Nutrition Diversity Scholars Selected
Two UMass students were selected as the first Health and Nutrition Diversity Scholars (HANDS) in December, 2006. Funded by a new grant from the US Department of Agriculture, the HANDS Program is designed to increase the diversity of those who work, study, and perform research in food and agriculture-related professions, such as nutrition. Students new to the major will receive $6000 scholarships for three years leading up to a bachelor’s degree in nutrition. HANDS Scholars will participate in a variety of activities for preprofessional preparation in nutrition, including internships, a Scholars Seminar, research and community service projects, and a mentorship program.
Kristin Jones, a freshman from Brockton, Mass., and NaNa Hwang, a sophomore from Acton, Mass., are the first two HANDS Scholars. As an athlete, Kristin has long been interested in healthy eating. Her enthusiasm for nutrition persisted after taking the Nutrition for Healthy Lifestyle course (NUTR 130), and she switched her major to Nutrition this spring. With her diverse background and motivation to achieve, Kristin hopes to be a great addition to the nutrition field and looks forward to her next three years in the HANDS Scholarship program.
NaNa Hwang is an anchor for the campus radio station and works independently to create news stories on current health issues for the college audience and local community. Given this interest in nutrition journalism, NaNa decided to double major in Nutrition and Communication. NaNa also is a Resident Assistant and her peers have voted her as a Resident Assistant of the Month in September 2006. She plans to become a Registered Dietitian and a nutrition journalist to cover nutrition issues within the local community and the world.
HANDS scholarships will be awarded to five students who are underrepresented in the field of nutrition, who newly join the major and who meet and maintain qualifying criteria. Applications for the HANDS Scholarship are now being accepted for Fall 07. More information on the HANDS program is available at www.umass.edu/sphhs/nutrition/hands, or contact Dr. Nancy Cohen at cohen@nutrition.umass.edu.
NaNa Hwang and Kristin Jones with Dr. Nancy Cohen, Nutrition Department Head
