Master of Food and Nutrition
On-site Dietetic Intern (First Year)
Graduate Assistant currently working with research (Dr. Shen) and instruction of FN 2080 (Sara Turner-Smith)
I graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Dietetics in May 2022 and was matched with BGSU on-site dietetic internship in April of 2022. I can be found on campus in HHS collaborating with faculty, mentors, peers, and students. I currently serve as the Food and Nutrition representative on the Dean’s Student Advisory Council where I can advocate for my program and college and serve as the spokesperson for my peers.
I was previously awarded a CURS research grant during my time in undergrad at BGSU to implement and maintain a community garden, and I have recently presented my research at the most prestigious international conference for dietetic and nutrition professionals, the Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo. My research abstract was published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and I was able to present at a poster conference with other pre-professionals and field experts.
My work as a research assistant with Dr. Shen has been focused on the successful completion of data entry that will be analyzed to identify a potential relationship between dietary intake of a specific micronutrient and overall health benefits. My role is hands on and has presented me with numerous opportunities to collaborate with individuals I have not met prior to my assignment, as well as gain skills related to complex diet analysis software that is not well-known on our campus. The skills gained during this process have allowed for me to remain engaged and involved with my interest in research while still maintaining a positive support system from respected and knowledgeable faculty. Dr. Shen’s curiosity and persistence is infectious and has inspired me to remain curious and dive in deeper into the “why” behind how nutrition impacts the American population.
My role as a teaching assistant for the FN 2080 lab has felt like a natural transition from a Learning Assistant position, I maintained for 1.5 years of my undergraduate journey. The progression of responsibilities now includes grading and teaching students, which gifts me the unique perspective of how my influence in the classroom directly impacts students’ success when completing out of class assignments. Having the opportunity to teach students the basics of nutrition, in the class that created and fueled my personal love for human nutrition, has been the highlight of my GA responsibilities. My mentor, Sara Turner-Smith is an excellent human being and an even better instructor that has encouraged me to remain creative and granted me permission to execute lessons that helped me learn the material when I was in the students’ shoes.
Looking ahead I am most excited for applying my classroom knowledge and skills from my GA positions into the clinical and community realm of my dietetic internship. We must complete 1,000+ supervised practice hours and meet competencies associated with each internship rotation. The knowledge and confidence instilled within me from classes, experiences, educational events, and direct support of the excellent faculty members that have made my dietetics journey rewarding and fulfilling from undergrad to current day.
I would like to say a special shout out the entire food and nutrition staff that has shaped me into the student and person I am today; I am in this position all thanks to you and your dedication to serve your students with empathy, compassion, and consistent encouragement!
**GA supervisors: If you want to see your GA spotlighted for their good work this academic year, reach out to Alexia at alexiac@bgsu.edu to find out how to apply.
