Dietetic Internship

2010-2011 Blacksburg Interns

   

Standing left to right

Stacie Maguire is a VT graduate with degrees in Finance and Nutrition.  She has been working as a Diet Tech at a Long term care/Rehabilitation facility for four years.  During that time she gained experience performing nutritional assessments and developing care plans.  She also participated in kitchen operations by working tray line and doing routine sanitation audits.  Leadership experiences include working with adolescents as a volunteer Cross Country and Track coach for six years.  She created nutrition education materials targeted for teenage distance runners and taught nutrition classes each summer for new high school runners.  She hopes to continue to be a resource for nutrition education and have an impact on her community.

Rebekah Miller graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise. During her undergraduate career she gained experience as a server at a retirement community, as a dietary associate at a regional medical center, teaching a children’s class at a local gym, and serving as a nutrition counselor at Virginia Tech. Rebekah would like to specialize in pediatric or neonatal nutrition and become a Certified Pediatric Nutrition Specialist.

Taylor Loftis completed her undergraduate degree (BSPH- Nutrition) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  She worked for four years as a server in various restaurants.  During her undergraduate years, she was active in two nutrition clubs on campus, where she organized and participated in service projects such as healthy cooking demonstrations on campus and in the community.  She also served as the house manager for her sorority, where she assisted with weekly meal planning.  Taylor has always been interested in food and nutrition and plans to pursue a career in clinical dietetics. 

Samantha Arnoldy earned her Bachelor of Science degree in nutrition and dietetics from the University of Minnesota. She has gained experience in both management and serving positions in the past 9 years. She has also volunteered in her community for a local emergency department, WIC, and Meals on Wheels. After completion of her undergraduate work, Samantha worked as a dietary aide and a dietetic technician. Upon finishing the internship she plans on starting her career as a clinical dietitian and to pursue a Masters degree.

Amanda Eskew is pursuing a second career in dietetics after a career in journalism. She previously worked as a newspaper reporter in West Virginia before returning to Virginia Tech to complete a second bachelor's degree in dietetics. Before returning to Tech, Amanda served with AmeriCorps as a host manager for a local low-cost food program. As an undergraduate, Amanda volunteered with Virginia Cooperative Extension for many community and school-based education programs. She also volunteered as a diet clerk at Montgomery Regional Hospital. Amanda participated in undergraduate research for development of electronic portfolios for dietetics students, and served as a nutrition counselor to students and faculty. Amanda plans to pursue a career as a clinical dietitian after completing the internship.

Danielle Osborne graduated from Messiah College in 2010 with a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. Danielle held a leadership role in the Student Nutrition Awareness Coalition and conducted research on labeling healthy choices at a campus dining hall. She has also worked in hospital food service, was employed at a coffee/bakery shop, spent some time with WIC and Cornell Cooperative Extension, and catered at Messiah College. Danielle enjoys volunteering and has spent time at food banks, soup kitchens, a nursing home, and an after-school program for children.  Danielle plans to begin her dietetic career in a clinical setting and to complete a master’s degree in public health.

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Agata Kowalewska received a graduate degree in geology (MS from the University of Warsaw, Poland). Her longstanding passion for nutrition eventually led her to entered the Ph.D. program in Community Nutrition at Virginia Tech. Her doctoral research involved working with elementary school children and their parents, school administration, college students, and college students and their parents focusing on behaviors and environmental factors affecting physical activity and dietary behavior. After five years of academic education and research, she is gratified to use her knowledge and skills in a practical setting to gain a critical clinical judgment and expertise.

P. J. Blalock earned two undergraduate degrees at Virginia Tech (B.S.  Dietetics, B.S. Psychology, Minor Sociology).  During that time, he volunteered at Meals on Wheels and at Montgomery Regional Hospital (MRH) and worked in foodservice at a retirement community.  His volunteer experiences led to position as a diet clerk and an opportunity to work with several R.D.s at MRH.  P. J. plans start working in a clinical setting and to ultimately work in a weight loss and weight management corporation promoting healthier lifestyle decisions by his clients.