Projects & Experiences
Learn more about what I have been involved in as a nutrition student so far!
I also included my clinical work experience at the bottom of the page.
EMPOWER Weight Management Research Lab
My thesis work is being completed under the direction of Dr. Manabu Nakamura who is the principal investigator of the EMPOWER Weight Management Lab. Our lab's focus is on refining a sustainable dietary and behavioral weight-loss program that emphasizes increasing protein-density and fiber-density. For my thesis project I collaborate with three Illinois Extension Nutrition and Wellness educators to implement a new recruitment method for our weight-loss program. I am currently responsible for a cohort of 20 rural Illinois participants in a 12-month weight-loss intervention with the assistance from two registered dietitians. (Fall 2023-Present)
ACES Family Academies
In the summer, the University hosts an event for College of ACES alumni and their children for hands-on, educational activities. I hosted a session for 24 individuals called "Food for Health" where I simplified macronutrient information for an age-appropriate reading level. I created a macronutrient food sorting game and set up mini-pizza making stations for the kids and their guardians. (Summer 2024)
National Nutrition Month Poster Fair
Group poster project for my Communication in Nutrition Class intended to educate fellow University students on popular nutrition topics for college-aged adolescents. Our group presented a poster on protein needs and safe supplement use. (Spring 2024)
Social Media
Breaking down complex nutrition information for a lay-audience is a key skill for a registered dietitian. In my Communication in Nutrition class, one of our assignments was to make an Instagram post on a controversial/trendy nutrition topic. I did a post on seed oils that can be found here (Spring 2024). I also was involved in a group project in Nutritional Aspects of Disease where we created an Instagram carousel breaking down Irritable Bowel Syndrome pictured to the right (Fall 2023). Lastly, I created a recipe Instagram reel for McKinley Nutrition Peers that can be viewed here (Fall 2024).
I volunteered to work a tabling event for the Student Dietetics Association during National Nutrition Month. We hosted a "Nutrition Jeopardy" game for students passing through the campus recreation center. (Spring 2024)
Student Dietetics Association
Test Recipe Project
During my Summer 2024 Food Production and Service course, each student was responsible for running a new menu item. We were tasked with choosing a salad recipe, scaling up the recipe for 40 portions, costing the recipe, and promoting it. I chose to run a vegetarian-friendly chickpea caesar salad inspired from the recipe blog Love and Lemons. I received high marks on my assignment grade. (Summer 2024)
FSHN Graduate Student Association T-Shirt Design
I submitted a t-shirt design for the Food Science and Human Nutrition Graduate Student Association and it ended up winning! I wanted the design to represent all areas within FSHN including clinical nutrition work and food science and laboratory work. (Summer 2024)
I applied for and joined McKinley Nutrition Peers in Fall 2024. Under the supervision of two campus registered dietitians, Nutrition Peers is a group that helps disseminate nutrition information and intuitive eating practices to University students. In addition to posting social media content, I have also helped with a "Create Your Own Trail Mix" tabling event. (Fall 2024)
McKinley Nutrition Peers
Clinical Work Experience
Dietetic Technician
From September 2021-May 2023 I worked as a dietetic technician at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in O'Fallon, Illinois. I was responsible for taking meal orders for patients under specified dietary restrictions, delivering meals to patients, preparing food, and checking supplement and tube feeding orders put in by healthcare staff. This experience was invaluable as it was my first time interacting with patients and it exposed me to what inpatient nutritional care looks like in a hospital.