Lona Sandon, Ph.D.

Biography

Lona Sandon, PhD, RDN, LD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Clinical Nutrition, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and Director of the Master of Clinical Nutrition Coordinated Program. She received the 2017 Outstanding Dietetics Educator Award from the Nutrition and Dietetic Educators and Preceptors practice group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Academy).  She served as a House of Delegates representative in the Academy from 2011 to 2017 and a national spokesperson for the Academy from 2003 to 2012.  Dr. Sandon was named the 2005 Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year by the Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (TAND) and received the 2006 Dallas Dietetic Association Excellence in Media Award and the 2007 Excellence in Media Award from the TAND.

Dr. Sandon holds a Doctorate of Philosophy in Health Education Studies with an emphasis in higher education and wellness programming from Texas Woman's University, Masters of Education in Education Technology from the University of Texas, Brownsville and a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of Minnesota. She completed a one-year dietetic internship at the University of Minnesota Hospital and Clinics.

Dr. Sandon has a personal and professional interest in wellness, sports nutrition, exercise, and autoimmune inflammatory conditions. She is a certified fitness instructor by the American Council on Exercise and a Level III YogaFit instructor. Daily exercise of cycling, aerobics, yoga, or weight training is just her way of life. She has nearly 20 years experience in leading fitness and wellness classes for multiple health and fitness centers. She is frequently contacted to speak for community events for the Arthritis Foundation and employee health and wellness programs.