This Issue's Featured Content
Congratulations to the Class of 2024!
Congratulations, Corie!
Corie Calabrase Barber, MS, RD graduated in April 2024 with her M.S. in Human Nutrition. She is an EMU 2019 B.S. in Dietetics graduate.
Congratulations to Ruth and Madison!
Madison Krupp, RDN and Ruth Franklin, RDN are graduating from the M.S. in Human Nutrition in August 2024. Ruth additionally graduated from the EMU Dietetics Program in 2022. Scroll further down to learn more about them and their graduate assistant roles. Both of them have been stellar in their roles and we thank them for sharing their talents and for their support and hard work these past two years!
Faculty Updates
Congratulations to Dr. John Carbone for 15 years of service at EMU!
Publications
Accepted for FNCE 2024: Buggs, M.R. (graduating 8.2024, EMU CP MS in Dietetics) and Haque, R.S. PhD, RD: Glucose Monitoring: Implications for Health Literacy in the Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
Amidon, S. MS, RDN, Mistry, A. PhD, Haque, R. PhD, RD. Journal of Medicinal Food. May 2, 2024. Use of Betaine HCI with Pepsin in Esophageal Cancer Patient: A Case Report. https://liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/jmf.2023.0174 and https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0ADZSFJVg-9EcUk9PVA
Halama, N., BS, Ciftci, O. PhD, Lambert, L., PhD, RD, Ford, O. PhD, MPH, RD, Rainville, A.J. PhD, RD, CHE, SNS, FAND. (2024) Impact of food security on coping strategies: a comparison of high school and college perceptions, Journal of American College Health, DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2024.2317179
Alumni Updates
Interview with Ashley Palmer
Ashley Palmer MS, RDN: 2022 EMU On Campus Dietetics MS CP
What have you been up to since graduating from the program?
Relatively soon after graduation, I got my first dietetics job in long-term care with MediLodge and worked there for a little bit over a year and was able to really develop my skills as a dietitian and as a leader. However, LTC was never my end goal. Becoming a sports dietitian and working with athletes has been a goal of mine since the program and was within my 5-year plan. I kept telling myself, I’ll pursue it once I get more experience. Then, one day I was scrolling on Indeed and saw the job position for a sports RD with Metz Culinary Management and thought “ I’ll just apply” and I figured that they wouldn’t reach out due to lack of experience. To my surprise, the very next day they reached out to me and scheduled an interview. I was immediately hired after my interview with them as my passion for sports nutrition and helping young adults achieve their goals was exactly what they were looking for regardless of my “lack” of experience. I like to mention this piece as I have witnessed many new dietitians not go for the jobs they really desire due to their experience. My advice, just apply. The worst thing that could happen is that you don’t get a callback. Don’t let fear of rejection or lack of experience stand in your way of opportunities that could change the trajectory of your life.
I am currently a sports dietitian for Albion, Alma, Hillsdale, and Detroit Mercy College and have been with Metz Culinary Company for 4 months. I was recently given the opportunity to travel to Chicago to participate in a sales pitch for the company to try and secure another Higher Education Partner. I prepared slides to address Nutritional services and projects that I will provide to aid in meeting students and student athletes nutritional needs. We successfully secured that account so that was super exciting to be a part of.
Within my first year of graduation, I was able to enjoy an amazing solo trip to Greece where I got to explore Athens, Santorini, Paros, and Mykonos and meet so many amazing new people who are now really good friends. I also was able to move out from my hometown and now reside in my own little apartment in Okemos with Maisy (my pup). My current job also supports trips that support further growth within my profession such as Today’s Dietitian Symposium.
Where has your education taken you since graduating from the program? Looking back on your career journey so far, which experiences have been the most rewarding and fulfilling for you?
I never thought in a million years I would be where I am today and I can confidently say that EMU’s dietetics program played a huge role in my success exposing me to multiple opportunities through internships and projects within the classroom.
Our profession as dietitians is so rewarding and being able to watch my interventions positively affect others brings me so much joy and purpose to my life. Especially working with younger adults who are facing diseases such as diabetes and Crohn's or chronic injuries due to under fueling.
My favorite success story is working with a young college student who has type 1 diabetes and h/o seizure d/t low BS. She was contemplating moving back home as she became very anxious around food and never knew what her blood sugars were going to do. Luckily, the school counselor reached out to me and I was able to work with her. After a month of seeing me regularly she was no longer experiencing huge fluctuations within her blood sugars and the best part is now, she feels comfortable and confident making her own decisions when it comes to food. That experience was so fulfilling.
In what ways has your education equipped you for the challenges and opportunities you've encountered as you've embarked on your career journey?
Everything honestly. EMU’s Dietetics program set me up for success within my career through their vigorous program. Exposing me to multiple opportunities such as presentations, classroom projects, research studies, and internships that equipped me with necessary skills that I utilize everyday as a registered dietitian. So much of what I do today as a professional, I look back and think “Thank God I was able to do this in school.” I am so grateful for the program and especially the professors. I would not be the Dietitian I am today without them and I am so so thankful.
