Helen S. Mitchell Graduate Scholarship

Judy Kim

Judy Kim (PhD, Nutrition)

Judy Kim is pursuing a Ph.D. in the Department of Nutrition to expand her expertise in nutrition and conduct groundbreaking research to enhance the comprehension of nutrition and metabolic disease. She is interested in studying the effect of capsaicin supplementation, a dietary compound of peppers, on strokes induced by inflammation. She is currently using in vitro cellular models, specifically brain microglial cells which are macrophages found in the brain.

I am writing to express my sincere appreciation for the Helen S. Mitchell Scholarship that I was awarded. I am truly grateful for your generosity and support, which have had a profound impact on my educational journey.

Receiving this scholarship is a great honor, and it has motivated me to continue striving for excellence in my academic pursuits. Your belief in my potential and your investment in my education have provided me with a renewed sense of confidence and determination. Knowing that there are individuals like you who believe in my abilities is incredibly empowering.

The Helen S. Mitchell Scholarship will enable me to focus more on my studies and engage in various opportunities that will enhance my educational experience. I am committed to making the most of this opportunity and striving for excellence in all aspects of my education. I will actively pursue research opportunities and contribute positively to my academic community. Your support has not only made a difference in my present circumstances but will have a lasting impact on my future endeavors.

I am deeply grateful for your commitment to helping students like me pursue their educational aspirations. Your generosity has inspired me to not only succeed academically but also to give back to others in the future. I hope to one day be able to support and empower aspiring students, just as you have done for me.

Once again, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for the Helen S. Mitchell Scholarship. Your support means more to me than words can express. I will cherish this opportunity and work diligently to make you proud. Your investment in my education will have a profound and lasting impact on my life. I am grateful for your generosity, and I hope one day I can make a positive impact on the lives of others, just as you have done for me.

Ying Tang

Ying Tang (PhD, Nutrition)

Ying Tang joined the Department of Nutrition in Fall 2018. Working under the supervision of Dr. Liu and Dr. Kim, her research is focused on the influence of high-fat diet-induced obesity in early life on the risk of breast cancer development in later life. After graduation, she will move on to her next journey in UConn Health as a post-doctoral fellow. 

I am honored to have been awarded the Helen S. Mitchell Scholarship Graduate Scholarship for the 2022-2023 academic year. Thank you for your generosity in providing this award.

My research has focused on the effect of early-life obesity on risk of breast cancer in adult life, and after graduation, I will move on to UConn Health, continuing as a post-doc to pursue my ambitions in research and my future goals as inspiring students the way your award has inspired me.

Thanks to your generous support, I am one step closer to achieving my goals. This award is very meaningful financially and emotionally, as it strengthened my belief in myself. Thank you so much for helping me achieve my dreams.

Helen S. Mitchell Undergraduate Scholarship

Juliana Hathaway

Juliana Hathaway (BS, Nutrition)

Juliana Hathaway is an undergraduate student majoring in nutrition science and minoring in business at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She will be receiving her bachelor's degree this summer and will be continuing her education at Tufts University in their combined master of science/dietetic internship program this fall. Juliana participated in a study abroad program in Jordan this past spring that focused on refugees, health, and humanitarian action. The program aligned with her interest in gaining firsthand experience in a global health context and understanding the unique challenges faced by vulnerable populations. Juliana’s ultimate goal is to contribute meaningfully to the field of public health by reducing health disparities and improving health outcomes for all. In addition to her academic pursuits, Juliana will be interning as a Summer Food Monitor, working alongside the Hunger Prevention team at the YMCA of Greater Boston. She is grateful and excited to have been selected to receive the Mitchell Undergraduate Scholarship for the 2023 academic year.

Words can not convey the depth of my appreciation for your generous support. Receiving this scholarship is not only a financial relief but also a validation of my hard work, dedication, and commitment to my academic pursuits.

The Helen S. Mitchell Scholarship holds significant meaning for me beyond its monetary value. It represents an opportunity to further my education, broaden my horizons, and pursue my passion for making a positive impact in the field of nutrition and health. Your belief in my potential and investment in my future inspire me to continue striving for excellence and to uphold the values that this scholarship represents.

