- Where are you from?
Alpharetta, GA - Why did you choose to study nutrition? Was there a specific person, experience, or event that sparked your interest?
I chose to study nutrition due to my aunt dying from complications from gastric bypass surgery and a family history of health complications related to obesity. - What nutrition program were you a part of at GSU? What made you choose your program?
I was a part of the Nutrition Science program. I chose the nutrition science program due to the classes offered that aligned more with my career choice. - What was your favorite thing about the nutrition program? What were some of your biggest takeaways?
I enjoyed being a member of the cohort, which fostered lasting relationships and propelled my success in the program. Some of my biggest takeaways were learning how to critically evaluate research articles, understanding the function of vitamins and minerals in the area of food absorption, and how to effectively execute scientific information through group presentations. - Did you have any assistantships while you were in the program that helped offset the cost of tuition? If so, tell us a bit about what you did for these assistantships.
I did not have an assistantship while I was in the program. - What has your career looked like since you graduated? Tell us about the jobs you have had or currently have.
After obtaining my master’s in nutrition from the University of Alabama in Birmingham and passing the RD Exam, I followed my dreams to serve populations most at risk for nutritional deficiencies. I currently work as a Nutrition Counselor at the AIDS Outreach Center in Fort Worth, TX. I provide medical nutrition therapy and educational classes to people living with AIDS/HIV. - What other passions do you have? Has studying nutrition helped you realize or grow these passions?
I have a strong passion for community nutrition, not only nationally but abroad. My plan is to work abroad with families in African countries, such as Ghana, to provide access to culturally appropriate nutritional care. While studying at Georgia State, I had the opportunity to volunteer at the Panther Food Pantry and with the Civic Engagement Office in Costa Rica. I learned the importance of culturally appropriate nutrition and the lack of access to nutrition. This knowledge has fostered my drive to continue to serve disadvantaged populations. - If you could give advice to someone considering studying nutrition, what advice would you give them?
I would tell them first to write down their top 3 interests and then search for dietitians pursuing those interests. For example, if I wanted to work for UNICEF in Ghana, I would connect with a dietitian who works for UNICEF on LinkedIn. I would ask her for guidance and advice on how she pursued her career.