Originally from Midcoast Maine, I attended UNH from 2013 to 2018. I graduated from UNH with an A.A.S. in Agriculture Management and a B.A. in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems. After graduating I worked in the industry on farms across the country before settling back on the seacoast a few years ago and working on a local grain production and agritourism farm. While engaging with UNH Extension out of curiosity for better cover cropping practices, I met my now advisor, Natalie Lounsbury, who helped me navigate the opportunity to come back to UNH to further my agricultural education as part of the Agroecology Lab. Under her advisement, I am researching cover cropping systems and their impacts on agroecosystems in our region.
I am from Dover, NH, and I received my B.S. in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems from UNH in 2023. After graduating, I wanted to continue to be heavily involved in agricultural research. I was offered an amazing opportunity through Dr. Iago Hale to become the Kiwiberry Vineyard Manager and a NHAES Research Assistant at Woodman Farm. After two years of hard work, I decided to return to school as a master’s student, focusing primarily on kiwiberry production and management strategies. The passion behind my research and work ethic comes from my desire to be able to assist growers with their own vineyards, which will ultimately benefit fruit loving communities around the globe. With a strong connection to nature, you can generally find me outdoors in my free time - either hiking through mountains, on the pickleball courts, or swimming in local rivers and lakes.
I received my Bachelor of Science in Plant Biotechnology from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2026 alongside my minor in Horticulture. Throughout my undergraduate career, I studied the key enzymes of xanthophyll cycles in soybean with the aim to improve efficiency of non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) activation and relaxation kinetics. I also had the opportunity to study the interspecific compatibility of algal mating types in the context of evolution from unicellularity to multicellularity during my internship at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center. I am excited to continue my educational journey with the UNH Cucurbit Breeding program under the guidance of Dr. Chris Hernandez. Here, I will be exploring the genetics and breeding of high carotenoid concentrations in acorn squash for improved nutritional value.
I am a graduate student currently pursuing a master’s degree in Agricultural Sciences under the direction of Dr. Xiaochen Yuan, focusing on fungal plant pathogens that affect fruit crops grown in the New Hampshire region. I received my B.S. degree in Horticulture with a research emphasis, as well as a minor in Biology, at Iowa State University. My interest in fungal pathogens began as an undergraduate research assistant at ISU, where I participated in research on pathogens of strawberry and honeyberry, such as Neopestalotiopsis spp., with Dr. Suzanne Slack. In my free time I like to crochet, hike/hammock, and read at the beach!
I come from a background in agriculture and education. I received my B.S. in Environmental Biology from Plymouth State University, my M.A. in Teaching from the Graduate School of Education, and my M.S. in Horticulture from Colorado State University. I’ve been working on organic vegetable farms over the past 10 years, as a farm hand, a manager, an educator, and a non-profit coordinator. I now own a small, diversified vegetable farm in Rochester, NH called Nerdy Turnip Farm. I am interested in growing strategies that lead to high production for NH growers, and as a member of Dr. Beck Sideman’s lab, I am focusing my research here at UNH on vegetable production within protected agriculture systems. My future career goals include finding a position where I can continue to work in education and agricultural research.
I graduated from Boston University with a B.A. in Biology in May of 2025. After graduating, I accepted an assistant horticulturist position at Prescott Park in Portsmouth, NH. In that role, alongside three other interns, I was responsible for caring for every aspect of the gardens. It was extremely rewarding to contribute to such a beautiful space enjoyed by the seacoast community and beyond. In the fall of 2025, I got the opportunity to work for the UNH Cucurbit Breeding program as a research technician, aiding with squash and pumpkin harvest as well as data collection. Currently, I am a M.S. student in Dr. Chris Hernandez’s lab, laying the groundwork for melon breeding projects within the program. My research focuses on exploring the genetic and phenotypic diversity of Cucumis melo (melon) and observing its growing behavior in the colder climate of New England.
