Lina Deaza-Roed is a nutrition: nutritional sciences major from Portsmouth, New Hampshire. She is also enrolled in the accelerated master’s program in nutrition, which she began during her senior year.
COLSA: Why did you choose UNH?
Lina Deaza-Roed: I chose UNH because of its proximity to my hometown, allowing me to stay connected while still gaining new experiences. The welcoming community with abundant opportunities and resources, along with the campus’s beauty throughout every season, made UNH the perfect choice for me.
COLSA: What is your major and what do you love about it?
Lina: My major is nutritional sciences. What I love most is the opportunity to learn how food and nutrition impact health on both an individual and community level. This program has allowed me to learn the science behind healthy living while also preparing me to make a difference in people's lives through nutrition.
COLSA: What's the best academic experience you've had at UNH?
Lina: The best academic experience I've had has been the opportunity to study abroad with the UNH-in-Italy program. I took UNH courses that were centered on food culture, sustainable agriculture and food policies in the city of Ascoli Piceno. My favorite class was From Farm to the Italian Table (NUTR 625) because it provided a hands-on learning experience that deepened my understanding of food production from start to finish. This class was incredibly engaging while also highlighting the important connections between agriculture and nutrition.
COLSA: What's the best experience you've had at UNH outside the classroom/lab?
Lina: I recently started working in Kendall Hall as administrative and faculty support for the Agriculture, Nutrition and Food Systems (ANFS) department. This has been a great experience because I’ve learned more about the academic programs and events and had the opportunity to work with faculty on various projects within the department.
COLSA: How is UNH preparing you to achieve your goals?
Lina: I’m currently in the accelerated master's program at UNH for nutrition which is helping me achieve my goal of becoming a registered dietitian. The professors in the nutrition department have been incredibly supportive, offering guidance and resources that have helped me navigate my career path.
COLSA: What should prospective students know about UNH?
Lina: UNH has a lot of opportunities for students to get involved in outside the classroom. It also has a supportive community where students can connect with faculty and peers to build lasting relationships.