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Nutritional Sciences

Welcome to the Department of Nutritional Sciences website. We are excited that you are exploring educational options in the field of nutrition and dietetics. Our program directors are here to assist you in finding the right pathway to meet your professional goals. Please look at our decision tree to determine which program is right for you.

According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, “Dietetics is the science or art of applying the principles of food and nutrition to health”. As a dietetic professional, you can work in a wide variety of settings helping people of all ages. Dietitians do not just work in hospitals and clinics. You can find dietitians in schools, health departments, food companies, research labs, pharmaceutical companies, wellness clinics, and many other positions. New opportunities for dietitians are emerging all the time. If you would like to help people learn about food and nutrition then give us a call. We look forward to hearing from you. 

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Katie Elliot Elected Nutrition Chair of National Academy of Practice

Katie Elliot Elected Nutrition Chair of National Academy of Practice


Published: Friday, October 18, 2024

Katie Elliott has been elected as Chair of the Nutrition and Dietetics Academy at the National Academies of Practice (NAP). This election marks another achievement for Elliott, a recognized leader in the field of dietetics, and is seen as a testament to her expertise and long-standing commitment to integrating nutrition into patient care. Elliott’s election reflects growing recognition of the crucial role dietitians play in healthcare, especially as the focus on preventative care and chronic disease management intensifies across the industry. Her leadership will further elevate the profession, cementing the role of nutrition as an essential part of comprehensive healthcare.

“The National Academies of Practice is one of the premier interprofessional organizations for healthcare professionals and educators.  Until recently, registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) did not have a seat at this table with most all of the other health professions.  A group of 4 RDNs, led by me, worked tirelessly for over 2 years to establish the Nutrition and Dietetics Academy within NAP, giving a voice to the dietetics profession in this important forum.  I selected to serve as the chair of this group for the 2024-2025 academic year.  My leadership will facilitate growth of the Nutrition and Dietetics Academy membership and engagement.  “

The Nutrition and Dietetics Academy is an arm of NAP, an organization known for promoting interprofessional collaboration to improve healthcare outcomes. Elliott's new role as Chair will allow her to steer key initiatives that advocate for the inclusion of dietitians in interdisciplinary healthcare teams, ensuring that nutrition remains at the forefront of patient care strategies. Her election signifies a wider shift toward embracing nutrition as a key factor in advancing patient wellness and tackling public health challenges such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.