What is Your Focus?

Trying to find a focus within the Nutrition and Dietetics realm? Below is a list of professionals who attended our meetings this past semester categorized by their disciplines. If you have any interest in finding out more about what they do or have any questions, their contact information is included.

Public Health Nutrition

Aida Miles is the Director of the Coordinated MPH/Dietetic Internship Program at the University of MN campus. If you are interested in Public Health Nutrition, Aida is a great person to reach out to about that path. There are numerous options in this field and if you are ever looking for an additional class, there are several Public Health classes you can choose from to see if it is the right fit for you. If you have any questions you can contact Aida at miles081@umn.edu.

Sports Nutrition

Brittany Francis has her masters in Dietetics from the University of Minnesota. She is the first dietitian for the Gopher Football team. She works with the players individually and within their football skill groups to advise and educate each player on eating right during the season to fuel their bodies correctly for each of their unique positions and playing level. On top of that, she organizes caterers and snacks and ensures each food item has a nutrition facts label. She hired 10 interns this fall to help her with grocery shopping, food prep, one-on-one player meetings/counseling, and much more. Have a passion for both nutrition and sports? Any questions about sports nutrition, you can always email Brittany at franc221@umn.edu.

International/Study Abroad 

Maria Frank is a senior pursuing a dual degree in Nutrition (DPD) and Spanish. She recently spent a semester in Toledo, Spain, where she did an independent study on dietary differences between the US and Spain. She hopes to continue combining her two majors by working as a bilingual dietitian, most likely in community nutrition. If you are interested in studying abroad and gaining a new perspective on food/nutrition/culture, you can ask Maria about her experience. Her email is frank892@umn.edu.

Community Nutrition 

Mira Friedlander is an Americorps member and works with a program called Cooking Matters. Cooking Matters is a hands-on, cooking-based nutrition education program run through the University of Minnesota Extension. They focus on teaching low income Minnesota families how to cook healthy on a budget. Cooking Matters is always looking for volunteers. Interested in getting some hands-on experience in the community realm? Contact Mira at miraf@umich.edu.

School Nutrition

Sara Eugene works for Minneapolis Public Schools in their Culinary and Nutrition Services Department.  Sara graduated from the University of Minnesota with a bachelor's degree in Nutrition and did not go on to pursue an internship to become an RD.  She is currently involved with the Dinner Program introduced by MPS this year, as well as, the Summer Meal Program.  Sara is responsible for entering the food items from menu into computer software that calculates the nutrition facts for each product.  The information she provides is then used for future menu planning. She also keeps track of the meal orders shipped to each school to ensure there is enough food for all students to be fed.  There is an opportunity for students to get involved and intern with the Culinary and Nutrition Services Department during the summer months.  Interns are responsible for traveling to various schools and parks in Minneapolis that participate in the Free Summer Lunch Program.  Interns observe meals served at these sites and ensure that meal delivery goes smoothly and food safety protocols are followed.  Interns are also encouraged to interact with the children at the sites and promote healthy eating choices. If you have an interest in school nutrition and would like to reach out to Sara, her email is sara.eugene@mpls.k12.mn.us. 

Another professional who spoke this semester is Dr. Carrie Earthman. She is the adviser for SOND and the Director of the Didactic Program in Dietetics. She also teaches Medical Nutrition Therapy and the Senior Capstone class. Carrie is a wonderful supporter of SOND, and if you haven’t introduced yourself to her, stop by and do so in FSCN 269.

Is there a discipline you are passionate about and is not included above? Feel free to contact sond@umn.edu  so we can find a professional to come speak!