Congratulations on all your accomplishments, Ashley!
Annie Ayre, MS, RDN: 2023 EMU Online-Distance Dietetics MS CP
After graduating from the program in 2023, Annie started working as an outpatient dietitian for Intermountain Health, Utah’s largest healthcare system! Currently, she is counseling adult patients on weight loss, diabetes, and some G.I. complications.
Annie additionally presented at Utah’s Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics on April 19th, 2024. Annie shared her interest in rheumatoid arthritis and the Mediterranean diet with her clinical nutrition manager, and she encouraged Annie to apply to be a speaker at the conference. Annie shared a lot of the research she compiled for her final manuscript during the last semester of the program. Congratulations on this accomplishment, Annie!
Sarah Amidon MS, RDN: 2022 EMU Online-Distance Dietetics MS CP
Sarah Amidon Instagram Testimonial:
Sarah recently provided a presentation to a collective of Olympic sports dietitians Here's the recording if you'd like to see what she's been up to! https://usopc-org.zoom.us/rec/share/S1E2wZa6TVq_ytnxxuvM6AcQEqiFcwizLPQqceP-11cUtH1SUCN-i946xmoUFTvi.q7kxn0JdErpaQyJU. Use this Passcode: 7t?iB2P%
Sarah states: I am closer to launching my group program called The Genomic Edge. It's a genomics approach targeted for athletes and fitness enthusiasts to be able to optimize performance and recovery. I'm taking on a Florida State intern this week who will hopefully take my written outline content and create some presentation slides for me and I'll record these modules, create a workbook and each athlete will look at their DNA blueprint and kind of "choose your own adventure" their way through the course to see what applies to them and make those changes. Here's the waitlist page, if you have any athletes that might be interested in being part of the cohort (30 spots available). There are testimonials from the athletes I sponsor and have been working with for the last 6 months (Team USA beach volleyball, Olympians and an Olympic gold medalist!). These athletes wear my logo as a temporary tattoo on their arm during competitions.
This link will bring you to the reel you see pictured at the left, as well as other information about The Genomic Edge and elite athletes: https://root-and-fruit-nutrition.mykajabi.com/waitlist?ref=https%3A%2F%2Froot-and-fruit-nutrition.mykajabi.com%2Fa%2F2147844116%2Fa53ZCMKW.
Dietetics Student Updates
EMU SDA on INSTAGRAM (click on link button below)
Outstanding Dietetics Student
Michelle Buggs, EMU on campus EMU MS CP student was selected by MiAND as an Outstanding Dietetics Student for 2024!
This award is given to students in recognition of their emerging leadership and achievements in a nutrition and dietetics education program. Pictured here, is Michelle after being recognized with Dr. Wiese, at the MiAND conference held in April 2024 in Ann Arbor, MI.
Legislative Day
Our students and select faculty and staff participated in MiAND's Legislative Day again this year at Michigan’s capitol in Lansing. This event is designed to educate students on how to communicate and connect with their lawmakers to advocate for nutrition policies that will strengthen our society’s health and food systems. This year’s Legislative Day came at a critical time as RD’s lobbied for HB4608 to license Medical Nutrition Therapy in the state so that people can access nutrition care using their health insurance. Students met with state Representatives and Senators to discuss the advantages of this bill, as well as, potential nutrition policies that may be next. The Bill has been voted through by the Michigan House and was passed by the Michigan Senate. The bill now heads to the governor after passing the Senate on April 10th with bipartisan support.
Richard Tucker, 1st Year Online-Distance MS CP Student, was recently sewed on as Master Sergeant in the Air Force and promoted to Flight Chief!
Over my 16-year tenure with the Air Force, I've embraced numerous roles and faced the rigors of deployments to desert environments. Yet, since 2018, my commitment has been with the 3d Satellite Communication Squadron at Operating Location-Alpha in Germany, focusing on vital early missile detection and warning using infrared tracking satellites. My expertise lies in Electrical Power Production as a Civil Engineer, ensuring our operations have the necessary power infrastructure to function optimally.
Seeking to broaden my knowledge, enhance my professional standing, and pursue my passion for nutrition and health, I embarked on a Master's in Dietetics program through Eastern Michigan University while holding the rank of Technical Sergeant (E-6). The challenge of juggling my duties with my studies has been formidable, yet immensely rewarding. This academic endeavor has not only enriched my understanding but has also been a pivotal factor in my career advancement.
Following my engagement with the dietetics program, I was promoted to Master Sergeant (E-7), elevating me to the ranks of Senior Noncommissioned Officers. This role signifies a heightened level of trust and responsibility, underscored by my appointment as Flight Chief, where I oversee the functionality of various teams within our unit. This leadership position demands a synthesis of the skills and knowledge I've accumulated through both my military experience and academic pursuits.
My journey through higher education has undeniably contributed to my promotion and the expansion of my roles within the Air Force. It's a testament to the value of continuous learning and self-improvement in advancing one's career in the military. With the completion of my dietetics program on the horizon, I aspire to seek commissioning and serve as a dietetic officer. My experience highlights the opportunities that await those in the Air Force who are dedicated to personal growth and professional development. I look forward to continuing to serve with an enhanced set of skills and knowledge.
