Jonathan Padia

Jonathan Padia, M.S., RD, is the dietetic internship director in the Department of Nutrition at Metropolitan State University of Denver. His expertise includes clinical and community nutrition programs, dietetic education and accreditation, menu planning, research-based dietary interventions and nutrition program leadership. 

With more than a decade of experience in dietetics and public health, Padia leads dietetic interns through supervised practice rotations, coursework, professional development, and guides the program’s direction and operations. His research contributions include publications in Frontiers in Nutrition on dietary intake estimations and eating environments, and he has delivered lectures for organizations such as the Pediatric Endocrine Society and the Colorado Department of Education.  

Before joining MSU Denver, Padia served as an intermediate clinical science professional at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, overseeing research dietary protocols and leading interdisciplinary teams. He also worked as a principal consultant for the Colorado Department of Education’s School Nutrition Unit, where he directed statewide initiatives in menu planning, compliance, and health equity, and as a registered dietitian and supervisor for WIC programs at El Paso County and Tri-County health departments.  

Padia earned a master’s degree in nutrition and food science from Colorado State University, and dual bachelor’s degrees in human nutrition and dietetics and business management from Metropolitan State University of Denver. He is a registered dietitian with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.