She has served
as President of the Gainesville District Dietetic Association and as a Professional Issues Delegate for the House of Delegates of the
American Dietetic Association.  In addition to her research and teaching, James dedicates her time to serve on several advisory
groups on campus and the Gainesville community.  She is currently the Interim President for CHARM, Inc. (Coalition for the Health and
Advocacy for Rural Minorities).   She also has served as Chair of the Board for Shelter from the Storm, a transitional home for former
inmates.