KEVIN FANTINATTI
I am Kevin Fantinatti, and I am originally from Brazil. I have a background in Biological Sciences with a focus on sustainable agriculture. I pursued my bachelor's degree at the Federal University of Sao Paulo, where I conducted research on the interactions between aromatic species plants and olive trees. After gaining field experience working with agroforestry farmers in Brazil, I completed an internship at the University of California at Davis, where I researched Californian native species with cover crop potential. Currently, I am pursuing my Master's in Agricultural Sciences at the University of New Hampshire as a Graduate Research Assistant at Dr. Becky Sideman's Lab. I am also working on a project to investigate the contributions of cover crops to soil health and nutrient cycling in organic high tunnel vegetable agroecosystems with Dr. Becky Sideman (University of New Hampshire) and Dr. Julie Grossman (University of Minnesota).
I am from Durham, North Carolina, and I began my scientific journey at North Carolina State University where I studied biological sciences. My interest in agriculture grew from joining a Cotton Genetics and Breeding Laboratory. This experience caused me to develop a passion for agriculture as I came to appreciate the impact it has on food security, the economy, and the environment. My current research is done under Dr. Natalie Lounsbury and Dr. Iago Hale and focuses on studying buckwheat as both a cover and food crop. I am involved in a multi-year agronomic field trial evaluating several buckwheat varieties in addition to managing a buckwheat breeding program. In my free time, I enjoy being active, so I like to spend time in nature as well as playing all kinds of sports.
BAILEY TRAVERS
I am a graduate student in the agricultural sciences program working towards my master’s degree under Professor Pete Erickson.
I graduated from the University of New Hampshire (UNH) in May 2025 with a B.S. in Animal Science. At UNH, I was a member of the UNH Dairy Club, where I participated in intercollegiate events and helped organize activities that educated our community about the dairy industry and agriculture. I also worked as a student animal caretaker and research assistant at Fairchild Dairy Teaching and Research Center. During my undergraduate studies, I worked with Dr. Claira Seely on a research project examining the effects of pulsed-electromagnetic field therapy on milk quality in dairy cows. I am now continuing my academic journey here at UNH in the graduate program as a master’s student under Dr. Seely, where my research will focus on precision technology and dairy health in transition cows.
JOSHUA ADDO
I received both my bachelor’s and Master of Philosophy degrees in botany (mycology, plant pathology and soil microbiology) from the University of Ghana. I worked with the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, evaluating fungicides for the control of cocoa diseases in Ghana. Here at UNH, I am working in the cucurbit breeding and genetics program (https://unhcucurbits.org/research/) on understanding the mechanisms of resistance to powdery mildew in Cucurbita spp. and breeding resistance against Phytophthora capsica fruit rot in Cucurbita spp. My vision is to contribute to the development of cucurbit varieties with robust resistance to diseases, help reduce the reliance on chemical fungicides, promote environmentally friendly and sustainable agricultural practices and help maximize profits for farmers due to higher yields and reduced input costs.
The PhD program in Agricultural Sciences at UNH is an important opportunity for me to continue my education in plant pathology by having the opportunity to work in several top-notch teaching and research facilities.
EMMA ALSTOTT
I am a doctoral student in Dr. Xiaochen Yuan’s Plant Pathology Lab. I began working in the field of plant pathology as an undergraduate student at Iowa State University, where I received my BS degrees in horticulture and global resource systems, with minors in agronomy and microbiology. During my time there, I conducted research on a variety of bacterial and fungal pathogens in perennial fruit crops. Here at the University of New Hampshire, my research focuses on Erwinia amylovora, a gram-negative bacteria that causes fire blight in apple and pear trees. My long-term goal is to improve the understanding of the pathogenicity of bacterial plant pathogens and the plant-microbe interactions critical to their colonization. When I am not in the lab, I can be found outside hiking, mountain biking, or gardening.
MARGARET BRADY
I graduated from the University of Tennessee (UTK) in May 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science, and a minor in Agricultural Extension. While at UTK, I was a member of the Dairy Judging Team and Dairy Challenge Team. I was also a member of the UTK Dairy Club and was the assistant coach of the Dairy Judging Team, once I concluded my collegiate judging career. Here at UNH, I am in the Agricultural Sciences Doctoral Program under the guidance of Dr. Peter Erickson. The Erickson Lab focuses on dairy calf and cow nutrition, as well as colostrum quality. My project will focus on the use of probiotics during the transition period of multiparous Holsteins and the effect that it has on their colostrum quality and calves.
