Education

• B.S., Food and Nutrition - Dietetics option - University of Idaho, Moscow, ID - 2003 
• M.S., Family and Consumer Sciences with Sport Science and Nutrition emphasis - University of Idaho, Moscow, ID - Thesis topic: Calcium Intake in Alaskan Adolescent Athletes and Non-Athletes - 2001
• B. S., Animal Science – Production - University of Idaho, Moscow, ID - 1999 

Biography

Melissa Chlupach is a lifelong Alaskan, Registered Dietitian, and Associate Professor of Dietetics and Nutrition at UAA. She brings more than 20 years of experience in dietetics, nutrition, healthcare foodservice, and education. Before joining UAA, she held clinical, management, and foodservice roles as a General Manager and eventually Regional Healthcare Dietitian for NANA Management Services, supporting healthcare foodservice programs across Alaska as well as the San Carlos Apache tribe.

At UAA, Melissa teaches a variety of courses, bringing expertise in nutrition education, culturally responsive nutrition, and the unique food and health considerations of Alaska’s diverse populations. Her teaching reflects both the breadth of the nutrition and dietetics profession and the depth of her experience. She is particularly committed to preparing future nutrition and health professionals to understand culture, food systems, and the factors that shape health and well-being in Alaska.

Melissa is the Principal Investigator of UAA’s Alaska Traditional Kitchen, which promotes traditional foods, stories, and Alaska Native ways of knowing through live cooking demonstrations, recorded videos, recipes, and educational resources. Her work with traditional foods spans more than a decade and has included partnerships with Alaska Native organizations, healthcare systems, state agencies, and community organizations. She has helped develop traditional foods programs in healthcare settings, contributed to the development of traditional foods resources, and supported projects such as the Siģļuaq traditional foods processing facility in Kotzebue.

As a non-Indigenous person who was born and raised in Alaska, Melissa approaches this work with humility and a commitment to reconciliation and partnership. She strives to support Indigenous-led efforts and bring people together to share knowledge and best practices that promote cultural connection, food access, health, and wellness throughout Alaska.

Melissa has presented widely on traditional foods, nutrition, culture, and health, including at national conferences and events focused on Indigenous nutrition and food systems. She has received the Alaska Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Emerging Dietetic Leader of the Year and Outstanding Dietitian of the Year awards and has served in leadership roles with the Alaska Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Alaska Food Policy Council.

Teaching Responsibilities

• DN A151 Nutrition through the Life Cycle
• DN A155 Survey of Alaska Native Nutrition
• DN A325 Food and Nutrition in Modern Alaska
• DN A350 Foodservice Systems and Quantity Foods
• DN A355 Weight Management and Eating Disorders
• DN A450 Dietetic Management

Professional & Department Service

• Alaska Food Policy Council (AFPC)
• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND)
• Alaska Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AKAND)
• UAA Seawolf Food Pantry
• UAA Academic Computing, Distance Learning, Instructional Technology, and eLearning (ACDLITe) Committee

Research Interests

• Traditional/Indigenous foods, nutrition and health
• Alaska food systems
• Culturally inclusive foods in healthcare facilities

Publications

• Adamsen, C., Wells Waabigekek, V., Short-Azure, M., Chlupach, M., Robertson, H., & Braun, K.L. (2024, March 20). Resurgence of Indigenous Food Traditions Helps Heal Bodies and Spirits. Generations Today. https://generations.asaging.org/indigenous-foods-help-heal-bodies-and-spirits
• The Alaska Native People, DeCourtney, D. A., Jackson, D. M., Morgan, K. M., Nobmann, E. D., Chlupach, M. A., Hoyt, S. & Johnson, J. S. (2015). Traditional Food Guide for the Alaska Native People. Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium.
• Chlupach, M. A. & Gabel, K. A. (2003). Calcium intake in Alaskan adolescent athletes and non- athletes. [Abstract]. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 103: 175.
• Reviewer
  • Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Chapter 2: Alaska Native Food Culture and Practices first draft manuscript of Cultural Food Practices, second edition, September 2020