Graduate Student Profiles

Chandra Annasamy
Chandrakala Annasamy

I am a graduate assistant working in the Plant Physiology Lab under Dr. Marta Lima.  My research, which is supported by a grant from the New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station (NHAES), focuses on the physiology and biochemistry of cold-hardy table grapes growing at UNH's Woodman Horticultural Research Farm. I am working with these table grape cultivars growing on two different training systems, their biochemical, physiological parameters, and their resistance towards biotic and abiotic stresses.

Master of Science in Agricultural Sciences student Isabella Borrero. Isabella has light-brown skin and short dark-brown hair that's cropped at her shoulders. She wears black-rimmed glasses and wears a green and white floral print top.
Isabella Borrero

I am a graduate research assistant in the plant pathology lab under Anissa Poleatewich investigating the effects of alternative soil substrates on natural disease suppression of both Rhizoctonia and Pythium in multiple floriculture species. For my master’s thesis I will be studying the microbiomes of plants in these alternative soil substrates. I will gather samples of the rhizospheres of floriculture species grown in wood fiber soils for genetic testing to identify the microbes present as well as analyzing their metabolite production. I earned my Bachelor of Science in agricultural sciences majoring in plant pathology and minoring in microbiology from The Ohio State University. When I’m not in the lab or greenhouse you can find me out for a run, painting or taking my cat Mac for a walk.

Catherine Doheny
Catherine DohenY Coverdale

I am working with Dr. Anna Wallingford investigating cultural controls of Spotted-Wing Drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) in no-spray blueberry systems. I completed my Bachelor of Science in sustainable agriculture and food systems, with an emphasis on food access and community health, at UNH.  

Outside of UNH, I act as the treasurer for Mid-New England Seacoast Association, a local chapter of the National Young Farmers Coalition. I also enjoy reading, hiking, biking and skiing. I am currently living and working on the unceded ancestral lands of the Abenaki, Penacook and Wabanaki Peoples past and present who have stewarded the land through generations.  

Colter Flynn
Colter Flynn

Research Topic: Development of underutilized crop species for use in human agriculture

Lilly Hartman
Lilly Hartman

I am a graduate research assistant working in the Agroecology Lab with Drs. Dave Mortensen and Rich Smith. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in biology from Earlham College, where I researched a variety of population and community ecology questions. Since then, I have worked in vegetable, herb and flower production on various small farms in New Hampshire and Maine. I am interested in how we can use our understanding of ecological interactions within agricultural systems to best adopt practices that are both environmentally sustainable and feasible for farmers. I live and work on Pennacook, Abenaki and Wabanaki land.

Master of Science in Agricultural Sciences student Tamanna Islam. Tamanna has lightish-brown skin and medium-brown hair. She wears a multi-colored floral print top with bits of red, pink, yellow and light green and blue in it.
Tamanna Islam

I am Tamanna Islam, and I am from Bangladesh. I completed my bachelor's from Bangladesh Agricultural University with animal husbandry major. During my undergraduate studies, I participated in an exchange program called the Community College Initiative program. I studied animal science at Kirkwood Community College in Iowa, which motivated me to enroll in higher studies at one of the U.S. universities. Currently, I am doing my master’s in agricultural science (dairy calf nutrition) under the supervision of Peter Erickson. I am thrilled to be a part of such an amazing agricultural science program and am looking forward to doing some innovative research on calf nutrition and immunity. When I am not doing research, you can find me painting or traveling.

Adam Konopka
Adam Konopka

My name is Adam Konopka, and I am a master’s student here at UNH. I graduated from Southern Illinois University with a degree in animal science focusing on production. I am glad to be a part of such a forward thinking animal science program that focuses on various environmental concerns in relation to the dairy industry. I am excited to start my research focusing on dairy nutrition. I hope to take the knowledge I acquire here and apply it to the dairy industry to benefit farmers, their animals and the environment.

