Dr. Richard Bruno, PhD, RD

• Title: Senior Director for STEP and Carol S. Kennedy Professor of Human Nutrition
• Phone: 614-292-5522
• Email: bruno.27@osu.edu

Dr. Richard Bruno is the Senior Director of Ohio State University’s STEP Program and the Carol S. Kennedy Professor of Human Nutrition in the Department of Human Sciences. In his role as Senior Director, Dr. Bruno leads initiatives to enhance the second-year student experience at OSU. He oversees faculty recruitment, retention, professional development, and curricular innovations, while building partnerships with campus stakeholders to support student engagement and advance research on high-impact educational practices. Prior to leading STEP, he served twice as Program Chair of the OSU Human Nutrition Program, most recently from 2021 to 2024, and has held several leadership positions in academic administration and his professional societies.

Dr. Bruno earned his PhD in Human Nutrition from OSU, completed post-doctoral training at the Linus Pauling Institute, and achieved tenure and promotion at the University of Connecticut before returning to OSU in 2012. With over two decades of experience in higher education and nutrition science, he is internationally recognized for his research on the anti-inflammatory effects of bioactive food components and their role in preventing cardiometabolic disorders. He attributes much of his professional success to the hundreds of students he has mentored, acknowledging the profound impact of effective mentorship on both his career and theirs. More information about Dr. Bruno can be found on his faculty profile.

Outside of his academic responsibilities, Dr. Bruno is a former collegiate and high school pole vaulter and coach. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Jenny, and their two children, staying active, and exploring the vibrant food and culture scene of Columbus.