The University of Alabama

Masters of Science in Human Nutrition: Expected December 2026

 

The University of Alabama has advanced my expertise in medical nutrition therapy, clinical and foodservice management, and research methodologies. The curriculum offers a comprehensive understanding of complex disease states and nutrition support. I enrolled in this program because its flexible structure allowed me to pair advance coursework with clinical rotations at the Memphis VA Medical Center. This has enabled me to immediately apply academic concepts directly to patient care. Overall, this degree has provided me  with the advanced clinical reasoning, patient-centered care, and deep understanding of literature necessary to pursue my goal of becoming a registered dietitian. 

Undergraduate Research - Food Waste 

University of Vermont

 

  • Investigated FoodCycler pasteurization efficacy by evaluating Aerobic Plate Count reductions of food waste against industry-accepted 5-log reduction criteria.
  • Achieved a >6.6 log reduction (99.9999%) in food waste over a 10-hour thermal cycle, confirming pasteurization levels.
  • Presented food waste processing and microbiological safety data at the University of Vermont's Student Research Conference to 400 participants.

Clinical Case Studies: Palliative Care

Catherine Austin Dietetic Internship

 

  • Created evidenced-based nutritional management plans for a complex patient with grade IV glioblastoma.
  • Applied current ASPEN guidelines to maintain quality life, prevent further weight loss, and continue to align with patients' goals. 
  • Presented formal case study evaluating patient progression and evidenced-based nutrition intervention to 20+ clinical dietitians. 

Research Intern

University of Vermont Climate Kitchen

 

  • Conducted sensory evaluations with 20 participants on protein alternatives to identify key consumer preference drivers for sustainable diets.
  • Analyzed qualitative data from 6 sessions to determine public health implications of innovative food waste solutions.