About
Elvis Chan

Elvis Chan

  • Major: Food Systems, Nutrition, and Health
  • Year at UW: Senior
  • Hometown: Hong Kong

Tell us about your background and why you chose UW?

I was born and raised in Hong Kong. I moved to the U.S. at 17 to pursue my education, starting at a community college in Seattle before transferring. I was drawn to UW not only because of how beautiful the campus is, but also because of its strong academic reputation.

What influenced you to choose Food Systems, Nutrition, and Health as a major?

During my gap year, I worked as a personal trainer at Ultimate Performance, where I saw firsthand how powerful nutrition and exercise can be in transforming people’s lives. I learned about macronutrients, body composition, and how strategic changes in diet can significantly improve health. This experience sparked my passion for nutrition which led me to choosing the Food Systems major. I intend to eventually pursue a career as a registered dietitian.

What are you working on right now, or are looking forward to in the coming year of your program? 

Right now, I’m focused on deepening my understanding of nutrition science and applying it in real-world settings. I’m especially looking forward to gaining more hands-on experience, whether through internships or research opportunities, where I can work directly with individuals and communities.

What has been the most compelling thing you’ve learned so far in the program?

One of the most compelling things I’ve learned is how deeply nutrition is connected not just to individual health, but also to larger systems like culture, access, and public policy.

What are your future goals?

I want to build a career where I can combine nutrition science with real-world application. After graduating, I plan to become a registered dietitian and use what I’ve learned to help individuals improve their health through sustainable nutrition strategies.  

What do you like to do for fun?

Workout and cook!

Share a fun fact about yourself.

I like old school music. I like old school rappers like 2pac or Biggie.

What do you enjoy most about living in Seattle?

It’s a great place to stay active and explore, whether it’s going to the gym or spending time outdoors.

What advice would you give someone considering the Food Systems major?

Stay open-minded and be ready to learn beyond just nutrition science. The field is broader than you might expect, and understanding the bigger picture will make you more effective


Interested in food, nutrition, or health as an undergraduate? Explore the Food Systems, Nutrition, and Health major or nutrition minor.