Thank you for your support and for investing in the education and future of students like myself.

Peter L. Pellett Scholarship

Ivy Johnson-Kanda (PhD, Nutrition)

Ivy Johnson-Kanda is a second-year doctoral student in Nutrition at UMass Amherst. She is interested in digital interventions that influence diet behaviors in youth. Ivy has a BS in Nutrition and Food Science from the University of Ghana and an MS in Food Science from University of Minnesota. Her previous working experiences centered around Nutrition research in Ghana. In the United States, Ivy worked with college students to impart nutrition education. Ivy also has an MBA from Quinnipiac University. She enjoys spending time with her family. 

Thank you very much for your support and kind donations that have allowed me to receive the Peter L Pellet Scholarship. I am excited and honored to be this year’s recipient. 

I am a second-year graduate student, learning a lot in the Public Health Nutrition program. My lectures are engaging, and the faculty is excellent. I could not have made a better choice to be a part of the UMass Amherst community. By the end of my program, I hope to be an advocate for healthy eating for young children. I love listening to kids share their experiences around food. 

This scholarship is very meaningful to me because it will help me continue with my aspirations and keep me going. I am grateful for your generosity and support. 

Virginia A. Beal Graduate Scholarship

Mengling Cao

Mengling Cao (MS, Nutrition)

Mengling is a first-year nutrition graduate student with a bachelor's degree in biology. She will be finishing up her master's next spring. She believes nutrition plays a huge role in people's lives, yet it is still a developing field. She hopes she can pursue a Ph.D. degree upon finishing her master's journey to better understand nutrition's role in disease intervention and prevention. During her free time, she enjoys building Legos and baking, both of which she finds relaxing.

It is a great honor to receive the Virginia A. Beal Graduate Scholarship, which will help fund my education expenses at UMass Amherst. I am grateful for your support, and I would like to thank you for choosing me. 

It has been a fantastic year here at UMass, where I found my passion and career goal. Even though I am still exploring my concentration, I am happy with where I am now. The excellent faculty and staff who have helped me on my graduate study journey and the peer group with whom I get to work together.

I will finish my thesis in the upcoming semester. In the meantime, I have been looking for potential Ph.D. programs that I want to apply to, and the scholarship will be a tremendous asset in that regard because it can support my application costs and allow me to focus more on the application instead of worrying about it.

Mengqi Duan

Mengqi Duan (PhD, Nutrition)

Mengqi Duan is a first-year doctoral student at UMass. She finished her master's in nutrition and epidemiology at the University at Buffalo, and she completed her undergraduate degree in Food Safety at the Northeast Agricultural University in China. Her research direction is focusing on nutritional epidemiology. After graduation, she would like to stay in academia or start research and development in a nutraceutical company.

Thank you very much for your support and generosity in providing the opportunity and Beal scholarship for us!

Rong Fan

Rong Fan (PhD, Nutrition)

Rong Fan is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Nutrition at UMass Amherst, and her major research interest is to understand dietary and therapeutic strategies that enhance brown adipose tissue energy expenditure and combat obesity and its associated metabolic complications. Her thesis work focuses on the effect of fish oil supplementation and heat treatment on post-menopausal obesity and metabolic health. Her short-term professional goal is to stay in academia, become a professor in nutrition, and conduct research that contributes to obesity research and pass on her passion to the next-generation of graduate students. Her ultimate career goal is to continue to expand the field in the prevention of obesity by promoting a deep understanding of nutrition and obesity metabolism. Rong also strives to become a good mentor to students and emphasizes promoting nutritional education and human health.

I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for the generous Virginia A. Beal Graduate Scholarship that I received from you in this academic year 2023. Your kindness and generosity have granted me this fantastic opportunity to recognize my work as a Ph.D. student in Nutrition at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and encouraged me to continue to pursue a career as a female scientist in the nutrition science field. 

