Why did you choose UW?                                                          

I was really intentional about finding a coordinated dietetic program to complete alongside my Master of Public Health degree. I was drawn to UW School of Public Health because of its reputation, and my interview for admission really sealed the deal. It was really clear from the beginning of the process that our cohorts were chosen with intention, and that made me eager to be a part of it. Additionally, the program’s vision of providing safe, adequate, and culturally appropriate food and nutrition in addressing health disparities and building a more equitable and resilient food system resonated deeply with my own personal experience, values, and curiosity.  Developing and refining a skill set that would enable me to collaborate directly with people challenged by systemic factors during chronic disease self-management was—and still is—of the utmost importance to me, and it’s an area UW shines brightly in.

What influenced you to pursue a graduate degree in food systems, nutrition, and health?

A lot!  My parents are both immigrants from different home countries and raised my siblings and me in Oklahoma. Food has always been one of the most fundamental tools I’ve had for understanding and expressing pride in my heritage. I studied cultural anthropology as an undergraduate because I was attracted to the idea of studying belonging.  After a break to focus on healing from a gastrectomy to address the recurrence of gastrointestinal cancer, my undergraduate studies culminated in a thesis about bread. I spent so much time thinking about food for good and for bad that  a career in nutrition seemed like a reasonable enough option. A manager at a food bank I worked at suggested I explore public health programs, and the rest is history! I’ve spent a lot of time immersed in mutual aid projects and working at food banks, restaurants, and social service agencies, and pretty much every path I’ve explored has led to this area of study.

How do you see the important role of nutrition in public health and disease prevention?

I don’t know if I could identify an area of public health and disease prevention, where nutrition isn’t a factor. Food and eating are two domains of life we all engage with, and I find it outrageous (but unsurprising) that we allow our neighbors to this country to live without nutrition security. I feel strongly that nutrition is a powerful tool for social change through individual empowerment and the promotion of public health and chronic disease prevention when combined with other policies and programs supportive of building economic and racial equity.

What’s something you have learned while at UW that has changed your perspective?

When I started this program, I was set on working on a policy or systems scale. While that’s still a strong interest of mine, my coursework has really highlighted my enjoyment of clinical practice.  I’ve discovered a deep interest in pediatric nutrition because I’ve come to appreciate early life as a critical intervention point for both nutritional security, overall health, and in equity building.

Tell us about your current fieldwork or practicum, or a recent collaboration or accomplishment.

My fieldwork was completed with Project Open Hand, an organization delivering medically tailored meals to people living with chronic diseases in San Francisco and Oakland. They’re working toward piloting a plant-based and culturally-responsive menu to better meet their clients’ needs. I was able to help them begin planning the next menu cycle by conducting interviews with several other organizations already implementing such menus or focused on plant-based protein integration. I extracted key themes from these interviews and organized them in a reference document that can help inform part of the work moving forward. I also developed and proposed a work plan carrying the team through the initial phases of information gathering and soft launching new menu items. The whole process was incredibly exciting, and I was so fortunate to work closely with their caring and engaged team through it.

I’m also at the very beginning of a traineeship with the UW Pediatric Pulmonary Center, which is focused on developing interdisciplinary teams’ skills in providing comprehensive, family-centered, and culturally sensitive care to children with respiratory conditions. I’m really excited to learn from the team at the PPC and my fellow trainees.

What are your future goals?

After graduating, I’d love to remain in Washington and work in clinical dietetics. I hope I can apply my own experiences with chronic disease and being a pediatric patient to provide compassionate and patient-centered care to individuals and families managing chronic health conditions. I’m also really interested in working on a city or state level in developing policies and programs that support health and social equity. My overarching goals are being a supportive part of patients’ care teams and working toward dignified healthcare and nourishing food for everyone. I’m excited to explore the paths that bring me there.

What do you like to do for fun?

When I’m not attached to an assignment, I really love camping and hiking around the region, cooking, tending to my yoga practice, and reading with my cats Lola and Mango.

What do you enjoy most about living in Seattle?

In all honesty, I don’t know that I’ve given living in Seattle the best try since I’ve been immersed in schoolwork since moving here. I find hearing the seagulls while I’m walking around my neighborhood quite charming. And my cohort has definitely made Seattle feel like home quickly. They’re all so bright and kind, and we’ve created a strong supportive network for each other. I don’t think it’d be possible to make it through such an intense program without them and am really grateful we’re connected through this strange and specific experience.

What advice would you give someone considering your programs?

I’d strongly advise someone considering this program to have a clear picture of their strengths and interests, but caution against putting themselves in a box. This program moves so quickly, and you’ll have opportunities to explore a lot. Having direction without rigidity is definitely helpful. I’d also really recommend asking any and every question you have when you’re considering schools. Grad school is a big commitment, and there’s no consideration too minor.

Are you interested in studying nutritional sciences as a graduate student? Explore programs and RDN training offered in the UW Food Systems, Nutrition, and Health program.