Research & Practice
Student Projects
Master's Capstone
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Recommendations for Seattle Fresh Bucks: Produce Prescription Program Best Practices and Benefit Level Adjustments
Seattle Fresh Bucks is a produce assistance program serving over 12,000 households in the City of Seattle by providing them with a monthly $40 voucher to purchase fruits and vegetables at 30 local farmers
Project Type(s): Master's Capstone
Author(s): Allison Burkhalter, Robyn Burnside, Khang Ho, Kara Ikeda, Christina Lin, Alejandro Oropeza Velasquez, Kimberly Siu, Casey Spellman, Stephanie Turner
Program(s): Master of Public Health, Master of Science, RDN Training
Year: 2023
Adviser(s):
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Nutrition Policy and Food Service Guidelines Recommended for Adoption by Teen Feed
As a growing body of evidence demonstrates, food transcends beyond biological needs and interplays with behavioral, social, and mental concepts of whole-person health. Community-based organizations serving
Project Type(s): Master's Capstone
Author(s): Jordyn Fantuzzi, Megan Fisher, Mayra Gutierrez, Victoria Jansen, Andrea Litzow, Joanne Lum, Katie McConaughy, Kunal Patel, Anastasia Powell, James Sherrell, Oluseyi Shonuyi, Savannah Stelzer, Kristina Tribley, Emilee Vann, Mara Zinnen
Program(s): Master of Public Health, Master of Science, RDN Training
Year: 2022
Adviser(s):
- Margaret Chaykin, MPH, CHES, RDN, CD
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Trauma-Informed Nutrition: A Critical Resource for Houseless Youth
Utilizing a trauma-informed, harm-reduction approach to nutrition delivery, Teen Feed’s meal program is committed to providing nightly meals that create safety and trust through consistency and
Project Type(s): Master's Capstone
Author(s): Andrea Litzow
Program(s): Master of Public Health, RDN Training
Year: 2019
Adviser(s):
- Margaret Chaykin
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Teen Feed Volunteer Outreach and Fundraising
Given Teen Feed’s status as a small, community-based organization, their greatest potential for volunteer and fundraising growth is in reaching out to their neighbors in the community they serve. This
Project Type(s): Master's Capstone
Author(s): James Sherrell
Program(s): Master of Public Health
Year: 2021
Adviser(s):
- Margaret Chaykin
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Teen Feed Balanced Meal Checklist
A simple document to help Teen Feed volunteer teams create balanced meals for their patrons based on the Healthy Eating Research (HER) nutrition guidelines. Community Partner: Teen Feed This project was
Project Type(s): Master's Capstone
Author(s): Kristina Tribley
Program(s): Master of Public Health, RDN Training
Year: 2022
Adviser(s):
- Margaret Chaykin
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Teen Feed: The Hidden Value of Design in Food Presentation
Many factors influence food intake and health outcomes, especially in a population of individuals experiencing houselessness, trauma, and food-insecurity. This handout for Teen Feed volunteers outlines how a
Project Type(s): Master's Capstone
Author(s): Kunal Patel
Program(s): Master of Public Health, RDN Training
Year: 2022
Adviser(s):
- Margaret Chaykin
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Teen Feed: Trauma and Food, Notes for Meals
Created a handout outlining food texture, taste, spice, and digestion aids to consider during meals with Teen Feed clients who have experienced trauma. This handout was informed by the documented association
Project Type(s): Master's Capstone
Author(s): Jordyn Fantuzzi
Program(s): Master of Public Health, RDN Training
Year: 2022
Adviser(s):
- Margaret Chaykin
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Nutritious and Tasty: Teen Feed Volunteer Guide to Feeding Adolescents
Using Teen Feed client feedback and behavioral research, created a guide to help volunteers create satisfying, nutritional meals for the organization’s teen clients. Provides easy options for adding
Project Type(s): Master's Capstone
Author(s): Emilee Vann
Program(s): Master of Public Health
Year: 2022
Adviser(s):
- Margaret Chaykin
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How to Talk About Food: A Guide for Teen Feed Volunteers
Drafted a simple document for Teen Feed volunteers and staff on how to talk with teens about food without communicating harm. Encourages client-facing workers to avoid labels, limit personal commentary, and to
Project Type(s): Master's Capstone
Author(s): Savannah Stelzer
Program(s): Master of Science, RDN Training
Year: 2022
Adviser(s):
- Margaret Chaykin
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Teen Feed: Foods to Choose From to Create Balanced Meals
Created a short document providing a list of healthy foods falling under the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, as well as example meals tailored to various dietary patterns (e.g., vegetarianism, veganism,
Project Type(s): Master's Capstone
Author(s): Oluseyi Shonuyi
Program(s): Master of Science