Master of Science in Agricultural Sciences student Elise Neidecker. Elise has curly dark-brown hair and tan white skin. Her hair hangs down her vivid red top.
Elise Neidecker (she/her)

I earned my B.A. in sociology, French and Spanish from Kenyon College, where I focused on environmental sociology and food systems. After graduating, I worked for Global Greengrants Fund, a grassroots environmental justice funder, on regional grants management in Latin America and Central and West Africa, and with partners including the Agroecology Fund and Pesticide Action Network. At UNH, I’m supporting Analena Bruce’s research on topics like farm viability in New England and farmers’ collaborative marketing models. I am particularly passionate about grassroots local food movements and the revitalization of rural economies in the U.S., and with my partner, I hope to start a regenerative four-season vegetable farm in the coming years.

Atikur Rahman
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 M.S. 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.  

Master of Science in Agricultural Sciences student Radhika Rani. Radhika has dark-brown skin and jet-black hair. She wears an unbuttoned button-up shirt with blue and white stripes. Underneath the shirt she wears a colorful t-shirt.
Radhika Rani

I am from Punjab, India. I am a Graduate Teaching Assistant at UNH and am working under Rebecca Sideman's supervision. I graduated from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) with a Bachelor of Science in agriculture. During my undergraduate years, I studied various courses including agronomy, horticulture, plant pathology, and plant breeding. Besides academics, I love dancing, embroidery and fabric painting. I was part of the college dance team at PAU. I am grateful to be a part of COLSA and UNH.

Master of Science in Agricultural Sciences student Muhammad Adeel Arshad. Adeel has brown skin and black hair. He has glasses with dark-brown frames. He wears a plaid-patterned shirt of light and dark blue.
Muhammad Adeel Arshad

I am from Punjab, Pakistan, and currently I am working in Andre Brito’s lab as a graduate research assistant. My research is strategically focused on ruminant nutrition with an emphasis on enhancing nitrogen utilization in lactating dairy cows through dietary manipulation to reduce the environmental impact of dairy systems. I am honored to be a part of such an amazing university and have the chance to work in a multicultural environment that would build my skills with cutting edge technologies.

Liza Degenring
Liza DeGenring

Research Topic: Biocontrol of Pythium Disease in Greenhouse Production of Strawberries and Tomatoes

Diana Reyes Gomez
Diana Reyes Gomez

Mamta Kajal
Mamta Kajal

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.

Palash Mandal
Palash Mandal

I was born into and brought up in a farming family in Bangladesh. I received Bachelor of Science in agriculture and Master of Science in agronomy at Sylhet Agricultural University in Bangladesh. I earned a second master’s degree in plant sciences from Wageningen University and Research (WUR) in the Netherlands. As a teaching assistant, I support ANSC 698 – Cooperative for Real Education in Agricultural Management (CREAM). As a doctoral researcher, I am working on investigating phytoestrogens concentration in forage legumes. In my free time, I enjoy fishing and gardening. I chose UNH’s Agricultural Sciences PHD program because it complements my background, and I would like to build my career in academia after completing the program.

Tess Stahl
Tess Stahl

Research Topic: Dairy Nutrition: Sodium butyrate and Monensin supplementation to postweaned dairy calves

Master of Science in Nutrition student Jason Alme. Jason has tanned white skin, and short dark hair. He wears a dark grey sports jacket and a pinkish-red button up shirt.
Jason Alme

I graduated from University of New Hampshire with a Bachelor of Science degree in nutrition: dietetics and am currently completing the accelerated Master of Science in nutrition science. My passion for nutrition was kindled when I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2007, and I’ve wanted to be a certified diabetes care and education specialist ever since. As a father of two young daughters, I am also keenly interested in pediatric nutrition. I currently analyze data and create reports for a medical nutrition therapy company called Good Measures, and prior to that I spent almost a decade as a health coach in Atlanta, Georgia. Additionally, I have two undergraduate degrees from the University of Georgia. Back when I had spare time, I enjoyed reading, cooking and critical analysis of cinema.

