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Christopher Wharton

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College of Health Solutions
Asst Dean of Innovation &Strategic Initiatives
Faculty, DTPHX Campus, Mailcode 9020
Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions
Summer/Winter Research Faculty
Faculty, DTPHX Campus, Mailcode 9020
Sustainability Scientists and Scholars
Senior Sustainability Scientist
Faculty w/Admin Appointment, DTPHX Campus, Mailcode 9020
Biography: 

Professor Christopher Wharton is assistant dean of innovation and strategic initiatives at ASU's College of Health Solutions. He is also a Senior Sustainability Scientist and faculty coordinator of the Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems in the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Institute of Sustainability. His research interests include lifestyle-wide behavior change, voluntary simplicity, plant-based diets, food systems and sustainability, food waste, screen time behaviors and active commuting.

CV
Binary Data Curriculum Vitae
Education: 
  • Ph.D. Curriculum and Instruction (Exercise and Wellness), Arizona State University 2006
  • M.S. Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 2003
  • B.S. Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 2000
Videos
Research Website: 
http://www.public.asu.edu/~cwharton/
Google Scholar: 
Google Scholar Profile
Research Interests: 

Lifestyle-wide Behavior Change, Plant-based Diets, Food Waste, Voluntary Simplicity, Food Systems and Sustainability, Local Food Programs, Food Security

Research Group: 

The Radical Simplicity Lab

Publications: 

Selected Publications

  • Berardy A, Johnston C, Plukis A, Vizcaino M, Wharton CM. Integrating protein quality and quantity with environmental impacts in life cycle assessment. Sustainability. 2019:11(10) [open access epub].
  • Lynch H, Johnston C, Wharton CM. Plant-based diets: Considerations for environmental impact, protein quality, and exercise performance. Nutrients. 2018:10(8) [open access epub].
  • Lynch H, Uchanski M, Patrick M, Wharton CM. Small farm sustainability in the southwest. Food Studies. 2018:8(2) [open access epub].
  • Lacagnina G, Hughner R, Barroso C, Hall R, Wharton CM. Supply chain barriers to healthy, affordable produce in Phoenix-area food deserts. J Food Distrib Res. 2017:47(3):online publication.
  • Eakin H, Connors JP, Wharton CM, Bertmann F*, Xiong A, Stoltzfus J. Identifying attributes of food system sustainability: Emerging themes and consensus. J Ag Food Human Val. 2016:1-17 [epub]. IF = 2.222; #C = 10; ASU (CMW co-led the project and development of the manuscript)
  • Lynch H, Johnston C, Wharton CM. Cardiorespiratory fitness and peak torque differences between vegetarian and omnivore endurance athletes: a cross-sectional study. Nutrients. 2016;8(11):726 [open access epub].
  • Buman MP, Bertmann F, Hekler EB, Winter SJ, Sheats JL, King AC, Wharton CM. A qualitative study of shopper experiences at an urban farmers’ market using the Stanford Healthy Neighborhood Discovery Tool. Public Health Nutrition. 2015;18(6):994-1000.
  • Totura C, Figueroa H, Wharton CM, Marsiglia F. Assessing implementation of evidence-based childhood obesity prevention strategies in schools. Prev Med Reports. 2015;2:347-354.
  • Wharton CM, Hughner R, MacMillan AL. Community Supported Agriculture Programs: A Novel Venue for Theory-Based Health Behavior Change Interventions. Ecol Food Nutr. 2015;54(3):280-301.
  • Wharton CM, Cunningham B, Sterner D, Johnston C. Diet self-monitoring, but not dietary quality, improves with use of smart phone app technology. J Nutr Ed Behav. 2014;46(5):440-444.
  • Bertmann F, Barroso C, Ohri-Vachaspati P, Hampl J, Sell K, Wharton CM. WIC CVV use in Arizona: A qualitative exploration of barriers and strategies related to fruit and vegetable purchases. J Nutr Ed Behav. 2014;46(3 Suppl):S53-S58.
  • Bertmann F, Ohri-Vachaspati P, Buman M, Wharton CM. Implementation of wireless terminals at farmers’ markets: Impact on overall sales and SNAP redemption. Am J Pub Hlth. 2014;102(7):53-55.
  • MacMillan, A.L., Winham, D., & Wharton, C.M. (2012). Community supported agriculture membership: Charactering food and sustainability behaviors. Appetite. 2012;59:414-419.
  • Fehrenbach KS, Wharton CM. Consumer information-seeking preferences at a university farmers' market. Journal of Hunger and Environmental Nutrition. 2012;7:53-63.
Research Activity: 
Summer 2020
Course NumberCourse Title
SOS 596Capstone: Scientific Paper
NTR 599Thesis
NTR 692Research
NTR 792Research
NTR 799Dissertation
Spring 2020
Course NumberCourse Title
SOS 484Internship
CHS 492Honors Directed Study
CHS 493Honors Thesis
NTR 533Diet Ethics and Policy
NTR 599Thesis
NTR 692Research
NTR 780Practicum
NTR 792Research
NTR 799Dissertation
Fall 2019
Course NumberCourse Title
NTR 100Introductory Nutrition
CHS 492Honors Directed Study
CHS 493Honors Thesis
NTR 599Thesis
NTR 692Research
NTR 792Research
NTR 799Dissertation
Summer 2019
Course NumberCourse Title
SOS 596Capstone: Scientific Paper
NTR 599Thesis
NTR 692Research
NTR 792Research
Spring 2019
Course NumberCourse Title
NTR 492Honors Directed Study
NTR 493Honors Thesis
NTR 533Diet Ethics and Policy
NTR 599Thesis
EXW 692Research
EXW 792Research
EXW 799Dissertation
Fall 2018
Course NumberCourse Title
NTR 100Introductory Nutrition
NTR 492Honors Directed Study
NTR 493Honors Thesis
Summer 2018
Course NumberCourse Title
SOS 596Capstone: Scientific Paper
NTR 692Research
NTR 792Research
Spring 2018
Course NumberCourse Title
EXW 692Research
EXW 792Research
EXW 799Dissertation
Fall 2017
Course NumberCourse Title
NTR 100Introductory Nutrition
NTR 691Seminar
EXW 691Seminar
Summer 2017
Course NumberCourse Title
NTR 353The Western Diet
Spring 2017
Course NumberCourse Title
NTR 353The Western Diet
Summer 2016
Course NumberCourse Title
NTR 353The Western Diet
NTR 533Diet Ethics and Policy
Spring 2016
Course NumberCourse Title
NTR 353The Western Diet
Fall 2015
Course NumberCourse Title
NTR 353The Western Diet
HON 394Special Topics
Honors / Awards: 