Year: 2022
Adviser(s):
- Margaret Chaykin
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A Visual Adaptation of the HER Guidelines Table for Teen Feed Volunteers
Developed an “at-a-glance” version of the Healthy Eating Research (HER) Guidelines Table with example images of foods within the categories of “often”, “sometimes”, or
Project Type(s): Master's Capstone
Author(s): Anastasia Powell
Program(s): Master of Public Health, RDN Training
Year: 2022
Adviser(s):
- Margaret Chaykin
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Teen Feed Meal Evaluation Tool
Created a meal evaluation tool (“Meal Checklist”) for Teen Feed volunteers to use before or after building their meals. Google Form questions both gather information on and help guide volunteers
Project Type(s): Master's Capstone
Author(s): Kathryn McConaughy and Marah Zinnen
Program(s): Master of Public Health, RDN Training
Year: 2022
Adviser(s):
- Margaret Chaykin
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Teen Feed: Build Your Own Healthy Meal Challenge
Prepared a guide with a list of healthy or “choose often” options for each food category so clients can combine items they like and build their own version of a healthy, balanced
Project Type(s): Master's Capstone
Author(s): Joanne Lum
Program(s): Master of Public Health, RDN Training
Year: 2022
Adviser(s):
- Margaret Chaykin
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Teen Feed: Population and Impact
Designed a handout for Teen Feed to utilize when soliciting donors and volunteers, which provides an overview of their adolescent client population and their unique nutrition needs and the impact the
Project Type(s): Master's Capstone
Author(s): Victoria Jansen and Mayra Gutierrez
Program(s): Master of Public Health, RDN Training
Year: 2022
Adviser(s):
- Margaret Chaykin
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Teen Feed: Ensuring Physical and Emotional Safety at Mealtimes
Used the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) model to create a fact sheet and guide for Teen Feed volunteers to use when building their client meals. Focuses on supporting both the emotional and nutritional
Project Type(s): Master's Capstone
Author(s): Megan Fisher
Program(s): Master of Public Health, RDN Training
Year: 2022
Adviser(s):
- Margaret Chaykin
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Race, Disability, Gender, Age, and Income Among Participants of United Way King County’s Door Dash Program as Compared to King County Residents Living Below the Federal Poverty Level
This project was completed as part of NUTR 596: Nutrition Practice
Project Type(s): Master's Capstone
Author(s): Allie Seroussi
Program(s): Master of Public Health, RDN Training
Year: 2021
Adviser(s):
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Nutrition Support Assessment in Gastrointestinal Surgery Patients
This capstone project involved a review of inappropriate and improper cases of nutrition support in gastrointestinal patients at University of Washington Medical Center – Montlake. This project was
Project Type(s): Master's Capstone
Author(s): Molly Knowling
Program(s): Master of Science, RDN Training
Year: 2021
Adviser(s):
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SNAP Policy Changes During COVID-19
Policy makers made several changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to mitigate rising food insecurity related to economic and social challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. This brief
Project Type(s): Master's Capstone
Author(s): Chelsea Whealdon
Program(s): Master of Public Health, RDN Training
Year: 2021
Adviser(s):
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Culturally Relevant Food In Seattle & King County
This project highlights culturally relevant food in Seattle and King County that are resources available within the emergency food system. This project was completed as part of NUTR 596: Nutrition Practice
Project Type(s): Master's Capstone
Author(s): Jennifer Urban
Program(s): Master of Public Health
Year: 2021
Adviser(s):
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Race, Disability, Gender, Age, and Income Among Participants of United Way King County’s DoorDash Program as Compared to King County Residents Living Below the Federal Poverty Level
This project is an analysis describing demographics of people living below the federal poverty level in King County, and compares these demogaphic characteristics to those fo the United Way King County
Project Type(s): Master's Capstone
Author(s): Allie Seroussi
Program(s): Master of Public Health, RDN Training
Year: 2021
Adviser(s):
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College Students’ Perception of SNAP and Strategies to Increase Participation
This project was completed as part of NUTR 596: Nutrition Practice
Project Type(s): Master's Capstone
Author(s): Rachel Ross
Program(s): Master of Public Health, RDN Training
Year: 2021
Adviser(s):
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Food Bank Delivery Programs: Best Practices Across the U.S.
