Abigail Sarna graduated in 2022 from UNH College of Life Sciences and Agriculture with a master of science in nutrition and dietetics with a dietetic internship (MSDI). From Tyler, Texas, Abigail now lives in Northern California with her husband.
COLSA: What are you doing now?
Abigail Sarna: In May 2024, I left my position as a clinical nutrition manager in New Hampshire, and my husband and I moved to Northern California. I am now working as an inpatient dietitian in San Jose covering primarily the neuro ICU and inpatient oncology. I am looking forward to an opportunity to cross-train in the NICU and continue growing my nutrition support skills.
COLSA: How did your time at UNH prepare you for where you are today?
Abigail: UNH emphasized the importance of considering the whole person when providing nutritional care. It's really easy as nutrition professionals to get caught up in the guidelines and forget to take into account the personal barriers each client experiences. Listening is so much more important than talking!
COLSA: Where do you see yourself in five years? In 10?
Abigail: In the next 5 years, I plan to continue working as a clinical dietitian and supporting the development of nutrition support policies and protocols to strengthen hospital wide clinical care. In 10 years...TBD. I am open to new opportunities, but I would like to be an active contributor to clinical or community-based research in the field of nutrition support.
COLSA: What do you know now that you wish you'd known while an undergrad?
Abigail: Don't be afraid to fail! School is the time to make mistakes and try new things. Always having the right answer isn't as important in the real world. Stay curious and humble.
COLSA: What person or course most influenced you while at UNH? How?
Abigail: NUTR 860 Behavioral Nutrition and Counseling - this course was HARD for me. Individual nutrition counseling was not my strength. But this course supported my becoming a more empathetic and affirming care provider.
COLSA: What advice do you have for students interested in your field?
Abigail: One - Nutrition is a wide field! You can do so much with the knowledge and skills you gain from a degree in nutrition. Two - Fill your own cup first. Have hobbies, get enough sleep, and eat a sweet treat! It will make you a better person and provider.
COLSA: What do you miss most about UNH?
Abigail: I miss having the constant opportunities to learn. It sometimes takes more energy to seek them out while working fulltime. I also miss the awesome ice cream from New England. California has a stellar local farmer's market community, but we have yet to find a great ice cream.
COLSA: Please tell us one unique or remarkable thing about yourself.
Abigail: I am running my first half-marathon in October and I'm on track to race my first triathlon in 2025!
