Five New Assistant Professors at Virginia Tech

Valisa Hedrick was named an assistant professor of human nutrition, foods, and exercise in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Her research is focused on the dietary analysis of the intake of sugar-sweetened beverages. Dr. Hedrick holds a bachelor’s degree in dietetics and a Ph.D. in nutrition from Virginia Tech.

Samantha Harden was appointed an assistant professor of human nutrition, foods, and exercise in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. An extension specialist, she will be involved with physical activity initiatives across the state. Dr. Harden is a graduate of Bridgewater College in Virginia and holds a Ph.D. in nutrition, foods, and exercise from Virginia Tech.

Vivica Kraak is a new assistant professor of human nutrition, foods, and exercise in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Her research concerns U.S. and international food and nutrition policies. Dr. Kraak is a graduate of Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. She holds a master’s degree from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland and a Ph.D. in population health from Deakin University in Australia.

Caroline Leeth was appointed an assistant professor of animal and poultry science in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. She was a postdoctoral associate and associate research scientist and veterinarian at the Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, Maine. Dr. Leeth holds a doctor of veterinary medicine degree from Virginia Tech and later earned a Ph.D. in biochemistry and molecular biology at the University of Maine.

Brandi Watkins was named an assistant professor of communication in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences. She is teaching courses on writing and editing for public relations, and social media theory and practice. Dr. Watkins is a graduate of the Mississippi University for Women and holds a master’s degree and a Ph.D. from the University of Alabama.