The health of our nation is only as strong as the science we use to protect it. Science is the most vital tool we have to advance research and promote public health, especially when it comes to the obesity epidemic currently sweeping the United States. This is an extensive field that directly impacts the future of every American, and it is the field where I plan to make my mark. I am a second-generation college student who recently graduated from Mansfield University of Pennsylvania with a major in Nutrition and Dietetics and minors in Public Health Education and Psychology. A deep dive into the sciences has defined my academic journey. Classes such as Anatomy and Physiology, Macronutrients, Organic Chemistry, General Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Microbiology provided me with a rigorous foundation. Furthermore, specialized courses in Advanced Nutrition, Medical Nutrition Therapy, and Micronutrients taught me the intricate ways that food interacts with our biology. I believe that students who succeed in these challenging sciences are better prepared to communicate advancements to the public, and I am ready to apply that knowledge. Obesity is a global epidemic, but within our own borders, it has become a growing public health crisis, specifically in rural regions. The statistics are truly shocking: about 48% of rural US adults are obese compared to 41% of urban adults. Even more concerning is the impact on the next generation, with 22.1% of rural children aged 10-17 facing obesity compared to 17.1% of urban children. These aren't just numbers; they represent people who are at a higher risk for comorbidities like Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and cancer. In rural America, this issue is fueled by a lack of physical activity facilities, access to healthcare, rural hospitals closing, financial barriers, and food deserts. It is a cycle that decreases quality of life and forces individuals to become dependent on others for their daily needs. Currently, I am a Graduate Student Dietitian at the University at Buffalo, working toward my Master’s in Clinical Nutrition. My goal after completing this MS/DI program is to become a Registered Dietitian and use my extensive background to counsel patients and promote general health. I want to collaborate with my patients to help them achieve their health goals, whatever they may be. By addressing the social determinants of health and creating sustainable plans, I want to provide education that people can turn into real results. I am goal-driven and focused because I know that individuals lose out on progress and improved health outcomes when social determinants stand in the way. Currently, I am a coordinator and volunteer at Lighthouse Free Medical Clinic. At this clinic, I collaborate directly in a community-based public health environment, practice nutrition counseling, communicate with the public, and record intake data. My overall mission is to use my education to ensure that everyone, regardless of where they live, has the chance to live a healthy life.

My commitment to a career in women’s health is based on my desire to enhance women's health and improve their quality of life. I am deeply engaged in exploring ways to boost outcomes for women through innovative, evidence-based interventions. My most recent research, which investigates the role of nutrition supplementation in reversing HPV-derived precancerous lesions, reflects both the culmination of my academic focus and the foundation for my future contributions in this field. Ever since I was in middle school, I’ve known I wanted to be a healthcare professional. After contemplating career choices, I began to realize that my true passion lay not only in caring for people but also in addressing the root causes of health issues before they develop into chronic conditions. Essentially, I wanted to play a role in preventing illness rather than simply treating it once it appeared. That’s when I decided I wanted to educate, guide, and empower individuals to take control of their own health. In May of this year, I graduated with my undergraduate degree in Nutrition: Dietetics and Sports Nutrition, along with minors in Public Health Education and Psychology. This fall, I will take the next step in my journey by attending the University at Buffalo's Clinical Nutrition MS/DI program to become a Registered Dietitian. I chose the field of dietetics because it allows me to illuminate the critical role of preventive medicine and empower others to take control of their health. Women’s health, particularly in the realm of reproductive and preventive care, has historically been underfunded and understudied. This gap in care and research motivated me to explore one of the most prevalent, yet often overlooked, threats to women’s health: Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Over 42 million Americans are affected by HPV, with women carrying a disproportionately high burden in terms of cancer risk. Despite the availability of screenings and vaccinations, thousands of women continue to develop cervical cancer every year, many of whom have limited access to secondary prevention measures. This disparity prompted my research into potential low-cost, scalable solutions. Specifically, I designed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a nutritional supplement, Clearvira, on the clearance of persistent HPV infections and the regression of high-grade (HSIL) and low-grade (LSIL) squamous intraepithelial lesions. This supplement I hypothetically created, contains trace minerals and vitamins, including Zinc, Vitamins A, D, E, C, B12, and Folate, each selected for their immune-boosting or antioxidant properties. While many studies have explored nutrition’s role in supporting LSIL regression, there is a noticeable lack of research involving HSIL, even though HSILs are more likely to progress to cervical cancer. My proposed study and research paper includes the location, how the participants would be chosen, a literature review section, and methods section, the dosage, how long the supplement will be taken, and how the results will be conducted to determine if Clearvira supplementation impacted HPV status. Completing this proposed study and being a graduate nutrition student inspired me to become a voice for better access, education, and innovation in women’s health services. I believe that bridging the gap between clinical research and public health practice can create life-saving interventions for women everywhere. My long-term goal as a future Dietitian is to continue research in women’s health, whether through working in women’s clinics or shaping community-based initiatives. I aim to empower women with both knowledge and accessible tools to protect their health. By advancing research that explores novel, noninvasive prevention strategies like nutritional supplementation, I hope to shift the narrative from treatment to prevention, ensuring that more women have the opportunity to lead long, healthy lives.