Do Research on Your Professors!

A lot of universities that offer dietetics as a major are research institutions. This means that beyond teaching their students, professors must, in addition, continually practice conducting and reviewing current, innovative research. Their job as a teacher actually relies heavily on their grants, funding and progress in their research.

I applied to Florida State University in part because I had heard about the College of Human Science through news headlines of a particular professor. The Nutrition Food and Exercise Science Department Head, Dr. Arjmandi, was publishing breakthrough research on the benefits of dried plums and reversing the effects of osteoporosis. (http://fsu.edu/indexTOFStory.html?lead.plums )
Once looking further into the school, I found out that the Nutrition degree was in the same department as Exercise Science (as stated above: Nutrition Food and Exercise Science Department) and I was quite impressed at the amount of faculty that were involved in both subjects. One of my current professors, Dr. Ormsbee, is the epitome of the pioneering partnership between nutrition and exercise. In addition to his teaching and research, he has his own business (http://mikeormsbee.com/aboutmike).  He does exactly what I want to do.
My dietetic internship director, Dr. Spicer, as well as multiple other professors in the nutrition, exercise science, health psychology, and food science department were a determining factor for my choice in applying to Florida State University. As I researched their work and interest areas, I found that this was a perfect fit for me. I am proud to say that I am learning directly from the people who are discovering new science in the field every day.
Do your research on the professors before applying to a school merely for location, price, or the name. Having professors that are making current advances in the career will put YOU in the top of the field as well. Additionally, having professors whose interests are similar to yours will inspire passion into your studies and provide firsthand experience with what you are interested in. 
By: Lindsey Pfau