Master of Science in Nutrition student Anne Bodenrader. Anne has white skin and dark brown hair that falls below the tops of her shoulders. She wears a cream-colored top and has black pants on.
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 Master of Science with thesis 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.

Master of Science in Nutrition student Halle Derouin. Halle has white skin and medium-brown hair that nearly reaches her waist. She has a white top on and pants with white polka dots.
Halle Derousin

While completing my undergraduate degree at the University of New Hampshire, I decided also to pursue a graduate degree through the accelerated program which allows me to gain a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in five years. I graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a Bachelor of Science in nutrition: dietetics and a minor in culinary nutrition and food studies. I am currently completing my Master of Science in nutritional sciences. My goal is to become a registered dietitian nutritionist and work primarily with children and families in the areas of nutrition education, food access and food insecurity. My end goal is to teach cooking classes to children and families, integrating nutrition education as it relates to utilizing nutrition assistance resources, mindful food shopping and overcoming barriers to receiving proper nutrition. When I am not working or completing schoolwork, I enjoy volunteering at the Food Repurposing Project kitchen on campus as well as cooking and baking at home, reading and spending time with my family and friends.

Master of Science in Nutrition student Rachel Goding. Rachel has brown hair with tinges of purple on the ends. She has white skin and wears brown-rimmed glasses. Her shirt is purple with dots of yellow, green and red.
Rachel Goding

In May 2022, I earned a B.S. in nutrition and wellness with a minor in culinary nutrition and food studies from the University of New Hampshire. I’m currently pursuing an accelerated M.S. in nutritional sciences. I thoroughly enjoy immersing myself in new experiences outside of the classroom — from studying abroad in Italy to working as a head chef at a summer camp for the American Diabetes Association. Through my time as an undergraduate TA and after completing a teaching internship with the Manchester Middle School, I developed a passion for nutrition education. I envision that my future career in the field of nutrition will also involve playing a supportive role in creating food access opportunities. Outside of academics I like to recharge by spending time in nature, whether that be a scenic hike or journaling in my hammock.

Christopher Guarino
Christopher Guarino

I am currently pursuing a thesis-based master’s degree in nutritional sciences. Prior to coming to UNH, I earned a four-year nutrition degree with UNH’s esteemed didactic program in dietetics, for which I currently work as a teaching assistant. During my undergrad, I gained valuable experience in data collection and interpretation through the nutrition program’s College Health and Nutrition Assessment Survey (CHANAS) and applied my learning at an internship with Seacoast Eat Local, which administers SNAP benefits to the local community. I also earned my certification as a personal trainer with the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). My goal in grad school is to find out which dietary patterns are predictive of dementia, a disease that devastates families around the world including my own, and inform habits that can protect our loved ones from developing it.

Brooke Kelleher
Brooke Kelleher

I am a graduate research assistant in Dr. Carlota Dao’s lab, pursuing a master’s in nutritional sciences. I most recently worked for UNH Extension, teaching SNAP-Ed and EFNEP programs, and providing Policy, Systems and Environmental (PSE) support to NH communities. Prior to that, I spent two years as a FoodCorps AmeriCorps service member, supporting healthy food access in limited-resource elementary schools. I also hold a B.S. in medical biology with a minor in nutrition from the University of New England. My graduate research centers around the Dao lab’s Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) approach, focusing on stakeholder engagement and community partnerships. I’ll be assessing the various barriers and opportunities for fiber consumption in New Hampshire Hispanics and partnering with community-based organizations toward multi-level interventions. I deeply believe in the power of community and am excited to harness collective impact to support food justice, sustainability and public health efforts.

Master of Science in Nutrition student Brandy Moser. Brandy has white skin and long blonde hair that nearly reaches her waist. She wears a dark green top.
Brandy Moser

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 thesis-based Masters of Science 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.

