Dr. Neff's professional interests focus on women's health issues and nutrition.  She enjoys teaching students about these topics because the material is life changing and, in a small way, she feels she can make a difference in the lives of others.   While she recognizes the importance of all five dimensions of health, she has always been fascinated by the role of spiritual health in one's life.  Her professional development is closely intertwined with her personal development.  She has the great fortune of teaching what she knows to be true.  Her leisure pursuits and personal habits are based on her professional knowledge.   She enjoys teaching and has published two books on teaching.

"My objective is to have students think critically about the nutritional issues they face on a daily basis.  I want students to be able to analyze what they eat and why they eat it.  Based on research and personal reflection, students are encouraged to make lifestyle changes that can significantly alter their future health and even the well-being of other family members and/or friends.  Overall, I want honors students to apply the knowledge they learn in the course to 1)enhance the quality of their own lives and 2) encourage others to live healthier lives through better nutrition decision-making.  In some cases, the encouragement of others may include community involvement and political activism"