Research Experience
In addition to my food and nutrition related coursework throughout my undergraduate career, I worked as a research assistant in Dr. Christa Merzdorf’s Cell Biology and Neuroscience laboratory at MSU. I was able to do this through a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program, as well as through the Hughes’ Scholars program funded by the Howard Hughes’ Medical Institute (HHMI). With the Hughes’ Scholars program, I performed research and designed a science outreach program for Big Brothers Big Sisters. During this time I developed skills specific to the research I was performing, but also skills that will be useful in a variety of laboratory experiences such as interpreting scientific literature, interacting with a laboratory team, and preparing research posters and presenting at conferences. One of my greatest personal benefits from this experience was improving on my ability to communicate science to the general public. I believe this will be greatly advantageous in my future career as a Registered Dietitian because it will assist me in translating the evidenced-based nutrition therapy guidelines in to a form that is educational and understandable to my clients.