History of Marion Nestle in Timeline

Marion Nestle is a prominent American molecular biologist, nutritionist, and public health advocate. As the Paulette Goddard Professor of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health Emerita at New York University, her work centers on the interplay of scientific and socioeconomic factors affecting food choices, obesity, and food safety. She is particularly known for her critical analysis of the influence of food marketing on dietary habits and public health. Nestle is a strong voice for healthier food policies and increased awareness of the food industry's impact on consumer behavior.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1936: Marion Nestle Born

In 1936, Marion Nestle, an American molecular biologist, nutritionist, and public health advocate, was born.

1959: Graduated from UC Berkeley

In 1959, Marion Nestle received her BA in bacteriology from UC Berkeley, Phi Beta Kappa.

1968: Earned Ph.D.

In 1968, Marion Nestle obtained her Ph.D. in molecular biology from the University of California, Berkeley.

1971: Joined Brandeis Faculty

In 1971, Marion Nestle joined the faculty at Brandeis University as a lecturer in biology after undertaking postdoctoral research in biochemistry and developmental biology.

1973: Left Brandeis Faculty

In 1973, Marion Nestle concluded her time as a lecturer in biology at Brandeis University.

1976: Associate Dean at UCSF

In 1976, Marion Nestle became associate dean for human biology at the School of Medicine of the University of California, San Francisco.

1986: Staff Director at HHS

In 1986, Marion Nestle became staff director for nutrition policy in the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). She also served as senior nutrition policy advisor at HHS from 1986 to 1988.

1986: Left UCSF

In 1986, Marion Nestle concluded her role as associate dean for human biology at the School of Medicine of the University of California, San Francisco.

1988: Appointed at NYU

In 1988, Marion Nestle was appointed of Home Economics and Nutrition at New York University.

1988: Surgeon General's Report Editor

In 1988, Marion Nestle was the editor of the Surgeon General's Report on Nutrition and Health.

1989: Contributor to Diet and Health Report

In 1989, Marion Nestle contributed to a report from the Food and Nutrition Board: Diet and Health: Implications for Reducing Chronic Disease Risk.

1990: Dietary Guidelines for Americans

In 1990, scientific background was set out for the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

1994: APHA Award

In 1994, Marion Nestle received the American Public Health Association's Food and Nutrition Section Award for Excellence in Dietary Guidance.

1996: Founded Food Studies Program at NYU

In 1996, Marion Nestle founded the food studies program at New York University with food consultant Clark Wolf.

1997: Nutrition Educator of the Year

In 1997, Marion Nestle was named Nutrition Educator of the Year by Eating Well magazine.

2002: Food Politics Published

In 2002, Marion Nestle's book, "Food Politics: How the Food Industry Influences Nutrition and Health" was first published and won a James Beard Literary Award, an Association of American Publishers Award for Public Health, and a Harry Chapin Media Award for Best Book.

2003: Chair at NYU Ended

In 2003, Marion Nestle ended her position as Chair in the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development Studies at New York University.

2003: Safe Food Published

In 2003, Marion Nestle's book, "Safe Food", was published.

2004: Accepted Paulette Goddard Professorship

In 2004, Marion Nestle accepted the Paulette Goddard Professorship at New York University.

2004: Appeared in Super Size Me

In 2004, Marion Nestle appeared in the documentary film "Super Size Me".

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2004: Daniel E. Griffiths Research Award

In 2004, Marion Nestle won the Daniel E. Griffiths Research Award from the Steinhardt School of Education for her book, "Safe Food".

2005: Fellow of Nutritional Sciences

In 2005, Marion Nestle became a Fellow of the American Society for Nutritional Sciences.

2007: What to Eat won James Beard Foundation Award

In 2007, Marion Nestle's "What to Eat" won the James Beard Foundation Award for best food reference book and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's Better Life Award.

2008: Wrote "Food Matters" and Appeared in Films

In 2008, Marion Nestle wrote the "Food Matters" column for the San Francisco Chronicle, and appeared in the documentary films "Food, Inc.", and "Food Fight: The Inside Story of the Food Industry", and "Killer at Large".

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2010: Received John Dewey Award

In 2010, Marion Nestle received the John Dewey Award for Distinguished Public Service from Bard College.

2011: Named Public Health Hero

In 2011, Marion Nestle was named a Public Health Hero by the University of California School of Public Health at Berkeley. Forbes magazine also listed her as number 2 of "The world's 7 most powerful foodies."

2012: Appeared in Documentary Films

In 2012, Marion Nestle appeared in the documentary films "In Organic We Trust" and "A Place at the Table".

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2012: Honorary Degree

In 2012, Marion Nestle received an honorary Doctor of Science degree from Transylvania University in Kentucky.

2012: Why Calories Count won book of the year award

In 2012, Marion Nestle's "Why Calories Count: From Science to Politics" (co-authored with Dr. Malden Nesheim) won a book of the year award from the International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP).

2013: James Beard Leadership Award

In 2013, Marion Nestle received the James Beard Leadership Award and Healthful Food Council's Innovator of the Year Award.

2013: Column ended

In 2013, Marion Nestle's "Food Matters" column for the San Francisco Chronicle ended.

2014: Appeared in Fed Up

In 2014, Marion Nestle appeared in the documentary film "Fed Up".

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2014: Received PHANYC Media Award

In 2014, Marion Nestle received the Public Health Association of New York City's Media Award.

2014: Eat, Drink Vote won IACP award

In 2014, Marion Nestle's "Eat, Drink Vote: An Illustrated Guide to Food Politics" won an IACP award.

2015: Appeared in In Defense of Food

In 2015, Marion Nestle appeared in the documentary film "In Defense of Food".

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2016: Doctor of Humane Letters

In 2016, Marion Nestle was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Macaulay Honors College, City University of New York.

2016: Soda Politics Won Awards

In 2016, Marion Nestle's "Soda Politics: Taking on Big Soda (and Winning)" won the James Beard Foundation Award for Writing and Literature and the Jane Grigson Award for distinguished scholarship from the International Association of Culinary Professionals.

2017: Appeared in Super Size Me 2

In 2017, Marion Nestle appeared in the documentary film "Super Size Me 2: Holy Chicken!".

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2017: Professor Emerita at NYU

In 2017, Marion Nestle became Professor Emerita at New York University.

2018: Received Trailblazer Award

In 2018, Marion Nestle was honored with a Trailblazer Award from the International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP). She also received the Grand Dame Award of Les Dames d’Escoffier International and was appointed to Heritage Food Radio’s Hall of Fame.