The United Way of King County (UWKC) has been running a county-wide food bank delivery program since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020). To provide the best and most efficient service UWKC
Project Type(s): Master's Capstone
Author(s): Olivia Ramoino
Program(s): Master of Public Health, RDN Training
Year: 2021
Adviser(s):
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Strategies for the Provision of Culturally Relevant Foods
This brief intends to answer the question: “What have food banks and community food programs nationally done to best address providing culturally relevant food?” Though significant efforts have
Project Type(s): Master's Capstone
Author(s): Ana Portilla
Program(s): Master of Science, RDN Training
Year: 2021
Adviser(s):
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Assessing Demographics of United Way King County DoorDash Clients vs. Low-income King County Residents
The United Way of King County (UWKC) partnership with the DoorDash delivery program seeks to fill the gaps in regional food bank services during the Covid-19 pandemic, and better serve populations facing acute
Project Type(s): Master's Capstone
Author(s): Sarah Haack
Program(s): Master of Science, RDN Training
Year: 2021
Adviser(s):
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Federal Emergency Food Responses to COVID-19
The public health emergency of COVID-19 increased hunger (1). From 2019 to 2020 household food insecurity rose from 10.5% to 11.8% adding an additional three million people. Food insecurity was experienced to
Project Type(s): Master's Capstone
Author(s): Beth Faw
Program(s): Master of Public Health, RDN Training
Year: 2021
Adviser(s):
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SNAP and Emergency Food System Use and Users: A Report for UWKC
The original research questions for this project are, “What is the relationship nationally between SNAP program users, and emergency food system users/clients? What are the characteristics of who uses each
Project Type(s): Master's Capstone
Author(s): Amy Ervin
Program(s): Master of Public Health, RDN Training
Year: 2021
Adviser(s):
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United Way of King County DoorDash Delivery Program: Analysis and Recommendations
In this project, students worked with the United Way of King County (UWKC) to evaluate and assess its UWKC-DoorDash Program, a food delivery service which delivers healthy meals to families and helps relieve
Project Type(s): Master's Capstone
Author(s): Kaitlin Benjamin, Jenn Dearden, Amy Ervin, Kate Evans, Beth Faw, Norma Garfias Avila, Sarah Haack, Trey Hill, Evelyn Morris, Ana Portilla, Olivia Ramoino, Rachel Ross, Kaitlin Sandberg, Allie Seroussi, Jen Urban and Chelsea Whealdon
Program(s): Master of Public Health, Master of Science, RDN Training
Year: 2021
Adviser(s):
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Screen Time in Early Care and Education Settings: Current Practices, Challenges, and Opportunities
Project Type(s): Master's Capstone
Author(s): Stephanie Winterbauer
Program(s): Master of Public Health, RDN Training
Year: 2021
Adviser(s):
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Nutritional Concerns in Substance Use Disorders
Project Type(s): Master's Capstone
Author(s): Maryann Ruiz
Program(s): Master of Science, RDN Training
Year: 2021
Adviser(s):
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Developing a Nutrition Education Curriculum for a Diverse Population of Older Adults at Bellwether Housing
Project Type(s): Master's Capstone
Author(s): Sarah Perlin (and Dorothy Nguyen)
Program(s): Master of Public Health, RDN Training
Year: 2021
Adviser(s):
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Developing a Nutrition Education Curriculum for a Diverse Population of Older Adults at Bellwether Housing
