Chris Wharton
Professor,
College of Health Solutions
Other ASU affiliations
Affiliated Faculty,
Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems
Lincoln Center Affiliated Faculty,
Lincoln Center Applied Ethics
Senior Global Futures Scientist,
Global Futures Scientists and Scholars
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Phone: 602-496-1727
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Health South rm. 440 C 550 N. 3rd St. Phoenix, AZ 85004
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Mail code: 9020Campus: Dtphx
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Long Bio
Christopher Wharton is a professor of nutrition at ASU's College of Health Solutions. He has studied dietary patterns and food decisions among individuals and households for nearly two decades, from the micro- to macro-levels. His current research interests include consumer and household food waste reduction, plant-forward diets, and food systems issues that affect health and sustainability simultaneously.
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
Video
Google Scholar URL
Research Interests
Food Waste Reduction, Plant-based Diets, Food Systems and Sustainability, Food systems and sustainability
Publications
Selected Publications
- Cosgrove K, Wharton C. Predictors of COVID-19-related perceived improvements in dietary health: Results from a US cross-sectional study. Nutrients. 2021; 13(6), 2097. doi: 10.3390/nu13062097.
- Subramanian K, Chopra S, Wharton C, Yonge W, Allen J, Stevens R, Fahy S, Milindi PS. Mapping the food waste-energy-water-emissions nexus at commercial kitchens: A systems approach for a more sustainable food service sector. J Cleaner Production. 2021; 301(10), 126856.
- Cosgrove K, Vizcaino M, Wharton C. COVID-19-related changes in perceived household food waste in the United States: a cross-sectional descriptive study. Int J Env Res & Public Health. 2021; 18(3), 1104.
- Minton E, Johnson K, Vizcaino M, Wharton C. Is it Godly to Waste Food? Examining the Influence of Religion on Consumer Food Waste. J Cons Affairs. 2020. 54(4):1246-69; doi: 10.1111/joca.12328.
- Vizcaino M, Buman M, DesRoches T, Wharton C. From TVs to tablets: the relation between device-specific screen time and health-related behaviors and characteristics. BMC PH. 2020. 20:1295; doi: 10.1186/s12889-020-09410-0.
- Wharton C, Vizcaino M, Berardy A, Opejin A. Waste Watchers: A food waste reduction intervention among households in Arizona. Res Cons & Recycl. 2020. 164:1-9; doi: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2020.105109.
- Berardy A, Seager T, Costello C, Wharton CM. Considering the role of life cycle analysis in holistic food systems research, policy, and practice. J Ag Food Sys Comm Dev. 2020.1-19; doi: 10.5304/jafscd.2020.094.009.
- 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].
- 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
- Wharton,Christopher Mack*. Food system sustainability in the southwest: Developing a regional action plan to enhance resilience livelihoods and food security across New Mexico. USDA(9/30/2014 - 3/29/2016).
- Hughner,Renee Shaw*, Wharton,Christopher Mack. Transforming food marketing education: Modules to integrates social justice and research training across undergraduate curricula. SJU(7/15/2013 - 6/30/2014).
- Ohri-Vachaspati,Punam*, Buman,Matthew P, Mcclain,Darya Denise, Wharton,Christopher Mack. Using In-store Marketing to Promote Healthier Food Choices. (6/1/2012 - 12/31/2013).
- Wharton,Christopher Mack*, Ohri-Vachaspati,Punam. WIC CVV Attitudes and Perceptions. AZ DEPT OF HEALTH SERVICES(3/1/2012 - 12/31/2012).
- Ohri-Vachaspati,Punam*, Wharton,Christopher Mack. Policy Considerations for Improving the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program : Making a case for Arizona. AZ DEPT OF HEALTH SERVICES(5/2/2011 - 11/4/2011).
- Wharton,Christopher Mack*. Modernizing Arizona's Farmers' MarketsThrough New EBT Projects: Expanding and Evaluating Access. USDA-FMPP(9/28/2009 - 9/28/2011).
- Wharton,Christopher Mack*. The Development of a sustainable farmers' market association in Arizona: reaching and connecting communiities through local agriculture. USDA-AMS(9/26/2008 - 7/28/2010).