MD ROBIUL ISLAM AKONDO
I am originally from Sirajganj, Bangladesh. Currently, I am doing my PhD in ‘Agricultural Sciences’ in the Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Systems (ANFS) department under the supervision of Md Sazan Rahman. I received my Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Hons.) and Master of Science in Agronomy from the Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU). I worked as a plant research scientist at the Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA), Ministry of Agriculture, Government of The People’s Republic of Bangladesh. My research interest is climate smart agriculture in controlled and semi-controlled environments. I have more than 6 years of research experience in Soil Science and Agronomy. At UNH, my research focuses on “Investigation and Development of Novel Substrate for Enhanced Plant Growth in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA)”. I am extremely grateful to be working on the project at hand at UNH.
I am Nana Ama Bissawaa Bissah, a Ghanaian PhD student in the Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Systems Department, majoring in Agricultural Science. I earned my bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in Agricultural Biotechnology from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Ghana and the Akdeniz University in Türkiye respectively. Through my academic journey, I gained expertise in plant tissue culture, resilience breeding and genome editing- specifically using CRISPR/Cas9 technology to improve water-use efficiency in plants. Currently, I am working under the mentorship of Dr. Duoduo Wang to advance fruit development, crop improvement and stress resilience in an effort to contribute to the United Nations’ Zero Hunger goal. The drive behind my career goals to add to scientific knowledge and establish myself both as a researcher in crop development projects and a mentor of young scientists is the fact that I want to reduce, if not entirely eliminate hunger and poverty by enhancing food security and agricultural sustainability in developing countries like mine.
OLIVA BURTON
I am a doctoral student in Dr. Analena Bruce's Food Systems Lab. I earned a BFA from Hampshire College and a Master of Food and Agriculture Law and Policy from Vermont Law School. Prior to my time at UNH, I worked with the Center for Agriculture and Food Systems at Vermont Law School developing literature and conducting legal research for the National Gleaning Project. My research interests are in food sovereignty, equity and justice with a focus on utilizing legal restorative justice frameworks in Indigenous and minority communities. My current dissertation project aims to explore issues of food sovereignty and equity through legal restorative justice frameworks for Indigenous Nations in Southern Arizona.
I am originally from southern part of Brazil (Paraná State). I earned my B.Sc. in Animal Science from the State University of Maringa (Brazil), where I participated in research projects focused on animal nutrition and silage quality. After graduation I worked for one year as a nutritionist on a dairy farm in Brazil. I received my M.Sc. at the same university conducting research on fermentation, microbiology, and the quality of tropical grass silages. My master’s thesis was awarded as the best in the animal science department. In August 2023, I joined UNH as visiting research scholar, and in January 2025 I became a PhD student under the supervision of Dr. Andre Brito. My current research focuses on forage preservation and feed evaluation for dairy cows. I am passionate about dairy nutrition, silage microbiology, fermentation, and management. In the near future, I hope to help farmers improve feed efficiency through enhanced silage quality, contributing to more sustainable animal production.
Being a native of Punjab, I was always curious about crop cultivation. This led me to pursue Bachelor of Science in biotechnology from the best agricultural university in India, Punjab Agricultural University. I had 6 months in-house project training on tissue culture of fruits like date palm, pomegranate, mango, strawberry and citrus. I then got admitted to Master of Science in biotechnology program at the same university and did research on mapping of yellow vein mosaic virus disease resistance in okra. However, I was always eager to explore and learn new things and admired UNH for its good research. I joined UNH as an agricultural sciences doctoral student, and my research focuses on strawberry transgenics in the Davis lab. I am also thankful to the ANFS department for my graduate teaching assistantship.
I am currently a doctoral student at the University of New Hampshire. I hold a master's degree in dairy science and a bachelor's degree in animal science from Bangladesh Agricultural University, one of the oldest public universities in my country. Bangladesh, like some other nations, is grappling with climatic challenges, particularly the pressing issue of global warming. Greenhouse gases are responsible for global warming, and livestock contributes about 14.5% of global anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. I'm proud to be part of a research team led by Dr. André Brito, where we are dedicated to reducing the greenhouse gas emissions from dairy cows through dietary modifications. We aim to contribute to the global effort to combat environmental changes by ruminants and mitigate the impact of climate change.