I intend to extend my knowledge in nutrition and perform research that advances our understanding of nutrition and metabolic disease. Particularly, I am interested in studying the effect of fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids) supplementation, in combination with whole-body heat treatment (around 104 F), on post-menopausal obesity and changes in metabolic characteristics. We use in vivo animal mouse models, and in vitro cellular models to test our hypothesis. We also take advantage of our immortalized human brown adipocyte cell line to study the underlying molecular mechanisms of how omega-3 fatty acids and whole-body heat treatment bring metabolic benefits against obesity.

My ultimate career goal is to conduct meaningful research to combat the obesity epidemic, extend knowledge regarding adipose tissue metabolism, and therefore provide therapeutic targets to alleviate obesity-related complications. More importantly, expand the design of the research in international settings and expand the research. After finishing my Ph.D. education, I plan to give back to the community and help future generations of students in their education, especially young women to pursue their dream and help achieve their greatest potential. 

I want to express my deep gratitude again for offering me this scholarship and the opportunity to pursue my career goal. You helped me build up my future career path and pursue excellence and success. Thank you again for your generous donation and your encouragement and recognition of my work!

Virginia A. Beal Undergraduate Scholarship

Sharon Bonsu

Sharon Bonsu (BS, Nutrition and Public Health Sciences)

Sharon Bonsu is a Nutrition and Public Health Sciences double major. She believes that food is a natural medicine and that a change in dietary regimens and lifestyle can improve the quality of life! By engaging in the public health field, however, she also acknowledges the struggles and disparities between populations. Sharon would like to combine her two interests from these fields with an overarching goal of helping others improve their own quality of life, no matter their background, through food being a first step. After graduating from UMass Amherst, Sharon plans to receive a master’s degree in nutrition from the 4+1 program, and then pursue a dietetics internship to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Outside of UMass and her education, Sharon enjoys cooking, taking outdoor walks, and traveling.

I am overjoyed to have been selected as a recipient and incredibly thankful for your kindness. 

Your generous contribution helps me to continue my study, taking me one step closer to a career as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. As a recent nutrition graduate, I've developed a great enthusiasm for the study of nutrition from my education, and I truly feel that the subject can benefit everyone on the planet. If you had asked me a few years ago about my future job ambitions, I would have had no idea where to begin. Now, though, I can firmly state that I would love to work in an environment that provides nutritional education to those in need. I can safely state that getting this scholarship will help me achieve my goals. I intend to use this scholarship to boost my determination to succeed. 

As a new scholarship recipient, I aspire to reciprocate the same generosity, selflessness, and thoughtfulness to another student in the future. Thank you once more for your generosity, and the significant impact you have made on me, to continue pursuing my passion.

Rachel Deng

Rachel Deng (BS, Nutrition)

Rachel Deng is graduating senior majoring in Nutrition at UMass Amherst. She is the middle child of three, born in Pennsylvania to two Chinese immigrants. Rachel grew up in an academics-focused household and developed an interest in the sciences early in her life, originally enrolling at UMass Amherst as a chemistry major then switching to what she sees as a more well-rounded, society-focused Nutrition degree. As an undergraduate, Rachel has had the opportunity to study preexisting and discover brand-new interests, including human anatomy, microbiology, marching band, organic chemistry, and CDL bus driving. When she's not proudly donning her lab coat in the Integrated Sciences Building on campus or in the driver's seat of a bus, she can be found developing and sharing baked good recipes with her friends or playing video games. Following her graduation in May 2023, Rachel is excited to take a year to continue working as a bus driver and radio operator for UMass Transit Services, where she has been employed since August of 2020. Since she completed her degree a year sooner than expected, she is taking a gap year before seeking higher education, either in healthcare or in research. Next year, she is excited to branch out career-wise into a more science-focused field; she is considering applying for a second job as a pharmacy technician, where she can continue working in the lab and developing her knowledge of science through studying pharmaceuticals. 

Thank you to Virginia A. Beal scholarship donors for your generosity and kindness!