Courses
2025 Summer
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| NTR 780 | Practicum |
| NTR 799 | Dissertation |
| NTR 599 | Thesis |
| NTR 692 | Research |
| NTR 792 | Research |
| NTR 599 | Thesis |
| NTR 294 | Special Topics |
| NTR 294 | Special Topics |
2025 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| NTR 692 | Research |
| NTR 792 | Research |
| NTR 799 | Dissertation |
| NTR 599 | Thesis |
| NTR 533 | Food Systems/Ethics/US Diet |
| NTR 533 | Food Systems/Ethics/US Diet |
| NTR 780 | Practicum |
| CHS 494 | Special Topics |
| CHS 100 | Optimizing Health&Performance |
2024 Fall
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| NTR 599 | Thesis |
| NTR 792 | Research |
| NTR 799 | Dissertation |
| NTR 692 | Research |
| NTR 780 | Practicum |
| NTR 533 | Food Systems/Ethics/US Diet |
| NTR 533 | Food Systems/Ethics/US Diet |
| CHS 100 | Optimizing Health&Performance |
| CHS 494 | Special Topics |
| NTR 100 | Intro to Nutrition Science |
2024 Summer
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| NTR 799 | Dissertation |
| NTR 599 | Thesis |
| NTR 692 | Research |
| NTR 792 | Research |
| NTR 780 | Practicum |
| NTR 599 | Thesis |
2024 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| NTR 692 | Research |
| NTR 792 | Research |
| NTR 799 | Dissertation |
| NTR 599 | Thesis |
| NTR 533 | Food Systems/Ethics/US Diet |
| NTR 533 | Food Systems/Ethics/US Diet |
| NTR 780 | Practicum |
| CHS 494 | Special Topics |
2023 Fall
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| NTR 599 | Thesis |
| NTR 792 | Research |
| NTR 799 | Dissertation |
| NTR 290 | Intro Evidence-Based Research |
| NTR 692 | Research |
| NTR 780 | Practicum |
| NTR 533 | Food Systems/Ethics/US Diet |
| NTR 533 | Food Systems/Ethics/US Diet |
| NTR 290 | Intro Evidence-Based Research |
| CHS 494 | Special Topics |
2023 Summer
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| NTR 799 | Dissertation |
| NTR 599 | Thesis |
| NTR 792 | Research |
| SOS 596 | Capstone: Scientific Paper |
| NTR 780 | Practicum |
| NTR 599 | Thesis |
| NTR 533 | Diet Ethics and Policy |
| NTR 533 | Diet Ethics and Policy |
2023 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| EXW 799 | Dissertation |
| NTR 692 | Research |
| NTR 792 | Research |
| NTR 799 | Dissertation |
| NTR 599 | Thesis |
| NTR 290 | Intro Evidence-Based Research |
| NTR 533 | Diet Ethics and Policy |
| NTR 533 | Diet Ethics and Policy |
| SOS 484 | Internship |
| SOS 484 | Internship |
| NTR 780 | Practicum |
| PHI 790 | Reading and Conference |
| NTR 290 | Intro Evidence-Based Research |
| CHS 494 | Special Topics |
2022 Fall
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| EXW 792 | Research |
| EXW 799 | Dissertation |
| NTR 599 | Thesis |
| NTR 792 | Research |
| NTR 799 | Dissertation |
| NTR 290 | Intro Evidence-Based Research |
| NTR 692 | Research |
| CHS 493 | Honors Thesis |
| NTR 780 | Practicum |
| NTR 533 | Diet Ethics and Policy |
| NTR 533 | Diet Ethics and Policy |
| NTR 290 | Intro Evidence-Based Research |
2022 Summer
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| NTR 799 | Dissertation |
| NTR 599 | Thesis |
| NTR 692 | Research |
| NTR 792 | Research |
| SOS 596 | Capstone: Scientific Paper |
| NTR 780 | Practicum |
| NTR 599 | Thesis |
| NTR 533 | Diet Ethics and Policy |
| NTR 533 | Diet Ethics and Policy |
2022 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| EXW 692 | Research |
| NTR 692 | Research |
| NTR 792 | Research |
| NTR 799 | Dissertation |
| NTR 599 | Thesis |
| NTR 241 | Human Nutrition |
| NTR 533 | Diet Ethics and Policy |
| NTR 533 | Diet Ethics and Policy |
| SOS 484 | Internship |
| SOS 484 | Internship |
| NTR 780 | Practicum |
| CHS 492 | Honors Directed Study |
| CHS 494 | Special Topics |
2021 Fall
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| NTR 599 | Thesis |
| NTR 792 | Research |
| NTR 799 | Dissertation |
| NTR 692 | Research |
| NTR 533 | Diet Ethics and Policy |
| NTR 533 | Diet Ethics and Policy |
2021 Summer
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| NTR 799 | Dissertation |
| NTR 599 | Thesis |
| NTR 692 | Research |
| NTR 792 | Research |
| SOS 596 | Capstone: Scientific Paper |
| NTR 780 | Practicum |
| NTR 599 | Thesis |
| NTR 533 | Diet Ethics and Policy |
| NTR 533 | Diet Ethics and Policy |
2021 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| NTR 692 | Research |
| NTR 792 | Research |
| NTR 799 | Dissertation |
| NTR 599 | Thesis |
| NTR 533 | Diet Ethics and Policy |
| NTR 533 | Diet Ethics and Policy |
| SOS 484 | Internship |
| SOS 484 | Internship |
| NTR 780 | Practicum |
2020 Fall
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| NTR 599 | Thesis |
| NTR 792 | Research |
| NTR 799 | Dissertation |
| NTR 692 | Research |
| CHS 493 | Honors Thesis |
| NTR 533 | Diet Ethics and Policy |
| NTR 533 | Diet Ethics and Policy |
2020 Summer
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| NTR 799 | Dissertation |
| NTR 599 | Thesis |
| NTR 692 | Research |
| NTR 792 | Research |
| SOS 596 | Capstone: Scientific Paper |
| NTR 599 | Thesis |
2020 Spring
| Course Number | Course Title |
|---|---|
| NTR 692 | Research |
| NTR 792 | Research |
| NTR 799 | Dissertation |
| NTR 599 | Thesis |
| NTR 533 | Diet Ethics and Policy |
| NTR 533 | Diet Ethics and Policy |
| SOS 484 | Internship |
| SOS 484 | Internship |
| CHS 492 | Honors Directed Study |
| CHS 493 | Honors Thesis |
| NTR 780 | Practicum |
Honors / Awards
Selected Honors/Awards
- Arizona State University, College of Health Solutions, Visioning award, 2018
- 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
Society of Behavioral Medicine
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, 2014-2018
- 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