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), roughly 117 million Americans, or nearly half of the population, live with one or more preventable chronic diseases or conditions. Shocking statistic, isn’t it? This statistic not only highlights a national health crisis but also demonstrates a critical need for preventive care and education. Ever since I was in middle school, I’ve known I wanted to be a healthcare professional. Even at a young age, I was driven by a deep desire to help others and make a meaningful difference in their lives. Initially, I believed nursing was the right path for me. However, after contemplating career choices, I began to realize that my true passion lay not only in caring for people but also in addressing the root causes of health issues before they develop into chronic conditions. Essentially, I wanted to play a role in preventing illness rather than simply treating it once it appeared. That’s when I decided I wanted to educate, guide, and empower individuals to take control of their own health. In May of this year, I graduated with my undergraduate degree in Nutrition: Dietetics and Sports Nutrition, along with minors in Public Health Education and Psychology. This fall, I will take the next step in my journey by attending the University at Buffalo's Clinical Nutrition MS/DI program with the goal of becoming a Registered Dietitian. I chose the field of dietetics because it allows me to illuminate the critical role of preventive medicine and empower others to take control of their health. In the U.S., effective nutrition interventions and prevention programs have the potential to save Americans up to $500 billion annually in healthcare costs. This demonstrates how taking care of your health is not an expense, but an investment. Beyond the financial impact, nutrition improves both the quality and longevity of life. My decision to pursue a career in nutrition is deeply personal and rooted in my core values. Nutrition aligns with my beliefs, morals, and personality. It aligns with how I want to make an impact on people. As a future healthcare professional, I'm especially committed to advocating for women's health and addressing the unique challenges women face throughout their lives. I am passionate about advancing care in areas such as maternal and fetal health, pregnancy nutrition, breast and reproductive health, nutrition-related cancers, and mental health. My goal is to be a voice, a resource, and an advocate for women who are navigating their health. Ultimately, I believe that working in the field of nutrition and dietetics allows me to approach healthcare holistically, taking into account every aspect of a person’s life to develop individualized, evidence-based plans that promote long-term well-being and create a lasting, meaningful, positive impact. As a future Registered Dietitian, I hope to be a source of support, knowledge, and inspiration for those striving to live healthier lives. Thank you.

If awarded, I would take a comprehensive, evidence-based, and compassionate approach to educating and assisting patients and their families about how nutritional choices can significantly impact their health outcomes and overall quality of life. As a graduate clinical nutrition student at the University at Buffalo with an undergraduate degree in nutrition and dietetics, my goal and passion are to become a Registered Dietitian who makes a meaningful difference in improving the quantity, quality, and longevity of others’ lives. I would leverage the growing body of peer-reviewed research linking diet to the prevention and progression of chronic diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune conditions, and metabolic disorders. My focus in preventive medicine would center on three primary strategies: education, individualized counseling, and community support. Many patients and families face a barrage of conflicting nutrition information and treatment options, leading to confusion and frustration. My top priority as a graduate student in clinical nutrition and an aspiring Dietitian would be to distill the latest scientific research into practical, understandable, and culturally sensitive guidance. I would develop and deliver evidence-based educational sessions and implement medical nutrition therapy, both one-on-one and in group family settings, that focus on the foundation of health-supportive eating as well as the patients' needs and goals. I would also work closely with patients to create a realistic, personalized nutrition plan that aligns with their medical condition, cultural background, and financial resources. For patients coping with serious illnesses like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes, I would incorporate research-supported dietary strategies specific to their condition. For instance, I would emphasize how certain phytochemicals in cruciferous vegetables can support detoxification pathways in cancer patients, how an anti-inflammatory Mediterranean-style diet can alleviate symptoms and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis, and how the DASH diet can effectively manage blood sugar in diabetic patients. To enhance my impact, I would cultivate support and collaboration within the community around nutritional wellness. This would include peer-led support groups, cooking demonstrations, grocery store tours, and partnerships with local organizations. By fostering a culture where patients feel empowered and not judged, we can reduce feelings of isolation and stigma while building motivation through shared learning and encouragement. For example, numerous initiatives can be taken in the community to combat obesity, which affects millions of adult Americans, children, and rural residents. Involving local schools, increasing physical activity requirements, raising awareness about the negative impacts of a diet high in saturated fat/sodium, and engaging the entire family to assist in the weight loss process are critical steps. Addressing food insecurity and utilizing government programs like the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) can provide nutritious meals for all kids, ensuring access to fruits, vegetables, grains, meat/meatless options, and dairy. Additionally, WIC (Women, Infants and Children) offers tremendous benefits such as providing nutrition counseling and supplemental food packages for families and the Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) is advantageous as it gives families coupons to purchase eligible food from farmers’ markets, promoting consumption of whole foods and potentially decreasing the prevalence of processed foods, ultimately helping to lower obesity rates over time. In conclusion, nutrition serves as a powerful tool for prevention, management, healing, and enhancing quality of life. By combining scientific approaches with compassion and patient-centered education, I aspire to not only inform but also create a lasting and meaningful impact on the lives of patients and their families as a future Registered Dietitian. Thank you.