Shanazi Jackson

Shanazi Jackson (BS, Nutrition)

Shanazi Jackson is a senior nutrition major on the dietetics track. She is a first-generation college student who transferred to UMass from Bunker Hill Community College. She is a personal trainer for the UMass Rec Center, a Umass Disability Service Volunteer, and has been a part of many registered student organizations. Recently, Shanazi taught a cooking class to seniors of Hadley Senior Center with the goal of increasing vegetable intake and decreasing loneliness among seniors. She has a passion for community work and helping the people around her. Shanazi plans to work in community nutrition post-grad and has a long-term goal of owning a community center that provides nutrition and fitness services to low-income women and children in Boston.

I was so thrilled and honored to learn that I have been selected as a recipient of the Virginia A. Beal Undergraduate Scholarship. Your support has not only eased the financial burden associated with pursuing my education but has also inspired and motivated me to continue striving for excellence.

Your generosity has not only impacted my academic journey but also my aspirations for the future. With your support, I am now more determined than before to make a meaningful contribution to my field of study and the community at large. I am confident that the knowledge and skills I acquired during my time at UMass will enable me to pursue my goals and ultimately give back to my community.

Your kindness and belief in my potential have truly made a difference in my life. I hope to honor your generosity by working hard, striving for excellence, and making the most of this opportunity. Thank you once again for the support and encouragement you have bestowed upon me.

Carolyn McHugh

Carolyn McHugh (BS, Nutrition)

Carolyn McHugh is from Duxbury, Massachusetts. Carolyn recently graduated from UMass Amherst with a major in Nutrition on the Dietetics track and a minor in Business. During the school year, she was Lead Peer Advisor for the Nutrition department. In this position, Carolyn coordinated activities to promote academic success for Nutrition students. Upon graduating, Carolyn plans to return to UMass to begin the Accelerated 4+1 MS Nutrition program. In the meantime, Carolyn will be working full-time as a Nutrition Coordinator at South Shore Hospital in Weymouth, MA. After completing her MS, Carolyn hopes to apply for her dietetic internship in Boston to one day become a Registered Dietitian. She has experience working in research, clinical settings, and in private practice; all of which have equipped her with the knowledge and skills that will help further her education. Carolyn has interests in intuitive eating, HAES, and general health and wellness. Carolyn hopes to one day work in private practice to work closely with clients, helping them to improve their relationship with food and develop a positive outlook on their health.

I am so appreciative to be selected as a recipient of this scholarship. As a recent graduate of UMass Amherst with a major in Nutrition and a minor in Business, I am excited to continue my education at UMass to obtain my master's degree in nutrition. Thanks to this scholarship and your generous donation, my financial burden has been lightened, and I am now able to place a greater focus on my future education. This scholarship has motivated me to continue my hard work and someday give back to other students as you have done for me. 

Adil Shahid

Adil Shahid (BS, Nutrition)

Adil Shahid is a senior at UMass Amherst majoring in Nutrition. He decided to switch to this major during his sophomore year, driven by his deep-rooted passion for promoting healthy eating and its profound impact on the human body. Adil's experiences, such as assisting his father in reducing soda consumption and working as a Student Nutritionist intern, have solidified his unwavering dedication to helping individuals lead healthier lives. He is committed to serving society by making a positive difference in nutrition. Looking forward, Adil eagerly seeks a full-time position in the healthcare or technology industry, where he can gain valuable practical experience and stay abreast of the latest advancements. In parallel, he plans to pursue a part-time master's degree in business analytics through Isenberg, aiming to enhance his skill set and explore the synergies between data analysis and healthcare. Adil's ultimate goal is to merge his passion for healthcare and technology to optimize patient outcomes and address health inequities on a broader scale.

I formally and humbly thank you for the Virginia A. Beal Undergraduate Scholarship. I am finishing my senior year here at UMass as a nutrition major. Before this, I was a communications major until I realized my sophomore year that none of my classwork resonated with me, and then I researched about the major, and the rest is history. Switching to this major allowed me to continue my lifelong goal of impacting the world - or at least to make my corner of the world as bright as possible. There is no better way to do that than to use the knowledge I learned in this degree to help people live healthier and more fulfilling lives. 

