Steve Douglas, Ph.D.

As a translational nutritional physiologist and data strategist, my research investigates the intersection of ingestive behavior, weight management, and artificial intelligence. Building upon a foundation of mechanistic studies evaluating how nutrient consumption and family-based interventions influence appetite and body weight, my current focus leverages advanced analytics and AI. By applying these modern data science techniques to large-scale epidemiological data, I aim to uncover complex, unhealthy eating patterns. My ultimate objective is to harness these data-driven insights to develop innovative, scalable interventions that effectively improve dietary habits and overall human health.

• Facilitating interactive group discussions
• Implementing hands-on activities with practical application
• Leveraging technology to enhance students’ learning experience.

1. Griffiths LA, Douglas SM, Raynor HA. The role of structure in dietary approaches for the treatment of pediatric overweight and obesity: A critical review. Obesity Reviews. Sep;22(9):e13266, 2021
2. Douglas SM, Hawkins GM, Berlin KS, Crouter SE, Epstein LH, Thomas JG, Raynor HA. Rationale and protocol for translating basic habituation research into family-based childhood obesity treatment: Families becoming healthy together study. Contemporary Clinical Trial. Nov:98:106153, 2020
3. Grider HS, Douglas, SM, Raynor, HA. The influence of mindful eating and/or intuitive eating approaches on dietary intake: a systematic review. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Apr;121(4):709-727.e1, 2021
4. Douglas SM, Gwin JA, Leidy HJ. Novel methodological considerations regarding the use of visual analog scale questionnaires to assess appetite control and satiety. Current Developments in Nutrition. 3(6):nzz061; 2019
5. Leidy HJ, Hoertel JA, Douglas SM, Higgins KA, Shafer RS. A protein breakfast reduces daily intake, hunger, and prevents body fat gain in overweight ‘breakfast skipping’ adolescents; Obesity; Sept; 23(9):  1761-4; 2015
6. Bauer LB, Reynolds LJ, Douglas SM, Kearney ML, Hoertel HA, Shafer RS, Thyfault JP, Leidy HJ. A pilot study examining the effects of consuming a high-protein vs. normal-protein breakfast on free-living glycemic control in overweight/obese ‘breakfast skipping’ adolescents; International Journal of Obesity; Sept; 39(9):  1421-4; 2015
7. Douglas SM, Lasley TR, Leidy HJ.  Consuming beef vs. soy protein has little effect on appetite, satiety, and food intake in healthy adults; Journal of Nutrition; May; 145(5):  1010-6; 2015
8. Ortinau JC, Hoertel HA, Douglas SM, Leidy HJ.  Effects of higher protein vs. higher fat snacks on appetite control, satiety, and eating initiation in healthy women.  Nutrition Journal; 13(97); 2014
9. Ortinau LC, Culp JM, Hoertel HA, Douglas SM, Leidy HJ.  The effects of increased dietary protein in afternoon yogurt snacks on appetite control and eating initiation in healthy women.  Nutrition Journal; 12(71); 2013
10. Leidy HJ, Ortinau LC, Douglas SM, Hoertel HA.  Benefits of a protein-rich breakfast on the appetitive, hormonal, and neural signals controlling energy intake regulation to combat obesity in late-adolescent females.  American Journal of Clinical Nutrition; 97(4):  677-88; 2013
11. Douglas SM, Ortinau LC, Hoertel HA, Leidy HJ.  Low, moderate, or high protein yogurt snacks on appetite control and subsequent eating in healthy women.  Appetite; 60; 117-122; 2013

I love being active, especially with my family! Currently, I enjoy playing pickleball or disc golf whenever I can, but living on a hobby farm brings a lot of fun as well.

Being able to discuss how our faith and scripture should frame how we view and serve others in the world is an amazing opportunity to equip students to glorify God for the rest of their lives.

Outside of my research experiences listed above, I also worked at Winona IT for two years prior to transitioning here. I served many different roles there (e.g. project manager, data engineer, fractional Chief Data Officer, AI consultant, and data analyst).

Other faculty continued to praise how well faculty at Grace cared for their students and each other. This, combined with my wife’s and my desire to do more college ministry, drew us here.

I’m most looking for to ministering to college students and being able to discuss how our faith and scripture should frame how we view and serve others in the world.