Selected Honors/Awards

  • Arizona State University Founders' Day Award for Service, 2015
  • Arizona State University President's Medal for Social Embeddedness, 2013
  • Arizona State University President's Award for Sustainability, 2011
  • Associated Students of Arizona State University Centennial Professor Award, 2009-2010
  • Lincoln Center for Applied Ethics PolyTech Teaching Fellowship, 2008-2009
  • Arizona State University, Exercise and Wellness Outstanding Scholar, Teacher, and Leader Award, 2006
Editorships: 
  • Public Health Nutrition, Associate Editor, 2010-2013
  • American Journal of Health Promotion, Contributing Editor, 2005-2009
Professional Associations: 

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly American Dietetic Association)

Arizona Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly Arizona Dietetic Association)

American Public Health Association

Association for the Study of Food and Society

World Public Health Nutrition Association

Graduate Faculties / Mentoring History: 

Graduate Committee Chair (current)

  • Katy Shilling, Master of Science in Nutrition, 2016-current

Graduate Committee Chair (completed)

  • Heidi Lynch, Doctor of Philosophy in Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Wellness, completed 2017
  • Farryl Bertmann, Doctor of Philosophy in Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Wellness, completed 2013
  • Meghana Yanamandra, Master of Science in Biology and Society, completed 2015
  • Gina Lacagnina, Master of Science in Nutrition, completed 2015
  • Nicole Vaudrin, Master of Science in Nutrition, completed 2014
  • LeeAnn Springer, Master of Science in Nutrition, completed 2013
  • Danielle Sterner, Master of Science in Nutrition, completed 2012
  • Wesley Tucker, Master of Science in Nutrition, completed 2012
  • Lexi MacMillan, Master of Science in Nutrition, completed 2011
  • Barbara Cunningham, Master of Science in Nutrition, completed 2011

Graduate Committee Member (current)

Graduate Committee Member (completed)