TOYIN OSUOLALE
I graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Nigeria. My undergraduate research focused on Poultry health, specifically investigating the effect of Lagenaria breviflora extracts on the hematological quality of broiler chicken. After graduation, I attended Fort Valley State University, Georgia, and received my Master of Science degree by evaluating the Impact of Arachis Hypogaea (Peanut Skins) Dietary Supplementation on Beef Cattle Performance, Digestibility, and Rumen Fermentation. I am currently working on my doctoral degree under the guidance of Pete Erickson and Andre Brito, studying the assessment of calf and heifer management in New England. My goal is to improve calf and heifer management practices by developing strategies that enhance dairy farms' sustainability. By improving management techniques, I aim to help dairy farmers reduce replacement costs, increase the quality of their livestock, and maximize profits through better herd performance and reduced input costs. The PhD program in Agricultural Sciences at UNH is an opportunity for me to continue my research in dairy nutrition through access to top-notch research facilities and teaching
FRANCESCA PHARO
I am originally from Sonoma, California. I received my BSc from Colorado State University in Animal Science, followed by a Master’s in Epidemiology at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada. During my undergraduate degree, I worked on a research project looking at the effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) administration and its effects on Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) in commercial dairy calves. In my Master’s, I worked with dairy calves and Salmonella Dublin, looking at the transmission and health effects of the disease within a population of surplus calves. I am now a PhD student in the ANFS department here at UNH, working under the supervision of Dr. Claira Seely. My research will focus on precision technology, and how it relates to transition cow health and disease in dairy animals. My hobbies include hiking, skiing, riding horses, playing volleyball, Irish dancing, traveling, and eating good food.
MD Atikur RAHMAN
I graduated from Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) with a Bachelor of Science in animal husbandry. I also participated in the Community College Initiative Program, and studied animal science at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids Iowa. During my time at BAU as a research assistant I was involved with several research projects that investigated insect protein (earthworm meal, black soldier fly meal) as an alternative protein source for animal feed. Currently, I am a graduate research assistant under the supervision of Dr. André Brito, and I am working to complete my Ph.D. in agricultural science (dairy cow nutrition). My research is focused on the N utilization of dairy cows and comprehensive assessment of GHG mitigation strategies through dietary intervention. I am really excited to be a part of the agricultural science program and looking forward to helping the dairy farmers through my research.
MD HAFIZUR RAHMAN
I am from Bangladesh. I received my Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering and Master of Science in Agricultural Construction and Environmental Engineering (ACEE) from Sylhet Agricultural University (SAU) in Bangladesh. While I was working on creating an early flash flood detection strategy for my master's degree, my undergraduate study was centered on waste management strategies. As a faculty member at SAU, I am involved with many courses related to environmental sciences, and these courses encouraged me to choose UNH’s Agricultural Sciences PhD program. I will be working under the supervision of Dr. Md Sazan Rahman and excited to work at the EAE lab. My research focuses will be aerobic digestion-based heating system
development and assessment to energize the controlled environment of agricultural facilities as well as utilizing on-farm biomass to develop the aerobic digestion-based heating system. I hope I will be an integral part of the agricultural science program at UNH with my research in the forthcoming days.
UMAMA BEGUM RUBA
I am Umama Begum Ruba from Bangladesh. I did my Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Master of Science in Agroforestry from Sylhet Agricultural University. Being a Research Assistant at Climate Smart Agriculture and Geop-Spatial Lab, I focused on how agroforestry could be a viable approach to address climate resilience and food security issues. I believe, in the scenario of climate change, agroforestry has a wider spectrum to act as a potential Climate Smart Agriculture Technology for food security and sustainable rural development. Currently, I am working in the Food Systems Lab with Professor Analena Bruce and working on sustainable food systems in the social mainstream domain. I am looking forward to doing empirical research on sustainable livelihood strategies and community engagement fostered by adopting and practicing agroforestry systems. I am excited to be part of the PhD program in Agricultural Sciences. Besides my research and academic activities, I love swimming and traveling. I am fortunate to be a part of University of New Hampshire.
