Michelle Averill, PhD
About
Dr. Michelle Averill is an Associate Teaching Professor in environmental and occupational health sciences at the University of Washington. She is also the Associate Director for the Graduate Coordinated Program in Dietetics and a member of several professional organizations, including the American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Dr. Averill received her PhD in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Washington and now lectures in nutrition, chronic disease, and critical illness. Her other interests include interprofessional education, understanding how we eat (eating competence), and the impacts of weight stigma.
Education
- PhD, University of Washington
- BS, University of Washington
Affiliations
Mentorship
Primarily mentors Nutritional Sciences Program students with some exceptions. Not accepting new students in autumn 2026.
Engagement
Equity, diversity and inclusion
As an Associate Teaching Professor, I am committed to the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion in the classroom, in my scholarship, and within my community. I am guided by the Maya Angelou quote, "Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better." In the classroom, I call attention to the historical and continued disparities and oppression that impact nutrition-related health outcomes while encouraging students to challenge assumptions and standard narratives. In partnership with colleagues, I would work to scaffold content related to racism, power, and privilege through the dietetics curriculum. My work in weight stigma and anti-fat bias addresses the impact of stigma and bias while collaborating with others to find solutions in education and practice.
Teaching practices
I aspire to create student-centered learning environments grounded in real-world application and connected to current practice. All students are invited to engage in discussion and case-based learning, where they can challenge assumptions and engage critically with the content. I ask students to experience real-world scenarios with community partners and current practitioners. Further, I work with students to create a highly collaborative and non-competitive environment where students build strength within a cohort to support each other as they progress in their academic journey.
Service
Chair NSP Admission Committee
NSP* Graduate Program Coordinator
NSP* Curriculum Committee member
DEOHS Teaching Peer Review Committee Member
SPH Representative for Interprofessional Education and Interprofessional Service-Learning Advisory Committee
Membership Director for the Northwest American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition
Member of a Weight Stigma in Dietetic Education Taskforce
*NSP: Nutritional Sciences Program