Katharine Halfacre, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Dr. Katharine Halfacre’s passion for education began in her childhood, attending classes at Mississippi State University with her mother—an educator working to earn her master's degree. This early exposure to higher education instilled a deep-seated desire to become a college professor. Today, she is a dedicated advocate for college students, driven by a commitment to help them access necessities like food and housing. Dr. Halfacre is an enthusiastic member of the East Texas A&M community, fully invested in the university’s mission to transform lives. When not teaching or conducting research, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Mykel, and her three children.

A Conversation with Dr. Halfacre

What do you like most about teaching at East Texas A&M?

I love everything about East Texas A&M. It is a great university nestled into a small town. I’m incredibly inspired by the students here, who come from diverse backgrounds and are eager to learn and make a difference in their communities. It’s an honor to be part of their journey. I strongly connect with East Texas A&M’s mission to transform lives. It’s not just a slogan; you can see it in action every day. Contributing to that transformative process is incredibly rewarding.

How do you involve students in your research?

Students are at the core of much of my research. In particular, I've been examining the connection between food insecurity and mental and physical health among college students. This line of research has helped contribute to substantive changes at East Texas A&M and has led to discussions about bringing more services to our students. I also help graduates and undergraduates conduct research themselves. I am currently working to publish research findings with students. I believe involving students in research is a valuable way to help them learn and grow. It also helps to ensure that my research is relevant and impactful. I am always looking for new ways to involve students in my research. I believe that it is a valuable experience for both the students and myself.

Do you prefer going out to eat or cooking at home?

Given my background in nutrition, my husband and I do a lot of cooking at home. I'm a Mississippi girl, so we need some fried food occasionally. My husband grew up along the Gulf Coast, so he brings a taste of New Orleans to our home. However, my favorite part of getting out of the house is sitting down and being served something delicious. Nothing brings people together like a good meal. In that way, food and nutrition are central to my life at work and home.

Education

• Ph.D., Nutrition and Hospitality Management-Sport Nutrition , University of Mississippi, 2020
• M.S., Food and Nutrition Services, University of Mississippi, 2017
• B.S., Kinesiology – Health Fitness Studies, Mississippi State University, 2014

Experience

• Assistant Professor, East Texas A&M University, Department of Health and Human Performance, 2022-Present
• Adjunct Assisstant Professor, , East Texas A&M University, Department of Health and Human Performance, 2022

• Postdoctoral Associate, Mississippi State University, 2020-2022
• Graduate Instructor, University of Mississippi, Department of Nutrition and Hospitality Management, 2016-2020

Teaching Areas

• Nutrition
• Public Health

Featured Courses

• HHPH 331: Nutrition
• HHPH 335: Women’s Nutrition
• HHPH 362: Survey of Human Diseases
• HHPH 385: Current Issues in Health

Research Areas

• Nutrition and food insecurity
• Performance nutrition
• Physical and mental health outcomes, especially among young adults

Awards

• Community Engaged Research Award: Mississippi’s High Obesity Program (AIM for CHangE) awarded by the Committee of Community Engagement Awards at Mississippi State University, 2020

Recent Publications

• Halfacre, K. (2024). Cooking in College: Improving Access to Cooking Facilities May Reduce Food Insecurity at Universities. Journal of Hunger and Environmental Nutrition.
• Halfacre, K., Buys, D., Holmes, M.E., Roach, J., & King, E. (2022). Barriers to Healthy Eating and Physical Activity in the Mississippi Delta. Journal of Healthy Eating and Active Living.
• Halfacre, K., Chang, Y., Holben, D.H., & Roseman, M.G. (2021). Cooking Facilities and Food Procurement Skills Reduce Food Insecurity among College Students: A Pilot Study. Journal of Hunger and Environmental Nutrition.