What is your background and why did you choose graduate study?

I majored in nutritional sciences in my undergraduate studies, and then completed a dietetic internship that focused heavily on clinical nutrition. After the dietetic internship, I decided that I wanted to pivot towards public health and food systems work. I worked as a registered dietitian (RD) for a food is medicine non-profit in the Bay Area. I loved working as a community RD, but after 2 years, I decided to return to school to better understand how food systems research could advance nutrition-related health conditions and global warming. 

Why did you choose a graduate degree in food systems, nutrition, and health?

I am pursuing a graduate degree in food systems, nutrition and health to complement my background in human nutrition with a more system-level and public health approach. 

At UW, I am pursuing a Master of Public Health in Public Health Nutrition, and the Graduate Certificate in Climate Change and Health (GCcCH) offered in the School of Public Health’s Environmental & Occupational Sciences department.

These two programs have given me opportunities to work within the intersection of climate change and food systems.The certificate also provides the unique opportunity to engage in more applied work on the topic of climate change. For my GCcCH capstone, I will work with UW Medicine to explore and suggest ways they can adjust their food procurement to increase plant-based protein options, with the goal of decreasing the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the hospital’s food choices. 

Why did you choose UW?

There were many reasons that made the UW MPH program the right choice for me. The strongest factor was the research environment at UW. I wanted to pursue an MPH at an institution that could provide an array of options for research experience in the topic of sustainable and equitable food systems. UW is a big research institution with researchers from different fields exploring environmentally sustainable and equitable food systems, the topic that I came here hoping to pursue. 

I have already significantly benefited from the learning environment that UW research has to offer. Some examples include my involvement as a research assistant in a Photovoice project about college food security, an incredible seminar organized by Dr. Sarah Collier about food systems research, as well as my MPH thesis, which aims to promote civic health by better understanding where Americans share common ground on food system-related topics. 

Specific courses in the MPH curriculum also sparked my interest because they focus on the topics that I wanted to learn more about, such as food systems policy. Further, I especially appreciated that the courses are taught through an equity lens, which is essential in public health. 

UW also offers many unique volunteer opportunities for students, a necessary way to complement classroom learning through hands-on experience. My main volunteer experience has been getting involved with the UW Health Sciences Mobile Health Outreach Van, a mobile van that provides health care support to residents of Seattle’s Tiny House communities. 

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

Public health practices address health concerns at the population-level, prioritizing disease prevention.

Good nutrition is one of many factors that may prevent diseases, but it is critical to emphasize that it is not the only one. Other essential public health factors that prevent disease include having health insurance, breathing clean air, having adequate sanitation, having access to appropriate vaccinations, not experiencing chronic stress (including stress imposed by structural racism), and living in a safe neighborhood. 

Nutrition may play a part in preventing some non-communicable diseases including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney disease, as well as certain cancers, which are some of the conditions that contribute the most disease burden world-wide. Due to this, ensuring adequate food access is an essential part of public health disease prevention. 

Communities not only need to have access to enough food, but the food must be nutritionally complete. Further, communities must be culturally familiar with the foods, have the physical capital such as a well-equipped kitchen to prepare the foods, and have the time to prepare the food. I see nutrition as a core element, among many others, in public health and disease prevention.

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

I began the MPH practicum work this summer working with the City of Seattle to brainstorm solutions to decrease the food waste in their Summer Food Service Program. By visiting the sites where the meals are served and leading interviews with those involved with the ordering and serving of the meals, I gained insight into different leverage points that could be addressed to mitigate food waste. I am currently working on writing up the key findings, and proposing creative solutions to first prevent, but also to minimize food waste.

What are your future goals?

I hope to gain more experience with food systems research, specifically in the field of sustainable and equitable food systems and policy. I hope to be involved in research projects that can be helpful in  advancing nutrition policies. Some questions I still have include: How can food systems adapt to global warming? How can food systems help mitigate climate change? What are the best policies to advance these goals? 

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

The past year at UW helped me understand the importance of working towards finding common ground with groups who you may disagree with. The media is constantly emphasizing high levels of polarization in various topics, including topics in food systems and public health. My time at UW has taught me that there often is a lot more nuance, and thus opportunity for finding common ground, even in the topics that are perceived as most polarizing. 

I have learned how crucial it is to attempt to truly listen to groups who have different opinions from you. By seeking common ground with those with whom you may disagree, you can try to build some level of trust that may pave the way towards productive conversations about solutions over the polarized topic at hand. 

What do you like to do for fun?

I enjoy going on long runs on beautiful local trails.

What do you enjoy most about living in Seattle?

I enjoy the easy access to nature, the view of Mount Rainier, farmers markets, the outdoor community, and the city fruit trees (especially the fig trees).

Is there advice you would give someone considering the Master of Public Health at UW?

Consider taking classes in other departments! It is a wonderful opportunity to connect with students beyond your cohort.

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.