January Student Spotlight: Sarineh Khachatourian

Where did you grow up? I grew up in Tehran, Iran.

Why did you choose to pursue this degree? As a young adult, I always had a growing interest in culinary art but never pursued it academically, trying to teach myself everything on my own. However, my interests excelled in knowing the food we were preparing at a nutritional and scientific level when I started witnessing so many family members (myself included) battling hypertension, PCOS, and Crohn’s diseases.

What has surprised you about nutrition and dietetics? 1-The complexity and depth of nutrition science that is evidence-based, contrary to popular belief that nutrition therapy is simple to figure out. 2-The gap of nutrition knowledge and discrepancies that exist between regular people and trained experts. 3-Misinformation, fad diets, and un-approved supplements that are becoming a billion-dollar industry.

What career path are you considering? Culinary education for chronic patients, children, and parents. Research and development preferably with focus on GMOs, vitamin K, and plant-based iron and zinc. Purchasing or marketing representative for the food industry.

How has your MAND student membership benefitted you? As a new member, I’m looking forward to belonging to an organization with similar interests, goals, and views, hoping to learn new insights and perspectives. I will proudly add the MAND Student Board membership to my professional profiles and resume.

What other interests or hobbies do you have? A personal favorite is gourmet cooking, exploring authentic ethnic dishes. I love taking Latin dance lessons like salsa or cumbia. Making arts and crafts for occasions such as actual diaper cakes for baby showers or spooky and edible jelly brains/hearts for Halloween.

Please share your Instagram handle (and any other social media handles that you would like us to share): sarineh_k