Project Type(s): Master's Capstone
Author(s): Dorothy Nguyen (and Sarah Perlin)
Program(s): Master of Public Health, RDN Training
Year: 2021
Adviser(s):
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Examination of Early Learning Mealtime Best Practices: Opportunities and Challenges for Specialized Responsive Feeding Practices
Project Type(s): Master's Capstone
Author(s): Jessa Engelken
Program(s): Master of Public Health, RDN Training
Year: 2021
Adviser(s):
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The School Breakfast Participation Project
Project Type(s): Master's Capstone
Author(s): Kelly Wolffe
Program(s): Master of Public Health, RDN Training
Year: 2020
Adviser(s):
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Farm to Table Needs Assessment
Project Type(s): Master's Capstone
Author(s): Laura Tripp
Program(s): Master of Public Health, RDN Training
Year: 2020
Adviser(s):
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An Intervention to Promote Exclusive Breastfeeding by Creating Continuing Medical Education Training Modules for Healthcare Providers
Project Type(s): Master's Capstone
Author(s): Laura Blasi
Program(s): Master of Public Health, RDN Training
Year: 2021
Adviser(s):
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Evaluating Employers’ Needs and Intentions to Implement Evidence-Based Healthy Eating Practices in the Workplace
Project Type(s): Master's Capstone
Author(s): Alexandra Garrity
Program(s): Master of Public Health
Year: 2020
Adviser(s):
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City of Seattle Farm to Table Design Project
In this project students worked with the Seattle Human Services Department and Farm to Table program leadership (both at the City and with Farmstand Local Foods) in order to learn more from program
Project Type(s): Master's Capstone
Author(s): Diana Aguilera, Cairo Archer, Jessa Engelken, Josh Floberg, Anna Fogel, Lexie Garrity, Molly Knowling, Dani Ladyka, Dorothy Nguyen, Sarah Perlin, Maryann Ruiz, Lauren Sawyer, Allie Seroussi, Stephanie Winterbauer, Kazue Yoshida
Program(s): Master of Public Health, Master of Science, RDN Training
Year: 2020
Adviser(s):
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Challenges and Opportunities of School Meal Programs in Five South King County School Districts
This project assists Public Health – Seattle & King County in their work towards developing a school food program that grows the local food economy while reducing hunger among youth in King County
Project Type(s): Master's Capstone
Author(s): Caity Robinson
Program(s): Master of Public Health, RDN Training
Year: 2019
Adviser(s):
- Mary Podrabsky
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The Nutrition Care Process for Infertility
This project was completed as part of NUTR 596: Nutrition Practice
Project Type(s): Master's Capstone
Author(s): Jeani Hunt-Gibbon
Program(s): Master of Science
Year: 2019
Adviser(s):
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Prenatal Hand Expression of Breast Milk for Women with Low Risk of Pregnancy Complications
This project was completed as part of NUTR 596: Nutrition Practice
Project Type(s): Master's Capstone
Author(s): Mary Heid
Program(s): Master of Science
Year: 2019
Adviser(s):
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Methods for Updating and Major Changes to the First Steps Education Modules
This project was completed as part of NUTR 596: Nutrition Practice
Project Type(s): Master's Capstone
Author(s): Jenny Goodyear
Program(s): Master of Science
Year: 2019
Adviser(s):
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FINI Grocery Store Rx Program Assessment of Program Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation & Maintenance