Master of Science in Nutrition student Nicole Yeomans. Nicole has tanned white skin. She has dark-blonde hair that reaches halfway down her chest. She wears a white top.
Nicole Yeomans

I graduated from the University of New Hampshire in May of 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in nutrition: dietetics. I am currently pursuing my accelerated master’s degree in nutritional science with dietetic internship and will receive my degree in May 2023. I plan on applying to dietetic internships in just a few short weeks, working toward completing my dietetic internship and working as a registered dietitian. I would like to start my career as an RD by working in a hospital as a clinical dietitian, potentially specializing in renal dietetics, eating disorders or even sports nutrition in the future. I currently work as a nutrition assistant at Northeast Rehab Hospital in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where I get to work closely with the dietitian on staff. The experience has played a significant role in my desire to be a clinical dietitian. I look forward to seeing where my RD credential takes me in the future given the wide array of opportunities in the field of nutrition. In my spare time I enjoy running, baking and hiking.

Master of Science in Nutrition student Emily Butkus. Emily has light brown skin. Her hair is a deep brown color and falls down to her elbows. She wears a cream-colored top.
Emily Butkus (MSDI)

I recently graduated from Keene State College in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in public health/nutrition. I am currently a graduate student in the master of nutritional sciences with dietetic internship program, where I am expanding my knowledge and engaging in exciting new opportunities. I have experience in food service, leadership and health promotion programming and would like to pursue all those endeavors professionally. After completing this program, my goal is to become a registered dietitian and work with individuals either through private practice or wellness coaching, as well as working within my community through nutrition education and health promotion. I would even like to create my own cookbook one day, as outside of the classroom I enjoy crafting new recipes. Overall, I want to spread accurate nutrition information that inspires others to develop habits to create healthier lifestyles for themselves.

Sonja Carlson
Sonja Carlson (MSDI)

I graduated from the University of Arizona and received my bachelor’s degree in nutritional sciences with an emphasis in dietetics. I then decided to move to the East Coast to pursue my master’s and dietetic internship here at UNH. I have been enjoying my time in New England and am excited to take advantage of all that UNH has to offer. In my free time I enjoy running, hiking and mountain biking and am eager to explore the beautiful scenery and outdoors here in New England.

Elise Evans
Elise Evans (MSDI)

I graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in nutrition within the didactic program in dietetics and a minor in psychology. I am currently completing a master’s in nutritional science and a dietetic internship here at UNH. I’ve known I wanted to go into the field of nutrition since I was in high school but after my experience volunteering with The National Eating Disorder Association and my nutrition counseling class while I was an undergraduate, I knew I was in the right place. After achieving my career goal of becoming a registered dietitian, I would love to work within the field of eating disorder treatment or more generally working with children. In my spare time I love getting outdoors and spending time in nature or learning how to cook a new recipe.

Chelsey Hayes-Marino
Chelsey Hayes-Marino (MSDI)

I graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a Bachelor of Science in nutrition: dietetics which solidified my passion for the field of dietetics. I am currently a graduate student in the master of nutritional sciences and dietetic internship program at UNH. Prior to my internship, I worked as a dietetic technician at Maine Medical Center where I was responsible for the initiation of nutritional care plans for patients and providing nutrition education. I worked closely with registered dietitians to ensure that my patients’ nutritional goals were being met while they were in the hospital. My main professional goal is to become a registered dietitian, with a focus in eating disorders and help people improve their lives through nutrition. I want to promote to the public accurate nutrition information that can help people live healthier and happier lives.  

Master of Science in Nutrition student Lillian Huynh. Lillian has light brown skin. Her hair is mostly black. She wears a almond-brown top and black pants.
Lillian Huynh (MSDI)

I graduated from the University of California, Davis with a B.S. in clinical nutrition. Now I am on the East Coast as a graduate student at UNH pursuing a master of nutritional science and dietetic internship. There is never a day when I do not talk about food, so nutrition has always been a passion for me. Since then, I gained bits and pieces of experience in the clinical, food service and community settings. My current goal is to become a registered dietitian and work in a clinical setting. The most rewarding part about clinical is seeing patients leaving healthier than when they came in. In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with my friends and family, as well as trying new food places.

