Rate My Professor Lee Murphy

Lee Murphy is a Distinguished Lecturer in the Department of Nutrition at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, part of the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences. She holds a dual Master's degree earned in 2001 from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in Nutrition with a specialization in Public Health Nutrition and in Public Health focused on Community Health Education. Prior to her graduate studies, Murphy obtained a B.S. in Public Health Nutrition in 1999 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist (LDN), she applies her expertise in areas including general wellness, public health nutrition, sports nutrition, disease prevention, and weight loss to her teaching and outreach activities. Murphy's office is located at 229 Jessie Harris, and she can be reached at 865-974-5520.

In her role at UT Knoxville, Murphy teaches key undergraduate courses such as NUTR 100: Introduction to Nutrition, for which she received recognition in the Engaged Online Course Review in 2024. She was honored with the 2021 UT Alumni Association Outstanding Teacher Award during her time as Senior Lecturer in the Department of Nutrition. Murphy actively contributes to university service, serving on the Undergraduate Council, participating in meetings of the Academic Policy Committee, and acting as a Faculty Fellow in the Volunteer Experience program for the 2025-26 cohort, representing the Natural Sciences. Additionally, she is a member of the Volunteer Core Committee. Beyond academia, Murphy engages the public through lectures like 'Nutrition Talk: How to Jumpstart Your Metabolism,' where she discusses factors influencing metabolic rates and strategies to increase metabolism. She has provided expert insights in multiple WBIR Channel 10 interviews, covering topics such as healthy New Year's resolutions, the 2020-2025 USDA Dietary Guidelines, superfoods to boost immunity, and tips for picky eaters. As the Nutrition and Dietetics Media Spokesperson and a Board of Directors member appointed for 2022-2024 with the Knoxville Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Murphy promotes nutritional education regionally. Her contributions extend to initiatives like HealthyUT and National Nutrition Month promotions.