Students partnered with Washington State Department of Health to provide a comprehensive assessment of the Grocery Store Rx program assessing program reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation,
Project Type(s): Master's Capstone
Author(s): Laura Blasi, Meredith Blumenthal, Emahlea Jackson, Kelsey Kinderknecht, Veronica Lenoski, Ivory Loh, Erin McDonnell, Anna Mowell, Merideth Murray, Divya Pahwa, Sophia Riemer, Shira Stern, Laura Tripp, Kelly Wolffe, Sara Woolcock
Program(s): Master of Public Health, Master of Science, PhD, RDN Training
Year: 2019
Adviser(s):
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Development and Implementation of The Wellness Project for Sororities at The University of Washington
This project was completed as part of NUTR 596: Nutrition Practice
Project Type(s): Master's Capstone
Author(s): Natalie Zimmer
Program(s): Master of Public Health, RDN Training
Year: 2018
Adviser(s):
- Mary Podrabsky
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An Intervention to Promote Physical Activity Through Creation of Body-Size Inclusive Spaces
This project was completed as part of NUTR 596: Nutrition Practice
Project Type(s): Master's Capstone
Author(s): Leilah Korbines
Program(s): Master of Public Health, RDN Training
Year: 2018
Adviser(s):
- Mary Podrabsky
- Melissa Gunnarson
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Increasing Utilization of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Programs Among Low-Income King County Populations: Perspectives and Recommendations from Stakeholders
This project was completed as part of NUTR 596: Nutrition Practice
Project Type(s): Master's Capstone
Author(s): Liz Gore
Program(s): Master of Public Health, RDN Training
Year: 2018
Adviser(s):
- Mary Podrabsky
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Pre-operative Weight Loss Requirements: are they Beneficial?
This project was completed as part of NUTR 596: Nutrition Practice
Project Type(s): Master's Capstone
Author(s): Kaitlyn Wright
Program(s): Master of Science, RDN Training
Year: 2018
Adviser(s):
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Development of a Blenderized Tube Feeding Recipe for Inpatient Use at Seattle Children’s Hospital
This project was completed as part of NUTR 596: Nutrition Practice
Project Type(s): Master's Capstone
Author(s): Erin Phelps
Program(s): Master of Science, RDN Training
Year: 2018
Adviser(s):
- Melissa Gunnarson
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Exploring and Expanding Resources for the Phenylketonuria (PKU) Population Through Community Survey and Recipe Testing with HowMuchPhe.org
This project was completed as part of NUTR 596: Nutrition Practice
Project Type(s): Master's Capstone
Author(s): Holly Anderson
Program(s): Master of Science, RDN Training
Year: 2018
Adviser(s):
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FINI Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program: A Comparison of Clinical Implementation Strategies, Perceived Patient Experiences, and Voucher Redemption Rates
Prepared by University of Washington students in NUTR 531 during winter quarter 2018. Evaluates the Fruit and Vegetable Prescription program by analyzing prescription issuance and voucher issuance and
Project Type(s): Master's Capstone
Author(s): Rochelle Adriano, Nicole Cramer, Madison Delmendo, Jenny Goodyear, Imashi Fernando, Mary Heid, Jeani Hunt-Gibbon, Lindsay Lau, Cecile Marshall, Casey McCoy, Evelina Miropolsky, Tucker Reiley, Caitlin Robinson, Sonni Tadlock, Samantha Tengs, Samuel Vinci, Jessica Wolf, and Alicia Yang
Program(s): Master of Public Health, Master of Science, RDN Training
Year: 2018
Adviser(s):
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Understanding Barriers to Accessibility in Washington State Farmers Markets
Presented March 9, 2017. This project was completed in the course NUTR 531: Public Health
