XIAOLU HOU

xiaolu6@gmail.com

MISSION STATEMENT
I am committed to improving the health of Americans and helping to prevent and manage obesity and diabetes through
promotion of healthful eating and physical activity.

EDUCATION
M.S., Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise, Behavioral and Community and Dietetics, Dec. 2016
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), Blacksburg, VA
GPA: 3.82/4.0
B.A. Biology, with Distinction, May 2007
University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
GPA: 3.91/4.0

SKILLS
Experienced in the use of Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint.
Capable of typing up to 100 words per minute.
Experienced in food blogging, DSLR photography, and social media (Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest,
and Instagram).
Conversational in Mandarin Chinese.
Trained and experienced in the use of SOPLAY, a validated direct observational tool to measure childrens
physical activity in field conditions, such as leisure and recreational environments.
Trained and experienced in the use of the CDC Clear Communication Index (CCI), a research-based tool to
facilitate the development and evaluation of effective public communication materials.

EXPERIENCE
Graduate Research Assistant, Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise Department, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Dec. 2013 July 2016
Developed and implemented educational materials for the iChoose program, a 12-week childhood obesity
intervention in Danville, VA, following a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach.
Conducted regular support calls with parents in the iChoose program including healthy eating and physical
activity goal assessments as well as use of teach-back and teach-to-goal techniques.
Obtained informed consent from participants of the iChoose program.
Conducted individual interview surveys with parent and child participants of the iChoose program to assess
measures of eating and physical activity habits, home environment, health literacy, and overall health.
Supported the maintenance phase of a Carilion Clinics 90-day nutrition and exercise-based employee
weight loss and wellness program via telephone support calls, motivational email and text messages, as well
as in-person interactions with participants.
Proposal Support Specialist, Systems Made Simple, Inc., Vienna, VA
Jun. 2012 Jul. 2013
Ensured timely and accurate proposal submissions to government agencies to bid for IT health contracts.
Managed company accounts for government agency websites and updated company-run portal websites.
Maintained SharePoint database tracking of all released contract solicitations and related documents.
Performed compliance and quality assurance checks of documents for government submission.

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Paralegal, Covington & Burling LLP, Washington, DC
Jun. 2007 Jul. 2010
As lead paralegal for a high-profile criminal defense case, closely supported a five-attorney team, including
preparation for multiple investigative trips to American Samoa, federal court hearings, and a lengthy jury
trial.
Managed and organized electronic and hard copy case files, including a database of thousands of
documents.
Coordinated document productions and interviewed dozens of potential trial witnesses by telephone.
Concurrently managed multiple cases, adapting quickly to meet new challenges and strict deadlines for
each.
Waitress, First Wok, Charlottesville, VA
Jan. 2005 May 2007
Welcomed customers, answered questions about products, and often waited on up to 7 tables
independently.
Prepared beverage and soup orders, in addition to cleaning and restocking the dining area.
Summer Registration Intern, Fairfax County Public Schools, Centreville, VA
May 2006 Aug. 2006
Directed incoming mail and calls; processed registration and payment information.
Advised students and parents regarding course selection; managed on-site registration events.

ORGANIZATIONS / ACTIVITIES
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), Student Member, Jun. 2013 present
Montgomery County Farm to Community Planning Project, Steering Committee Member,
Dec. 2013 Nov. 2014
Carilion Clinic Dietetics Volunteer, Jul. 2014 May 2015

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