Rebecca Maida
Rebecca Maida (MSDI)

I am a recent graduate of Long Island University where I received a B.S. in nutrition and dietetics and a minor in environmental sustainability. I am currently completing my master's in nutritional sciences with dietetic internship and look forward to getting my RDN when I graduate. I have experience in recipe development and cafe management, and I hope to work in nutrition education both in community and academic settings. When I'm not thinking about food and nutrition I am probably thinking about skateboarding and music. I love listening to hardcore, experimental electronic and indie, and I love to play and write my own music.

Alisa Martel
Alise Martel (MSDI)

I am originally from a small town in the northwest corner of Connecticut where I earned my Bachelor of Science in nutrition and dietetics at the University of Saint Joseph. Finding the field of dietetics was not an easy task for me, and I attempted five different career paths prior to nutrition. I am currently a graduate student in the combined masters of dietetics and dietetic internship program. My goal is to become a registered dietitian nutritionist and work within a field that provides diverse and changing opportunities because of my inability to stay in one place doing the same tasks. I first discovered the field of agriculture and sustainability during my time WWOOFing in Vermont, and I sought out a program with similar focuses. WOOFing stands for World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms, and provides hands on experience and education in sustainable agricultural practices through volunteering on farms (locally or all around the world) in exchange for things like food, housing, travel, experiences, etc., and can be anywhere from a weekend to months long! This is what brought me to the University of New Hampshire, and I am grateful to be learning in such a welcoming and supportive environment.

Madison McCurdy
Madison McCurdy (MSDI)

I graduated with my B.S. in dietetics from Montana State University, Bozeman in 2021. I am currently pursuing a M.S. with the dietetic internship (MSDI) option. I am most excited to gain new experiences in the seemingly endless world of occupations as a dietitian. Based upon my belief that a nutritious lifestyle grows from the ground up, I want to support people in finding their own appreciation for positive food environments, feeling confident in their food choices and strengthening their healthy habits throughout their lives. Using my love of gardening, cooking and assisting others in cultivating their own sustainable nutrition habits and my skills and knowledge as a registered dietitian nutritionist, I hope to one day create an educational community farm.

Master of Science in Nutrition student Abigail Moser. Abigail has tanned white skin, wears a red floral print top, has long brown hair. She is smiling.
Abby Moser (MSDI)

I graduated from Ashland University in Ashland, Ohio in the spring of 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in dietetics. I decided to come to the University of New Hampshire because of their unique focus on sustainability and health. So far in this program, I have enjoyed furthering my education in sustainability, volunteering for Gather in the Food Repurposing Project kitchen and working as a teaching assistant. After I earn my master’s degree in nutrition and completing my dietetic internship, I would like to become a registered dietitian and get a job in either cardio nutrition or pregnancy nutrition. In my free time I enjoy running, trying new coffee shops and restaurants and spending time with friends and family.

Victoria Overko
Victoria Overko (MSDI)

I graduated from Keene State College and received a Bachelor of Science in public health nutrition in spring of 2021. I am working toward my career goal of becoming a registered dietitian. Currently, I am a part of the master’s degree in nutrition science with a dietetic internship program at UNH. I’m not sure which area of nutrition I want to focus on but I have a strong interest in eating disorders, sports nutrition and community nutrition and would like to explore the addictions field as well.  My passion and interest for nutrition stems from observing the impact that chronic disease has had on my family and the impact that food has had on their health. I hope to make an impact in my professional future as an RD and support people through their food and nutrition journey.   

