Three nutritional sciences students earn top state awards

Three FACS students from the department of nutritional sciences have received statewide honors from the Georgia Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (GAND).

Gabriela Contreras, a dietetics major, received the Outstanding Dietetic Student award in the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) category; Mary Lazzaro, a Ph.D./Dietetic Internship student, received the Distinguished Service by a Researcher award; and Megan Appelbaum received the Outstanding Dietetic Student from a Dietetic Internship award. 

The students will be recognized at the GAND Award Ceremony on March 20 in Atlanta.

A FACS Student Ambassador, Contreras also serves as vice-president of the Student Dietetics Association and as a Peer Nutrition Educator.

Lazzaro is a graduate researcher in the FACS Nutritional Neuroscience Lab under the direction of faculty member Emily Noble. She is studying how intermittent fasting and newer GLP-1 weight-loss medications may influence obesity-associated breast cancer.

Applebaum is also a Ph.D./DI student working under faculty member Ali Berg. Her research focuses on evaluating the fit and feasibility of implementing evidence-based programs through Cooperative Extension to support healthy childhood growth.

GAND evaluates nominees based on specific scoring criteria, recognizing students who exemplify excellence through leadership, mentorship, education, research and/or service that makes a meaningful difference in advancing nutrition and dietetics.

“We are proud of their hard work and dedication, and it is wonderful to see them recognized by our state’s professional community as emerging leaders in nutrition and dietetics,” said faculty member Lauren Housley, clinical associate professor and director of the Dietetic Internship Program.