  • Corinne Zuelke, Master of Science in Nutrition, completed 2017
  • Andrew Berardy, Doctor of Philosophy in Sustainability, completed 2015
  • Keri Fehrenbach, Doctor of Philosophy in Communications, completed 2015
  • Linda Lick, Master of Science in Nutrition, completed 2015
  • Claudia Thompson, Master of Science in Nutrition, completed 2014
  • Grant Whitson, Master of Science, Biology, completed 2014
  • Alicia Woodbury, Doctor of Philosophy in Gender Studies, completed 2013
  • Carissa Taylor, Doctor of Philosophy in Sustainability, completed 2013
  • Rachael Veatch, Master of Science in Nutrition, completed 2013
  • Sarah Martinelli, Master of Science in Nutrition, completed 2013
  • Sarah Kiser, Master of Science in Nutrition, completed 2013
  • Nathanael Meckes, Doctor of Philosophy in Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Wellness, completed 2012
  • Catherine Trier, Doctor of Philosophy in Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Wellness, completed 2012
  • Briar Schoon, Doctor of Philosophy in Sustainability, completed 2012
  • Andrea Berry, Master of Science in Nutrition, completed 2012
  • Katie Fleming, Master of Science in Nutrition, completed 2012
  • Brent Sebold, Doctor of Education, completed 2011
  • Shannon Smith, Doctor of Philosophy in Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Wellness, completed 2011
  • Rachael Fawcett, Master of Science in Nutrition, completed 2011
  • Kevin Cowan, Master of Science in Nutrition, completed 2011
  • Marshall Jahns, Master of Science in Nutrition, completed 2011 Ashley Pugh, Master of Science in Nutrition, completed 2010
  • Brendan Beardsley, Master of Science in Design, completed 2009
  • Emilie Fielder, Master of Science in Nutrition, completed 2009
  • Mark Peterson, Doctor of Philosophy in Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Wellness, completed 2008

Undergraduate Honors Project Committee Member

  • Meghana Yanamandra, What kind of problem is the problem of obesity?, 2014
  • Haley Jones, Chemical cuisine: An eater’s guide to common food additives, 2014
  • Rebecca Wendt, Pizza sauce is a vegetable? We can do better: Remaking the National School Lunch Program, completed 2012
  • Chase Wright, Rescuing food: Developing a prototype for downtown Phoenix, completed 2012
  • Brett Livingood, Development of a citrus program for local food banks, completed 2009
  • Mallory Adams, Correlation between sedentary behaviors and nutrient intakes in young women, completed 2008
Service: 

Arizona State University

  • Director, Food Systems Sustainability Center, Global Institute of Sustainability, 2014-current
  • Chair, Research Seminar Series, School of Nutrition and Health Promotion, 2014-current
  • Member, Curriculum Committee, School of Nutrition and Health Promotion, 2013-current
  • Co-Chair, Search Committee, School of Nutrition and Health Promotion, 2012-2013
  • Member, President’s Award for Sustainability Committee, 2011-current
  • Member, Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Wellness (PANW) PhD Program Executive Committee, 2011-current
  • Chair, Scholarship Sub-Committee of PANW Executive Committee, 2011-current
  • Seminar Moderator, School of Sustainability, 2010-2011
  • Faculty Liaison, Health Promotion Professionals House (ASU Downtown Residential College), 2009-2014
  • Member, Personnel Committee, Nutrition Program, 2008-2010 Fundraiser, Nutrition Program, 2008-2009
  • Reviewer, Graduate Student Applications, School of Sustainability, Arizona State University, 2008-current
  • Chair, Arizona State University – Polytechnic Campus Sustainability Group, 2008-2009
  • Faculty advisor, Students Act Now for Sustainability student club, 2008-2009

Professional Service

  • Member, Farm Bill Work Group, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly American Dietetic Association), 2011-2013
  • Chair, Hunger and Environmental Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly American Dietetic Association), 2010-2011
  • Member, Board of Directors, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly American Dietetic Association), 2009-2010
  • Member, Consumer Nutrition Information Task Force, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly American Dietetic Association), 2009-2010
  • Chair, Hunger and Environmental Nutrition Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Committee, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly American Dietetic Association), 2008- 2009
  • Member, Strategic Planning Task Force, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly American Dietetic Association), 2007-2008
  • Member, Hunger and Environmental Nutrition Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Committee, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly American Dietetic Association), 2007- 2008
  • Chair, Student Council Advisory Committee, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly American Dietetic Association), 2005-2006

Community Service

  • Coordinator, PolyHarvest Community Supported Agriculture Program, 2008-2011
  • Academic Mentor, Gangplank (start-up incubator in Chandler, AZ), 2012-current