What Our Nutrition Alumni Have to Say
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Dietetics Track
Carolyn M.
Class 2024
"UMass is such a great place to learn and grow in your college years. Try everything- there is so much to explore! There are so many experiences they may feel new or scary at first glance, but you never know what you may like! In my 5 years at UMass, I got involved as a research assistant, at the fueling station, as a peer advisor, and a TA! Research was never something I was interested in initially, but I jumped on the opportunity, learned so many valuable skills, and greatly enjoyed my experience in the end!
The Nutrition department is such a small community; especially compared to other majors at UMass- so take every chance to meet new peers, professors, and build connections that will last you in your four years and beyond! As a peer advisor, I connected with new friends and faculty, which helped me to get involved in the department and hear of new job opportunities and experiences on campus. I also made lasting friendships with peers in my nutrition classes, who later became my roommates and now are lifelong friends.
While applying to dietetic internships, I had so much support in writing my personal statement, preparing for interviews, and navigating application processes. With this, in addition to all the knowledge I gained at UMass, I was able to match to my top program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. During my undergraduate and graduate programs at UMass, I earned such a valuable education and exposure to MNT, counseling, core sciences, new research, and much more! As I’ve begun my dietetic internship, I still refer back to lecture notes all the time. My education and experiences at UMass set me up for great success, and I’m so grateful to all those who helped me along the way!"
Ana
Class of 2022
"My time at UMass Amherst became the foundation of my entire career as a registered dietitian (RD). The experiences I gained during my undergraduate years not only shaped the RD I am today, but also equipped me with the skills and confidence to continuously contribute to this ever-evolving field. As an out-of-state student from Puerto Rico with no prior connections in Massachusetts, I was initially worried about finding opportunities beyond the classroom. However, the incredibly supportive faculty quickly became trusted mentors who guided me throughout my journey. With their help, I was able to gain experience in research, nutrition advising, clinical work at a nearby hospital, and even complete my own thesis. These experiences offered me valuable insight into the many ways nutrition impacts our society and helped me grow into a well-rounded, compassionate dietitian. Even now, as a practicing RD, I still find myself turning to UMass resources and the knowledge I gained there to continue growing professionally in this field."
Rob
Class of 2016
"I consider myself lucky to have completed my undergraduate education in the UMass Amherst Department of Nutrition. The department’s faculty are incredible clinicians, researchers, and educators who go above and beyond to create an effective learning environment for students. The department offers students an array of opportunities to get involved in the field of nutrition, even as soon as their freshman year. I felt very well prepared for a challenging dietetic internship thanks to the department’s blend of classroom and experiential learning opportunities. I have had the pleasure of working with hundreds of nutrition students in my career, and the UMass students always stand out from the pack."
Bio:
Rob is the Clinical Nutrition Manager at the Mass General Cancer Center. He is a registered dietitian and certified nutrition support clinician. His primary clinical interests involve optimizing the care of patients who require enteral and parenteral nutrition support as well as helping patients maintain strength and quality of life during cancer treatment.
Rob received a bachelor’s degree in nutrition from the University of Massachusetts and completed a dietetic internship at Massachusetts General Hospital. He began his career as a dietitian at MGH, where he had the opportunity to care for hospitalized patients of all ages and disease backgrounds. Prior to his current role, Rob managed two teams of dietitians at Salem Hospital, a member of the Mass General Brigham system.
Outside of work, Rob enjoys cooking with his wife, travelling with family and friends, and playing golf. He serves on several national committees that work to improve the care of patients with malnutrition and will serve as the President of the Massachusetts Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in 2025-2026.
Nutrition and Health Science Track
Danny
Class of 2022
The UMass Amherst Department of Nutrition laid the foundation for how I currently see and care for patients as an emergency medicine physician assistant. The program provides a strong curriculum in nutritional sciences through a public health lens which elevates the comprehensive nature of the program. As a provider, this framework allows me to not only understand the impact of diet on acute and chronic medical conditions, but to assess, identify, and amend additional socioeconomic factors that may be contributing to the issue. A small department feel at a big school streamlined my journey to PA school from help with course registration, off-campus patient care experiences, and support from a tight-knit cohort of students.