Shelby Stovern
College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University, Nutrition-Dietetics with Chemistry minor, December 2022
Where did you grow up? Bird Island, MN
Why did you choose to pursue this degree? I choose to pursue the degree of dietetics to further explore the impact food and nutrition has on our health and communities. Throughout my life, food has been an essential part of bringing people together. This further motivated me to pursue a degree in nutrition – dietetics.
What has surprised you about nutrition and dietetics? The aspect of nutrition and dietetics that has surprised me the most is the vast number of applications this field applies to. I went into my undergraduate degree with the impression that dietitians only work in clinical settings, but quickly learned that is not the case. I have gained a much deeper appreciation for current dietitians and gained more motivated to become a dietitian after learning more about the pathways and career options nutrition and dietetics provides.
What career path are you considering? I am considering continuing my education in research with the goal of contributing to clinical and community research related to nutrition and dietetics.
How has your MAND student membership benefitted you? The MAND student membership has allowed me to build relationships with local dietitians in addition to accessing resources available to help me apply my education to relevant situations.
What other interests or hobbies do you have? I enjoy creating nutrition education materials for the CSB/SJU dining hall and participating on the Nutrition Club. I also enjoy traveling, exercising, and making snacks for my friends and family.
About MAND
Minnesota Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (MAND) is an affiliate of the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics. We are the largest professional organization of nutrition health professionals in Minnesota, dedicated to optimizing Minnesotans' health through food and nutrition.