Dr. Caree Jackson Cotwright is an assistant professor in the UGA Department of Foods and Nutrition where her research is focused on early childhood obesity prevention. Her research agenda includes promoting wellness practices and policies in the early care and education (ECE) setting. The overall goal of her work is to create healthy ECE environments to prevent obesity in our youngest children ages (0-5), with an emphasis on decreasing health disparities among low-income and underserved populations. Caree has served as the Principal Investigator for two Robert Wood Johnson Foundation-Healthy Eating Research grants centered on decrease sugary beverage intake among young children and families.Caree previously worked as a Research Fellow at the CDC Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity. During this time she promoted, First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! Child Care initiative.

Caree's research interests include nutrition intervention, community based participatory research, and health equity. Her passion is creating innovative interventions, which use theater, media, and other arts-based approaches to combat the problem of obesity. Caree is the recipient of the 2020 Georgia Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Distinguished Service by a Researcher Award, the Georgia Trend Magazine 40 Under 40 Award, the UGA 40 Under 40 Award, and the UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences Pacesetter Award. She was also a featured TED talk speaker at the 2016 TED X UGA event. Caree earned a PhD and MS in Foods and Nutrition from the University of Georgia. She is an esteemed graduate of Howard University, earning a BS in Biology. Caree is also a registered and licensed dietitian. Caree enjoys cooking, travel, and spending quality time with family and friends. She lives in Athens, GA with her loving husband, Marty and her sweet, adorable daughters, Camara, Camille, and Camryn.