Faculty bio | Research webpage | 541-346-9134

Nichole Kelly conducts research on research interests are in eating behaviors, weight stigma and chronic disease risk. She has specific interests in cognitive and emotional mechanisms for eating behaviors associated with poor mental health and increased chronic disease risk. She aims to highlight the voices and experiences of those who have traditionally been understudied and underserved in eating, body image and health-related literature, including men, individuals in rural communities, and adults with diverse ethnic, racial, sexual orientation and gender identities. Ultimately, her program of research aims to inform the development and evaluation of culturally-informed theories and interventions for the equitable promotion of health and well-being.

Recent Media:
University of Oregon study reveals gender stereotypes may affect kids’ food choices (Oregon Public Broadcasting, March 1, 2024)
VIDEO: New UO study finds correlation between gender stereotypes and picky eaters (KGW, Feb. 18, 2024)
Nearly 1 in 10 teenagers have turned to pills for weight loss, research shows (Teen Vogue, Jan. 25, 2024)
New research shows more than 6% of teens have used diet pills in the last 30 days (Motherly, Jan. 18, 2024)
‘It’s not surprising’: Nearly 1 in 10 teenagers have turned to pills for weight loss, research shows (The 19th, Jan. 17, 2024)
Language for treating childhood obesity carries its own health risks to kids, experts say (The 19th, March 9, 2023)
Obesity discrimination's impact on women (WOSU-FM/NPR, Feb. 9, 2023)
College of Education Researcher: Rethink Our Focus on Weight (OregonNews, Jan. 19, 2022)
UO experts offer mental health tips for 2022 wellness (OregonNews, Jan. 13, 2022)
If you want to support the health and wellness of kids, stop focusing on their weight (The Conversation, Oct. 11, 2021)
UO team developing online mental health resources for rural schools (KEZI, Aug. 3, 2020)
UO team works to boost access to mental health tools for youth (OregonNews, July 29, 2020)