MARIE MERCI UWIMBABAZI
Marie Merci Uwimbabazi is a Ph.D. student and Graduate Research Assistant in the Agricultural Sciences Program within the Department of Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Systems at the University of New Hampshire. She was born and raised in Rwanda, East Africa. She earned a B.Sc. in Conservation Agriculture from the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture, where she gained experience in conservation agriculture practices, teaching, and agricultural extension. She completed an M.Sc. in Environmental Studies at Kentucky State University, where she conducted research related in urban and controlled-environment agriculture systems. Her research experiences include agriculture artificial lighting, hydroponic systems, nutrients management and crop nutritional analysis. She is currently working with Dr. Becky Sideman’s lab focusing on specialty crops and protected agriculture, specifically fig cultivar selection for cold climates. Marie Merci aspires to become an agricultural research scientist specializing in specialty crop production systems and climate-resilient techniques that contribute to sustainable agricultural and food systems, while also pursuing opportunities in agricultural research, extension, and communications.
JAYSON BLAISDELL
My name is Jayson Blaisdell, I am a graduate student in the accelerated Nutrition M.S program at UNH. Additionally, I also completed my undergraduate degree in (Nutrition, Health and Wellness) at UNH. In my time here at school I have been on the Men's Track and Field team during undergrad, and found a deeper interest in athletics and helping others. I now work in the athletics department coaching athletes in the weightroom, and my goal is to eventually be a qualified strength coach with a nutrition degree.
ETHAN GREGORY
Ethan Gregory is currently enrolled in the Nutrition M.S. program at the University of New Hampshire. He completed his undergraduate degree at UNH as well, majoring in Nutrition: Health and Wellness. While he continues his studies, he works in food service at Portsmouth Regional Hospital and shadows the dietitians who work there. He wishes to pursue a career in clinical dietetics, gaining a broad foundation of experience in a diverse patient environment. Long term, he wants to eventually transition into more outpatient work, applying the skills developed in the hospital setting into a private practice.
CAROLINE WEEKS
My name is Caroline Weeks. I am currently a graduate student enrolled in the accelerated masters program in nutrition. My goals are to become a registered dietitian and work alongside either athletes or in the pediatric field. I believe nutrition is a form of medicine and can greatly improve quality of life and overall health. During my junior year, I realized how much more I could contribute as a registered dietitian, rather than a nutritionist, and how a broader scope of practice could allow me to care for patients and clients more effectively.
ALEXANDRA OLD
I graduated from the University of New Hampshire in May of 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science. I am currently pursuing a Master’s in nutritional sciences and am fortunate to have the opportunity to work in the Bigornia Research Lab as a graduate research assistant. I am excited to work alongside Dr. Sherman Bigornia because of the similarities between his research goals and my academic interests, some of which being nutrition access, healthcare access, nutritional epidemiology, and chronic illness. One of the projects I will be working on is focused on the barriers and facilitators to seafood and dairy consumption in New Hampshire adults. I developed a passion for nutrition throughout undergrad as I became more educated on the impact of nutrition on health. In the future, I hope to achieve my lifelong goal of becoming an M.D. I also hope to work throughout my career to increase both nutrition and healthcare access for the communities around me. I’m really looking forward to applying what I learn in my current program to my future career in the healthcare field. Aside from my academic and professional pursuits, I love hiking, skiing, reading, art, and live music.
NATALIA BENTO
Nathalia Bento is originally from Brazil and is currently in the Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics program at University of New Hampshire. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics and Master of Science in Sport Health Science from Life University. At Life University, she worked as a graduate assistant with the swim team and interned with the campus sports dietitian. She is interested in clinical nutrition, especially hospital care and working with people with diabetes. Through her dietetics internship, she hopes to become a registered dietitian and gain experience in different settings ad she discovers which area of practice suits her best.
ALYSSA CHALIFOUR
My name is Alyssa Chalifour, and I am a first-year MSDI student at UNH. I received my Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from UNH in May of 2026. My current experience derives from being a research assistant in the CHANAS project at UNH, my shadowing experience of registered dietitians at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital in Dover, NH, and my current position at Emery Farm, where I work as a front-of-house team member. My main professional goal is to become a registered dietitian, and to determine what area of dietetics I would want to have a focus on within my career. During my free time, I love going to concerts, spending time outside, and trying new gluten free restaurants and coffee shops!
