Dietetics Faculty win Regional Awards

Utah State University dietetics faculty members Katie Brown and Lacie Peterson of the Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Sciences (NDFS) have been recognized by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) as the 2021 Outstanding Dietetic Educator Award winners in their respective categories.

The awards recognize the teaching, mentoring and leadership activities of faculty in educational programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics. Brown and Peterson were each nominated by peers and invited to submit an application to the AND Nutrition and Dietetic Educators and Preceptors practice group for review. As a result of their outstanding work, Brown and Peterson won two of just four awards honoring programs and educators in the academy’s western region this year.

NDFS offers three dietetics programs that prepare students to become registered dietitian nutritionists, a profession that directly impacts the quality of life of individuals and communities.

“Something that makes these programs special is the hands-on learning and mentorship involved,” said Professor Heidi Wengreen, NDFS department head “Our faculty see students as individuals with impactful futures ahead. Students are set up for success by individualizing their education with direct and personalized work with mentors and having experiences that build knowledge and skills that they will use throughout their careers.”

Brown, an assistant professor in USU’s Coordinated Program in Dietetics and an alumna of the program, said the award is more than just a personal accomplishment.

“I’m very pleased to have received this award,” Brown said. “I recognize that there are multiple excellent dietetic programs in the West, so to be nominated and selected by a professional organization like AND is an honor for the program and for our department.”

The Coordinated Program in Dietetics oversees important senior-year internship opportunities for students who are working toward careers as registered dietitians. Earning a bachelor’s degree in dietetics prepares students to gain certification as registered dietitians.

Peterson is a clinical associate professor and director of USU's Dietetic Internship (DI) Program, which is delivered out of the university’s Salt Lake City Campus serves students in Utah and nationwide. USU DI internships facilitate and mentor students as they complete 1000 hours of supervised practice and is the largest program of its kind in the western United States.

“I think these awards reflect on the quality of the programs here at USU,” Peterson said. “A lot of attention and love goes into these programs and this award is a reflection of all the hard work. It’s also really wonderful to see two programs at USU recognized.”

Wengreen explained that while anyone can call themselves a nutritionist, registered dietitian nutritionists are board-certified experts who must graduate from an accredited program, complete a 1,000-hour internship and pass a national exam. Students go on to build careers in various areas including hospitals, public health, formal and informal education, food service management and sports medicine.