Dr. Totten is in her fourth year as an Associate Professor of Chemistry and Nutrition at Salem College. She has B.S. degree in chemistry from Ithaca College, a M.S. in chemistry from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and a Ph.D. in nutrition from UNC Greensboro. Before coming to Salem, Dr. Totten worked as a formulation chemist in the food product industry and was a faculty member within the NC Community College System for many years. Her career has taken many interesting twists and turns, leading her eventually to her current position here at Salem.

What do you teach at Salem College?

I teach chemistry, biochemistry, and nutrition at Salem College. Food science and nutrition has always been an interest of mine, ever since middle school! The material I teach is fun and practical. I enjoy discussing with students the many connections between chemistry, nutrition, and health.

How is Salem’s Health Leadership focus making an impact in the world?

Salem’s focus on health leadership encourages our students, faculty, and staff to become role models in the community, the workplace, and at home. Students studying nutrition and biochemistry have led teams for community walks, such as the Crop Hunger Walk in Winston-Salem, and participate in research that has led to scientific peer-reviewed published articles related to health. This past summer, two of my students presented their research at the American Society for Nutrition 2024 meeting in Chicago, IL. These are just a few examples of how our students are learning to become confident health leaders.

Why did you choose to be a professor at Salem?

I loved the idea of teaching at a women’s college and enjoyed being able to bring nutrition courses into our curriculum.

From your perspective, why is Salem a remarkable place?

The small classes and beautiful historic campus are a part of what make Salem a remarkable place to learn, teach, and grow.

What makes Salem’s students remarkable and stand out from the crowd?

The students at Salem have great ideas and a passion for learning. I love that we learn from each other every day. They inspire me to be a better person