AVA CICHONSKI
My name is Ava Cichonski, and I recently graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a B.S. in Nutrition. During my undergraduate studies, I had the opportunity to practice nutrition counseling through the Student Nutritionist Program at UMass and gained experience in food service management by managing a local coffee shop on weekends. I also interned with the Registered Dietitians at Big Y, a grocery store local to Massachusetts and Connecticut, where I assisted with developing online articles and social media content. Now as a graduate student in the MSND program at UNH, I hope to explore new avenues of dietetics and continue to become a Registered Dietitian.
MACKENZIE DAY
I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics at Keene State College in May of 2024. I am currently a graduate student is Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics program at the University of New Hampshire. While completing my degree at Keene State College, I worked at Cheshire Medical Center as Central Monitor Technician where I monitored patient safety and telemetry status. I later transitioned into the Room Service Supervisor/Diet Technician position where I worked with clinical RDNs and supervised the food service system that fed the patients admitted to the hospital. As I continue my education at UNH, I plan to explore areas of nutrition such as sports nutrition, pediatric nutrition, and culinary arts while collaborating with other health professionals and fellow students. In the future I plan to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and to work in a clinical setting with a focus in nutrition support. I chose this path as I enjoy the study of nutritional sciences and helping others gain a sense of autonomy through their diet and guiding them through their nutrition journey.
ELLEN GREENWOOD
I graduated from the University of New Hampshire where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition: Dietetics. I am currently working towards my Master of Science in Nutrition as a part of the UNH MSDN class of 2027. After receiving my undergraduate degree, I worked as a dietary technician at Denver Health and a dietary assistant at Eating Recovery Center in Denver, CO. I am excited to become a Registered Dietitian and explore the many career options that the field of nutrition has to offer. I am passionate about helping people to have a better relationship with food through counseling and education. In my free time I enjoy spending time with friends and family, hiking, rock climbing, and cooking.
MAGGIE GWINN
I am an MSDI student with an Undergraduate Degree from the University of Dayton, in Health Science with a focus on Dietetics and Nutrition. I have experience in food handling and nutrition blog writing. I also have experience as a supplemental instructor through the University of Dayton.
KAT HAIGHT
I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition: Dietetics from the University of New Hampshire in 2025 and now continuing my graduate journey in the MSDN program. Nutrition is a field that has so many different avenues that touches everybody's lives in one way or another. Through the opportunities I have been apart of and will continue through graduate school, I have fallen in love with so many different areas of dietetics. I hope to become a registered dietitian and throughout my professional life work with a military population and MRE development, food science and development, and eating disorder recovery.
LOLA HERZOG
I recently attended the University of Vermont and graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Nutrition with a concentration in Dietetics. While at UVM, I completed a culinary-based internship through the organization Common Roots. During my internship, I learned various culinary skills and educated middle school students on the basic topics of nutrition while also teaching them how to cook well-balanced meals for their families. Additionally, I was also a Resident Advisor for three years during my time at UVM. Being a resident advisor taught me various skills like event planning, conflict resolution, and leadership. Currently, I am pursuing a Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics program at the University of New Hampshire. As I continue to reach my goal of becoming a registered dietitian, I am excited to learn more about the various topics of nutrition such as clinical nutrition, eating disorder recovery, and sports nutrition.
ERICA LONG
Hi, my name is Erika Long and I am a first-year graduate student in the MSDI program at the
University of New Hampshire. I graduated from Syracuse University in May 2026 with a B.S. in
Nutrition. While there, I served as a performance nutrition intern and currently work as a nutrition technician at a post-acute care pediatric hospital. My goal is to become a Registered Dietitian and hopefully begin my career in clinical nutrition. My current areas of interest within dietetics are pediatrics and nutrition support.
HANNAH MILLER
My name is Hannah, and I am an MSDN graduate student at UNH. I grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, and received my B.S. in Nutrition from Florida State University. I enjoyed my time at FSU volunteering and gaining experience in areas both related and not related to nutrition and public health. While I am still trying to pin down my exact career goals for the future, I am very interested in exploring pediatric clinical nutrition as well as nutrition for people with disabilities.