Master of Science in Nutrition student Kendra Perry. Kenda has white skin, blondish-brown hair that's cropped above her shoulders. She wears a greyish-white top and has black pants on.
Kendra Perry (MSDI)

I grew up in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina where I earned my undergraduate degree in nutrition and dietetics from Western Carolina University. Since I was young, I always knew that I wanted to help others lead a more healthy and happy life, but I wasn’t sure what that would look like. It took me until my senior year of high school to find the field of dietetics, but I now feel that this is where I belong. I am currently in my first year of the master of nutritional sciences and dietetic internship here at the University of New Hampshire. The program’s focus on sustainability and creating innovative and open-minded professionals in the field of dietetics is what drew me to UNH. In the future, I plan to continue to travel to different areas and eventually take my knowledge and expertise back to my home state of North Carolina. I do not have a specific career path yet, but I have a passion for public outreach education programs, equal food access and infant/maternal health. As a future registered dietitian, I will strive to share my knowledge of the importance of taking care of our bodies from the inside out. I plan to take a holistic approach by appreciating all parts of overall wellness, including mental, physical and emotional health.

Jacob Pottle
Jacob Pottle (MSDI)

I received my B.S. in nutrition: dietetics from the University of New Hampshire and am currently working toward receiving my M.S. in nutritional sciences and completing my dietetic internship. My research involves estimating polyphenol consumption in the U.S. I also enjoy volunteering on campus for the Food Repurposing Project, which cooks and packages food to distribute to the community. 

Mallory Robertson
Mallory Robertson (MSDI)

I earned a Bachelor of Science in nutrition: dietetics from UNH and am now continuing my journey here in the master of nutritional sciences with dietetic internship program. I found a passion for nutrition after the diagnosis of a nut allergy forced me to be more aware of what I was putting into my body. Since then, I have gained a variety of nutrition-related experiences at locations including DaVita Kidney Care and Nourishing the Northshore. My current career goal is to work in the clinical setting as a registered dietitian in either infant and maternal health or in the treatment of chronic disease. I strive to help people discover the joy in nourishing their bodies and to communicate that food is not only a fuel source but also a form of medicine.  

Master of Science in Nutrition student Maya Stadler. Maya has white skin and brown hair, her hair cropped just below shoulder length. She wears a dark-blue top.
Maya Stadler (MSDI)

I am a recent graduate of Keene State College where I received a Bachelor of Science in public health nutrition through an accelerated undergraduate program. I am currently completing a master's of nutritional science and dietetic internship at UNH. Before starting my internship, I worked as a nutrition assistant at Cheshire Medical Center assisting patients with meal selection based on specialized diets. Additionally, I held a leadership position in the on-campus food pantry at Keene State College, with a mission to eliminate food insecurity in college students. I had the opportunity to shadow a pediatric dietitian at the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth, where I discovered my interest in pediatric nutrition, as well as pre-natal and post-natal nutrition. Though I am open to many areas of the nutrition field, my professional goal is to become a registered dietitian nutritionist and see where my experiences at UNH take me. Ultimately, I hope to become a certified diabetes educator. Outside of my internship, I enjoy listening to music and spending time outdoors with my family, friends and my two dogs!

Master of Science in Nutrition student Kelli Street. Kelli has tanned white skin. She has brown hair that goes down to her chest. She wears a off-white shirt with a floral print.
Kelli Street (MSDI)

I earned a Bachelor of Science in nutrition: dietetics from the University of New Hampshire and am continuing here in the master of nutritional sciences with dietetic internship program. One of the reasons I chose this program is because it has a focus on sustainability. Not only am I interested in nutrition, but I am also in how to eat more sustainably. My goal after graduation is to become a registered dietitian in the clinical setting but my end goal is to have my own private practice. In my internship, I hope to explore the areas of eating disorders, pediatrics and diabetes. There are so many opportunities as a dietitian, so it is hard to pick one area of focus! I want to help people create healthy relationships with food, so they can eat what they love while feeling their best selves.