Project Type(s): Master's Capstone
Author(s):
Program(s): Master of Public Health, Master of Science
Year: 2017
Adviser(s):
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Cost, Quality, and Availability: Comparing Winter Produce in Supermarkets & Farmers Markets
This project was completed in the course NUTR 531: Public Health
Project Type(s): Master's Capstone
Author(s): Christine Benson, Emily Conner, Sarah Craven, Kelly Finan, Molly Haas, Terry Hawk, Cathy Huang, Monica Lazarus, Lauren Mozer, Kim Polacek Ortiz, Lauren Rice, Gaelen Ritter, Julian Whitford, Amanda Spoden, and Jess Fowler
Program(s): Master of Public Health, Master of Science
Year: 2016
Adviser(s):
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Time for Lunch at School
This project was completed in the course NUTR 531: Public Health
Project Type(s): Master's Capstone
Author(s): Kayla Bell, Theresa Bergholz, Jamie Clayton, Toni Fiordalis, Danielle Hamilton, Shelly Johnson, Sophie Kauffman, Tiffany Ku, Megan Morris, Emma Partridge, Kelsey Schmidt, Toi Sennhauser, Francesca Simonella, Tori Sorenson, Kaiulani Swan, Katty Tseng, Lisa Weigle, and Mei Yook (Lisa) Woo
Program(s): Master of Public Health, Master of Science
Year: 2015
Adviser(s):
- Donna B. Johnson
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Drinking Water Access Project
This project was completed in the course NUTR 531: Public Health
Project Type(s): Master's Capstone
Author(s):
Program(s): Master of Public Health, Master of Science, RDN Training
Year: 2013
Adviser(s):
- Donna B. Johnson
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Washington State Dept. of Agriculture Farm-to-School Project
This project was completed in the course NUTR 531: Public Health
Project Type(s): Master's Capstone
Author(s): Kelly Ahern, Elizabeth Aong, Carrie Dennett, Sepideh Dibay Moghadam, Melissa Edwards, Erin Enriquez, Isabel Kanholm, Srilekha Karunanithi, Jessica Kim, Young Mee (Mya) Kwon, Zhongyuan Liu, Kimberly McLaury, Marina Mednik-Vaksman, Shelly Najjar, Allison Parker, Diana Reid, Cole Schindler, Laura Tobias, Krista Ulatowski, Seth Yoder, and Marc Zimmerman.
Program(s): Master of Public Health, Master of Science, PhD, RDN Training
Year: 2012
Adviser(s):
- Donna B. Johnson
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WIC Family Food Access Project
This project was completed in the course NUTR 531: Public Health
Project Type(s): Master's Capstone
Author(s): Sarah Bailey, Elisabet Eppes, Emily Faerber, Kailee Farnum, Bridget Igoe, Jamie Kowatch, Richard Lau, Juli Louttit, Kelly Peterson, Katie Potestio, Sarah Shimer, Lola Stronach, Angela Tam, and Amanda Wood.
Program(s): Master of Public Health, Master of Science
Year: 2011
Adviser(s):
- Donna B. Johnson
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Policy Analysis of Standards for Institutional Purchasing of Food by State Government
This project was completed in the course NUTR 531: Public Health
Project Type(s): Master's Capstone
Author(s): Molly Acheson, Kara Breymeyer, Elena Dan, Yvette Fierce, Julianne Gibson, Nelly Gozdek, Dara Kimmel, Rachel Myhre, Charlotte Neilson, Russell Owen, Barbra Pullar, Jennifer Ross, Heather Snively, Cynthia Spencer, Jason Williams, and Casey Wilson
Program(s): Master of Public Health, Master of Science
Year: 2010
Adviser(s):
- Donna B. Johnson
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Evaluating King County School Nutrition Wellness Policies
This project was completed in the course NUTR 531: Public Health
Project Type(s): Master's Capstone
Author(s): Amanda Buhl, Anna Carroll, Joyce Chen, Amy Hendrickson, Lisa Higgins, Meghan Lyle, Kate Murphy, Sandi Navarro, Mari Obara, Elizabeth Payne, Shauna Pirotin and Ophelia Woo
Program(s): Master of Public Health, Master of Science
Year: 2009
Adviser(s):
- Donna B. Johnson