Background

Dr. Mercer received her B.S in Dietetics/Nutrition Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1979, her M.Ed. in Nutrition Education from the University of Cincinnati in 1981, and her Ed.D in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Georgia in 1998. In addition, she completed a Dietetic Internship at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center in 1981 and after passing the national registration exam, became a registered dietitian. She is licensed as a dietitian in the state of South Carolina and works part-time for the School of Medicine in their Immunology Clinic doing individual nutritional counseling.  She has previously worked in outpatient counseling at University Hospital, Augusta, Georgia and in USC’s Student Health Services. 

Teaching

Dr. Mercer has taught Clinical Nutrition in the College of Nursing since 2004. She has previous teaching experience at University Health Inc.’s wellness Center, Health Central (Augusta, Georgia) and at USC’s Columbia’s Cooking. In the community setting she has done numerous weight control courses, cooking classes, and health promotion presentations. 

Research

Dr. Mercer's research efforts have focused on development and efficacy of nutrition education materials.  

Professional Service

Dr. Mercer has been very active at the state and local level with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She has served as president, annual meeting chair, and membership chair for the SC Academy of Nutrition. She has served as president, treasurer and education chair for the Columbia Midlands Dietetic Association. In 2011, she was awarded the Outstanding Dietitian of the Year award from the SC Academy of Nutrition. 

Professional Practice

Outpatient Clinical Dietetics and Health Promotion
Chair, CON Wellness Task Force