Dr. Sylvia Crixell, a professor in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS), received her PhD from the University of Texas at Austin in biological sciences/nutrition. She is the didactic program director for the nutrition and foods program, and has taught a diverse array of undergraduate courses, including nutrition science, food science, nutrition in the lifespan, sports nutrition, nutrition for wellness and fitness, nutritional assessment and biochemical nutrition. For the MS in Human Nutrition program, Dr. Crixell has taught three graduate classes, including advanced community nutrition, advanced lifespan nutrition and pediatric obesity. Additionally, she developed an honors course, the science and politics of the human diet, and was awarded Honors Professor of the Year in 2008-2009. She has also received several awards for teaching at the department, college, university and state levels.

Dr. Crixell’s research interests have been diverse. For example, she has worked with the Texas Education Agency and the Texas Department of Agriculture to evaluate school meals in Texas, and with ConAgra, Inc., to determine the acceptability of healthier food options by children eating school meals. Additionally, Dr. Crixell has collaborated with faculty in the Department of Health, Recreation and Physical Activity to investigate the effect of caffeine on agility, physiology and perception of effort during exercise. Dr. Crixell has also collaborated with faculty across campus to direct a research-based community wellness program in central Texas. This program, funded by a grant from the Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Department of Health and Human Services, was designed to help Mexican American women and their children achieve healthier body weights. Currently, Dr. Crixell is investigating feeding practices of infants and toddlers participating in the Special Supplemental Program for Women, Infants and Children in San Marcos, Texas. All research projects have relied heavily on the dedication of undergraduate and graduate students, colleagues, and staff in the FCS Department.