HANNAH WEBB
My name is Hannah Webb; I am currently pursuing a Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics here at UNH. I am originally from Groton, MA, but spent the past four years living in Vermont, while pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Food Science with a Dietetics Concentration at the University of Vermont. I have experience working as a teaching assistant, extensive customer service experience, and sustainable food systems knowledge from both my courses at UVM and time spent working on an organic farm. After my time at UNH, I plan to become a Registered Dietitian and work towards becoming a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) with the goal of working with people who have type 1 diabetes and eating disorders. I am passionate about learning how to provide nutrition education to these populations, with the hopes of bridging the gap between diabetes and eating disorder care. In my free time, I enjoy running and spending time outside, either hiking, skiing or relaxing!
DRISTI PATEL
Hello! My name is Dristi and I am a first-year graduate student in the MSDI program at UNH. I received my bachelor's degree in nutrition and dietetics at Rutgers University - New Brunswick. I am interested in using evidence-based nutrition to help individuals heal their relationship with food. Two areas of study that I am looking to explore are performance nutrition and eating disorder treatment. My previous experiences as a student worker in the Rutgers University football department and an intern at a Head Start program have expanded my foundation in food service, sports nutrition, and community nutrition, deepening my interests in performance nutrition and eating disorder treatment. During my next two years at UNH, I hope to strengthen my knowledge in clinical nutrition and challenge myself to new experiences that will help me grow into a well-rounded dietitian.
CAMILLE "KIKI" RANDALL
My name is Camille Randall and I go by Kiki. I’m a first-year graduate student in the Master of Science Nutrition and Dietetics program (MSDI). I received my bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics from Keene State College. During my undergraduate degree I was a student intern at Southwestern Community Services Head Start in Keene NH where I focused on nutrition and gardening education for children in the classrooms. I also led a cooking demonstration for the children. My professional goals are to become a registered dietitian and work in a community setting.
DARBY SIMMONS
My name is Darby Simmons, and I am from Atkinson, New Hampshire. I graduated with my bachelor’s degree from UMass Amherst in Nutritional Sciences, where I found a passion for medical nutrition therapy. I am currently working as a nutrition assistant to gain patient care experience. During my undergraduate career, I had internships in community nutrition working with the SNAP-ed program and performance nutrition through UMass Athletics. After graduating from UNH with my master’s degree and passing the CDR registration exam, I hope to become a clinical dietitian.
ALLYSON UNAITIS
My name is Allyson Unaitis and I am currently in my first year of UNH’s combined MSDI Program. I graduated in May of 2026 from UMass Amherst with my Bachelor’s in Nutrition, completing my DPD requirements. In addition to academics, nutrition has played a major role in the careers and opportunities I have had. These include working as a Nutrition Assistant at Baystate Franklin Medical Center, becoming a Student Nutritionist through UMass’s Student Nutritionist Program, and multiple foodservice roles where I obtained hands on experience in food safety, production, and engagement with communities. This year, I am working closely with the NH Food Alliance as a GA to learn more about the local food systems and help achieve statewide goals. After completing this program, I hope to become a Registered Dietitian, finding my niche within the field. Outside of academics, I enjoy baking, trying new restaurants, staying active, and travelling.
KENZIE WEINBERG
My name is Kenzie Weinberg and I am a first year MSDN graduate student at University of New Hampshire. I received my undergraduate degree from Johnson & Wales University where I studied Dietetics and Applied Culinary Nutrition. There, I was able to apply what I learned in my dietetics courses in my culinary labs. Using my undergraduate degree, I developed my own personal chef business specializing in nutritional meal preparation services. After I finish my degree here at University of New Hampshire, I plan to take my RDN exam to become a Registered Dietitian. My career goals include sports nutrition, private practice, and being a personal chef.
MARLEE YODER
I graduated in May 2025 from the University of Maine with a bachelor's degree in food science and human nutrition witch a concentration in dietetics and a minor in exercise science. During undergrad I volunteered in a community nutrition research lab and helped a PhD student with her research that focused on fruit and vegetable intake in middle school children who live in rural Maine. I am continuing my education at the University of New Hampshire in the MSDN program. I chose UNH because I liked that the classes were in person and knew we would obtain a lot of important skills through practice even before the internship. My career goals include working in clinical dietetics for a few years before eventually going into outpatient counseling, specifically in sports dietetics. Outside of school, my passions include running, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.