Master of Science in Nutrition student Amy Urban. Amy has white skin, long brown hair that reaches to her waist. She wears a purple, pink and green floral printed top. She wears glasses with brown rims.
Amy Urban (MSDI)

I graduated from Kent State University in Kent, Ohio, and earned a Bachelor of Science in nutrition and dietetics. I am currently in the master of nutrition sciences with dietetic internship here at UNH. I was drawn to this program because of its focus on sustainability as well as the unique opportunities offered to us interns. My main goal is to become a registered dietitian. I have many different interests within the field including diabetes education, community outreach and aquaculture sustainability. One day, I would like to start a diabetes education program for low-income people. I would also like to open my own private practice for nutrition counseling. I am very passionate about the happiness and health that we get from food, and I am excited to share that passion.

Master of Science in Nutrition student Lucy Ward. Lucy has tanned white skin. She has brown hair that drapes down her back. She wears a rust-colored top.
Lucy Ward (MSDI)

I graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh with a Bachelor of Science in nutrition on the dietetics track and a minor in chemistry. Before coming to UNH, I spent a few years working at a philanthropic community foundation in the Adirondacks of upstate New York. I worked with their Birth to Three Alliance on grant-funded projects, with the vision to support families with children by ensuring access to services and resources essential for development and distributing of new parent kits. I’m also on the Community Council at the Adirondack Foundation, providing insight on community issues and perspective to the board and staff. After completing the MSDI program, I hope to return to community advocacy, programming and policy as a registered dietician focused on improving food access through sustainable food systems. I'm torn between living in the mountains or near the beach and enjoy reading, swimming, thrift shopping, and cooking.

Monica Warren
Monica Warren (MSDI)

I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in nutrition and dietetics and a minor in food and farming from SUNY Plattsburgh in 2020. I am currently completing a master’s in nutritional science and a dietetic internship at UNH. The program's concentration in sustainable agriculture and it’s well-rounded internship is what attracted me the most. My main goal is to earn my Registered Dietitian Nutritionist credential which will bring a wide array of opportunities. I have a background in food service and gardening/farming and am interested in both of these avenues professionally. I would also love to explore pre-/post-natal nutrition and lactation consultation or eating disorders. Healthy food has the power to improve lives, and I would love to share that with my community. In my spare time, I enjoy biking, hiking, cooking, and playing music.

Master of Science in Nutrition student Tonya Xie. Tonya has tannish-brown skin. She has jet-black hair that falls to her elbows. She wears a blue-and-white floral print top and black pants.
Tonya Xie (MSDI)

I graduated from the University of California, Davis with a Bachelor of Science in clinical nutrition and a minor in Spanish. I am currently pursuing a Master of Science in nutrition science with dietetic internship (MSDI) at UNH to become a registered dietitian. During my undergraduate studies, I got involved in a lot of leadership, volunteering and internship opportunities that got me interested in intuitive eating, cultural humility, food access and how they all intersect with nutrition. Some of my most notable experiences include being a UC Davis food pantry volunteer, food literacy and education intern and a dining services nutrition intern mentored by a registered dietitian, which all led to my interest in community nutrition and education. In addition to dietetics, I love playing guitar, making music with others, hiking and running.

Cindy Zheng
CINDY (LUYUE) ZHENG

I grew up in China, and I hold a master’s in nutrition and exercise physiology from Teachers College, Columbia University. In 2022, I completed my 10-month dietetic internship in New York City and becomes a registered dietitian (RD). My academic interests lie in food insecurity, nutrition/food equity and food system transformation. I am excited to join Analena Bruce’s Food Systems Lab and receive interdisciplinary training at UNH. My previous work experience includes China Action Hub of the United Nations Food Systems Summit (UNFSS) 2021, online nutrition course design and food system course design for middle school students in Beijing. In my spare time, I love cooking from scratch (and sharing!), hosting my podcast in Mandarin and yoga.