Where are you from?
I am from Bremen, Georgia.- What do you like to do outside of school? What are you passionate about in life? - tell us about yourself!
I enjoy exercising, trying new cuisines, and spending time with family and friends. I think it is very important to set aside time to do things you enjoy, as coursework and other responsibilities as a student often accumulate quickly. - Why did you choose to study nutrition? Was there a specific person, experience, or event that sparked your interest?
My interest in nutrition arose after I discovered how closely diet and disease risk are linked. I wanted to learn more about the constituents of food and the biochemical mechanisms through which they are metabolized. - What made you choose the B.S. in Nutrition program at GSU?
Chiefly, the emphasis placed on involving undergraduate students in research at GSU is what drove me to continue my education in Atlanta. The program provides all students with a foundation of chemical and biological knowledge necessary to succeed in any career related to the field, and the program also allows students to explore other academic interests through an array of elective courses. Students interested in pursuing a career as a dietitian have the chance to network with students in the M.S. program at GSU as well. - What is your favorite thing about GSU’s nutrition program?
I particularly enjoy the small class sizes of the major specific courses. Small class sizes in any academic setting foster stronger relationships between the professor and the students. Students also progress through the degree as a cohort, which helps with making friends that have similar interests and goals. - Are you involved in any nutrition-related experiences (research, other projects), or volunteering, outreach, or student organizations? If so, please tell us a bit about them.
Yes, I assist with research under the mentorship of Dr. Rafaela Feresin. I began working in August 2022 through the University Assistantship Program offered by the Honors College. My first project examined the ability of raspberry polyphenols to modulate expression of pro-oxidant and antioxidant enzymes in the lung of hypertensive rats. In March 2023, I was selected by the Center for the Advancement of Students and Alumni to receive the two-year Maximizing Access to Research Careers fellowship, which is funded through a grant from the NIH. My most recent project in the lab aims to identify the protective potential of baru nut and kale polyphenols on vascular smooth muscle cells. To do this, I am analyzing protein expression of common inflammatory, oxidative stress, and apoptosis markers. I also serve as the Undergraduate Representative for the American Society of Nutrition’s Student Interest Group Executive Committee. - Where do you see yourself after graduating with your B.S. in Nutrition? Are you planning to go to graduate school? What type of career would you like to have?
I hope to matriculate to a biomedical science Ph.D. program following my graduation from GSU. I want to pursue a career in academia. - If you could give advice to someone considering studying nutrition, what would you tell them?
Keep an open mind. The opportunities for people studying nutrition are limitless.