ANDIE ZIELINSKI
Hello! My name is Andie and I'm a graduate student in the MSDI program here at UNH. I grew up in western Pennsylvania, then completed my B.S. in Nutrition at Kent State University. I am eager to expand my knowledge and dive into the dietetics profession. During my undergrad, I gained experience as a nutrition assistant at Clevland Clinic where I found my love of clinical nutrition. I also had the opportunity to spend a summer at Camp Ho Mita Koda, a summer camp for children living with diabetes. This experience sparked my passion for diabetes care and management. After my time at UNH, I plan to become a registered dietitian and a certified diabetes educator. Outside of school, you can find me hiking, cooking (and eating), and trying out new coffee shops!
Selina Awinbisa Agandaa
I am originally from Ghana and am a PhD student in Nutritional Sciences at the UNH in the MENA Lab. I hold a BSc in Public Health (Nutrition major) from the University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ghana (2020) and an MS in Nutritional Sciences (2025) from UNH. My research focuses on the social, structural, and policy determinants of diet quality, maternal and child nutrition, Farm to Early Childhood Education (ECE), and nutrition policy reforms in perinatal populations.
Before graduate school, I worked with the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations in Ghana as a policy analyst, where I monitored and analyzed food and agricultural policies. I also gained hands-on public health experience through internships with the Ghana Health Service, addressing micronutrient deficiencies and chronic disease prevention.
With over seven years of experience in nutrition, health, and agriculture research across Ghana and New Hampshire, I am passionate about advancing health equity, improving food and nutrition security, and promoting sustainable nutrition interventions that empower vulnerable populations.
Research Interests: Maternal and child nutrition, health equity, food and nutrition security, Farm to ECE, chronic disease prevention, nutrition education, and sustainable nutrition policy reforms.
Rawan AlsarraF
I earned a bachelor's degree in nutrition and dietetics from Drexel University, followed by a master's degree in nutrition and metabolism from Boston University. Originally, my interests revolved around athletic performance and maximizing an athlete's potential through nutrition. My interests have since expanded to include nutrition epidemiology and public health perspectives regarding nutrition and global health. I am honored to join the Dao Research Lab as a doctoral student in the nutritional sciences program at UNH, in which I hope to research culturally sensitive approaches to nutrition to make achieving health accessible to all.
In my free time, I enjoy being physically active and connecting with nature. I am a national weightlifter for my country, Kuwait, and spend most of my time training for upcoming competitions or coaching athletes in my sport.
RYAN ANDREWS
I completed my education and training at the University of Northern Colorado, Kent State University, Johns Hopkins Medicine, and Columbia University. I have experience in nutritional counseling, teaching, writing, school lunch programs, trauma-informed yoga, and have worked with Precision Nutrition, Equinox, Insider, Allergic to Salad, Silver Hill Hospital, Purchase College, and Regis College. I have authored/co-authored multiple books, been quoted in 50+ popular publications, and have 1000+ hours of experience volunteering with farms/food recovery. I am honored to join Dr. Noereem Mena at UNH in the nutritional sciences doctoral program. My research interests include exploring the intersection between sustainable/equitable food systems and chronic disease prevention. For more, click here.
Anne Bodenrader
I earned my first Bachelor of Arts in English from Dartmouth College in 1995 but it wasn’t until later as a parent that I discovered a passion for nutrition. I returned to the academic world to pursue an education in nutrition science at the University of New Hampshire and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in nutrition: didactic program in dietetics in May 2022. I am continuing my education in pursuit of a doctoral degree in nutritional sciences here at UNH. I work as a research assistant in Sherman Bigornia’s lab investigating the impact of dairy fats on cognitive function in the Hispanic community and serve as a teaching assistant in the nutrition department. I hope to continue pursuing and contributing to the research and education fields in nutritional sciences for many years to come.
I graduated from Boston University with a Bachelor of Science in nutrition, a Bachelor of Arts in biochemistry and molecular biology, and a minor in public health. With 5 years of organic farming experience, I felt the interdisciplinary nature of the ANFS department at UNH would be the perfect fit. I am currently pursuing a doctoral degree in nutritional science and completing the dietetics graduate certificate. My research in the Dao lab is focused on analyzing fiber intake, the human microbiome and the gut-brain axis. When I am not at UNH you’ll find me hiking, cooking or on a farm.
