What interested you in pursuing an MS in food systems, nutrition, and health?

I wanted to pursue a career in a field I felt passionate about. Food and nutrition had always been major pieces of my life, and this degree was an opportunity to apply my passion in a way to help others. I was specifically interested in studying through the lens of food systems, nutrition, and health because it acknowledges the greater societal systems that influence where, how, and when people can access food. I knew that this knowledge would be crucial when counseling patients, so that I could help them better navigate the food environments they live in.

Why UW?

I was born and raised in the greater Seattle area and have always been a Husky. I completed my undergrad at UW and felt drawn to complete my master’s here as well. I was especially attracted by the small cohort size that the program offers. Being in a cohort of 15 to 20 people meant that I would get to know my classmates and future colleagues well, and an invaluable opportunity to build relationships with UW faculty. Finally, UW’s Graduate Coordinated Program in Dietetics allowed me to pursue my master’s degree while completing the required internship hours for becoming a registered dietitian in a shorter timeframe.

What are your future goals?

I see my future career in a clinical setting practicing medical nutrition therapy. I want to better understand how nutrition helps support and manage a variety of health conditions. I also want to help people find dietary choices that they enjoy and support their long-term health. Through my internship rotations this year, I hope to gain a better understanding of the specific clinical setting I would want to work. In the long run, I would love to be a preceptor and mentor future dietitians, and have my own practice one day. 

Describe your experience as a UW Food Systems, Nutrition, and Health graduate student?

Graduate school has definitely been a lot of work! Being in an accelerated program means that we learn a lot of detail in a short period of time. We also have the opportunity to quickly apply that information into group projects and presentations. I have also been fortunate to be selected as teaching assistant helping support various Food Systems’ faculty over the past few quarters. I have gained an appreciation for how much work our professors put into delivering a class, and it provided me an opportunity to help pay for my studies. Although this past year has been busy, it has felt very rewarding to see how much I have learned and grown in such a short time. It also makes me excited to see where this path will take me next.

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

Prior to this program I had always fixated on the health aspects of food and hadn’t ever considered my relationship to food. This program helped me become more aware of how societal, cultural, and social factors influence how we view and interact with food. I now focus more on developing sustainable dietary habits that I enjoy and support my health. I plan to incorporate this into my work as a future dietitian. 

What do you like to do for fun?

I love getting away to the outdoors. I am an avid hiker, backpacker, and mountaineer. In the summertime, I enjoy camping and exploring the national parks! I also enjoy going to concerts throughout the year and finding delicious new restaurants.

What advice would you give to a student who is considering your programs?

I would encourage you to find things outside of school that can help you find balance. It could be seeing friends and family, exercise, meditation, getting outside, or anything that helps keep you grounded. Any graduate program is going to keep you busy, but it’s important to take care of yourself along the way and to have a support system to lean on.

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