Photo of Mustafa, Avalon F

Avalon F Mustafa, DCN RDN CSG LD/N

Adjunct Instructor

Kinesiology and Nutrition

About

Dr. Avalon F. Mustafa teaches undergraduate and graduate nutrition courses at the University of Illinois Chicago's College of Applied Health Sciences, including HN 311: Nutrition Through the Life Cycle (Gerontological Nutrition) and HN 594: Healthy Aging.

Her work centers on healthy aging, with extensive experience in long-term care since 2017. She has also practiced in pediatrics, school food service, correctional nutrition, and the restaurant industry. Beyond teaching and clinical practice, she offers nutrition consulting through her private practice, Apple Island Nutrition PLLC.

Dr. Mustafa is passionate about making nutrition science both meaningful and enjoyable. She fosters a classroom culture that is warm, inclusive, and interactive, where students are encouraged to ask questions, think critically, and connect evidence-based concepts to everyday life. An unapologetic nutrition enthusiast, she loves diving into the details of the science while helping students discover the practical applications that make the field so fascinating. Her goal is for students to leave class not only with knowledge, but also with confidence, curiosity, and a genuine appreciation for nutrition's impact on health and well-being.

Selected Publications

Professional Leadership

Clinical Nutrition Manager, Morrison Community Living

Regional Dietitian, Covenant Living Communities

Education

Doctor of Clinical Nutrition, University of North Florida, 2025
Master of Science in Nutrition, Texas Woman's University, 2018
Bachelor of Science in Food, Nutrition, and Dietetics, Illinois State University, 2011

Licensures and Certifications

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist in IL, MN, OR, NH, TN, OK, CT

Board Certified Specialist in Gerontological Nutrition

Professional Memberships

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND)

Association of Nutrition and Foodservice Professionals (ANFP)

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