Outstanding Student Award
Second-year dietetic student Michelle Buggs was honored with the Outstanding Student Award during the CHHS recognition ceremony.
MS in Human Nutrition Student Updates
Outstanding Student Award
M.S. in Human Nutrition student and Graduate Assistant was awarded the Outstanding Student Award during the CHHS ceremony. Madison Krupp is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist pursuing an MS in Human Nutrition with anticipated graduation in August of 2024. Prior to enrolling in this program, Madison worked as a clinical dietitian at Michigan Medicine where she gained valuable experience in the field. Madison had always wanted to go back to school for her master’s degree and was happy to have found Eastern Michigan University. She continues to further her work experience in dietetics through her position as a Graduate Assistant at Eagle Nutrition Services. She enjoys being on campus interacting with students and the community, while learning new skills and participating in fun events like cooking demonstrations. Madison is passionate about nutrition and teaching others about its relationship with overall health. Following graduation, she hopes to continue exploring areas of interest such as outpatient and sport related settings. Madison wants to thank everyone who has supported her in earning her master’s degree and appreciates this recognition from the faculty.
Thank You and Best Wishes, Ruth!
We would like to acknowledge and thank Ruth Franklin. While working additionally at Beaumont Health as a clinical dietitian, she has excelled in her work as a graduate assistant for the Dietetics Program during her time as a MS HN student. In addition to other tasks, she has had opportunity to help with processes behind the scenes, teach classes, and create content for our newsletter these past two years. Because of her unique skillset, she has been an integral part of the newsletter planning, write-ups, design, and overall creation. We appreciate Ruth as a person and professional, and will miss her tremendously, and wish her every opportunity for success as she navigates further into the world of dietetics!
Ruth described this photo as "from the Cliffs of Moher during my recent study abroad trip to Ireland, which I was able to attend during the program!"
M.S. in Human Nutrition Alumni Survey Results
By: Alice Jo Rainville, PhD, RD, CHE, SNS, FAND, Graduate Coordinator
We surveyed M.S. in Human Nutrition alumni in April 2024 and here are some comments:
- …the MHN degree has been a crucial aspect of remaining competitive in my career…
- The knowledge and skills acquired during my studies in Human Nutrition served as a strong foundation for my pursuits in the field of dietetics.
- Critical thinking and problem solving skills were enhanced during the graduate program
- My organization, critical thinking, and technical writing skills increased.
- …confidence to participate in research and QI projects at my workplace and not afraid to utilize my knowledge to challenge other professionals’ thoughts and think critically
- …my education not only allowed me to cultivate comprehensive skills across various domains of dietetics but also presented me with avenues for new career paths and advancement opportunities. In addition, the unwavering support I received from all faculty members was invaluable: I attribute much of my growth and success to it, considering it among the most significant aspects of my journey.
- Having a stronger understanding of research has empowered me to structure evidence- based protocols for my clinical nutrition department.
- The faculty truly cared about us as students and wanted us to succeed. They continue to care as evidenced by my thesis advisor being willing to serve on my dissertation committee.
- I take immense pride in graduating from this program. I wish more students aware of our program and would consider applying.
The faculty are grateful for the responses and comments about our program and we hope you will refer prospective students for the M.S. in Human Nutrition to us.
Dr. Judi Brooks Scholarship Fund
Students, colleagues, and friends of the late Judi Brooks, PhD, RD still fondly remember and envision her teaching in the Marshall Building. She mentored many graduate and undergraduate students in her 23 years at EMU and was more than a professor of nutrition and dietetics. For many, Dr. Brooks was more than a teacher—she was a role model, parental figure, and trusted confidante. She brought a very caring and warm presence to her classes and students appreciated her knowledge and encouragement. Dr. Brook’s exceptional record of teaching, research, service, and collegiality over the years has enriched and left a long-lasting legacy in the Dietetics program, Human Nutrition program, School of Health Sciences, and the university. Dr. Brooks passed away on Feb. 21, 2022 and is greatly missed by her School of Health Sciences colleagues, university colleagues, students, and alumni.
In April 2022, Dr. Judi Brooks was awarded posthumous recognition as Emeritus Faculty.
A memorial scholarship has been established in Judi's memory to support nutrition and dietetics students. To make a gift of any size visit https://www.emich.edu/foundation/give/index.php?fund=02727 or mail a check to the EMU Foundation c/o Judi Brooks Memorial Scholarship, PO Box 972057, Ypsilanti MI 48197. We hope to reach a $10,000 level soon, for an endowed scholarship fund.
Thank you for remembering Dr. Brooks and her contributions to our programs and the university. For questions about this fund, reach out to Christa Reid, Director of Development at CReid20@emich.edu.
Do You Have an Update for An Upcoming Newsletter?
Please let us know! We'd love to share updates on employment changes, publications, new opportunities, and other successes. Please provide any updates to Sandy Pernecky, MS, RDN at spernecky1@emich.edu. Thanks for considering!