I would also like to reflect on a story before coming to UMass Amherst. In my first year specifically, I was at UMass Boston. I went from a very sheltered home with little to my name. I was immediately plagued with roommate issues, I couldn't find friends or a community, and financially my family was not in a good place. It was a miserable experience, so I considered not continuing my education. That's when Covid hit, and I decided to put in my transfer application here because my cousin raved about how he found his home here, so I thought, why not give it a shot? In the two years I have spent at Umass, I have been blessed with many opportunities to be involved. Whether that was through the Muslims Student Association, being a residential assistant, or being a student nutritionist. This and the lovely support from faculty, staff, and peers made me want to continue my journey. And I am happy to say that I did just that. 

My time here has been nothing short of amazing, both on a personal level and a professional, and I will always be grateful for my time here. As I continue the next chapter of my life after graduation, I hope that UMass will still be in the picture as I plan to pursue a master's degree in business analytics part-time online through Isenberg. I will also start working full-time at eclinicalworks as a software trainer. I will continue to stand by my mission of impacting the healthcare industry through utilizing technologies.

The memories I have made, the support I have garnered, and the growth I made have been because of UMass. This scholarship is meaningful to me in multiple ways. It is a sign that all the work and sacrifice were worth it. Therefore I would like to thank the donors for the grateful opportunity presented to me. It truly has impacted my life and will continue to help open more doors for me in the future. Thanks to you; thank you very much.

Emily Woo

Emily Woo (BS, Nutrition)

Emily Woo just graduated from UMass Amherst as an undergraduate majoring in nutrition (dietetics) and minoring in psychology. She was also a member of the Commonwealth Honors College and completed an honors thesis titled "Cook and Learn: school-based nutrition education for young children." She has enrolled in the 4+1 program in nutrition at UMass Amherst, so she will be getting my master’s degree in 2024. Emily was born and raised in Hong Kong, then moved to the US in 9th grade. She went to high school in Malden and moved to Melrose two years ago. She has an older brother who graduated from UMass Amherst two years ago as well. After that, she aims to get a dietetic internship and become a registered dietitian. Her interest is in child nutrition, and her ideal job is being a nutrition educator for kids and families in the community. Her short-term career goal is to be a pediatric dietitian in the hospital, which will help her gain more experience working with specific cases and patients. She is passionate about helping people to build a healthy relationship with food while having a balanced diet. On campus, she was the President of a Chinese yo-yo/ diabolo performing club called TASC. They also performed dragon dance. She was also a member of the UMass Nutrition Association (UMNA). She worked as a nutrition advisor at the Recreation Center and a student supervisor at Worcester Dining Commons. She was a research assistant for the New Moms Wellness Study from freshman year until junior year.

I would like to introduce myself as a recipient of the Virginia A. Beal Undergraduate Scholarship and thank you for making it possible for me to receive this generous award. My senior year as a nutrition major student was hectic and challenging but also full of excitement and interesting learning experiences. I would like to share my experience as a nutrition advisor specifically because it is such an invaluable opportunity provided by UMass. I have been providing one-on-one advising sessions to help students reach their nutritional goals. This experience has trained my skills in motivational interviewing, communicating nutritional information to the public, and boosted my confidence.

Being in the Honors College required extra charges, so this scholarship helped alleviate my financial concern and allowed me to pursue the program with no hesitation. Through the process of developing my honors thesis, I conducted nutrition education lessons that involved nutrition education, introduction of cultural cuisines, and meal preparation for 4th-grade students. It was satisfying to observe the positive engagement of the participants and the results of improved nutritional knowledge and food acceptance. 

This is my second summer working as an assistant for kids’ cooking classes that aim to encourage children to try new and healthy foods and open more options for them. This internship has allowed me to practice interacting with kids and helping kids build healthy relationships with food.

My experience at UMass Amherst has helped me grow as a person and in the field of nutrition. It is kind and thoughtful individuals like you who make me feel more secure in reaching my goals and pursuing an exceptional education at UMass. Thank you for your generosity in offering this scholarship to me. I will make sure I put all my effort into my academics and involvement at school during the rest of my master’s program.

Ani Kaleshian (BS, Nutrition) also received the Virginia A. Beal Undergraduate Scholarship.