Eva Foley

What inspired or interested you about your field of study? Why did you choose Oregon State University to study nutrition? 

I've always been passionate about food! Before starting my degree in nutrition, I was a pastry chef for 15 years. I wanted to know more than just the chemistry of pastry and baking, so I began studying food from a human health and nutrition standpoint. OSU was my top choice because it offers an excellent graduate program in nutritional science. 

Where did you do your internship? 

I've had five rotation locations so far. I started with inpatient clinical work at various community hospitals with Providence, then moved on to the Oregon Dairy Council, Washington County WIC, Fresenius Medical Clinic (Dialysis), and I recently completed five weeks with the Providence Community Teaching Kitchen. I will finish my internship with Aramark at the Nike World Headquarters campus. 

What are you doing in your internship and/or what is your main project? 

Each rotation has been diverse, integrating skills and allowing me to practice what I've learned in my studies. Projects have varied widely, from using medical nutrition therapy (MNT) on both inpatient and outpatient populations to studying sustainability in practice and developing curricula for teaching culinary medicine. 

What do you see as the greatest value of your internship? The greatest value of my internship has been practicing what I've studied for so many years! Working with others in the field, being part of an interdisciplinary team, and making connections with people — both patients and preceptors — has been a very fulfilling aspect of the experiential learning. 

What do you think of your experience in the College of Health?

I have received nothing but support and encouragement from those within my field of study at OSU. Both the director and internship coordinator are genuine and kind people who want students to succeed. It has been a relief to feel so supported in reaching my goals!  

A family emergency occurred shortly after I started the first year of the MS-PD program. The director made sure to check in with me while I was adjusting to the situation. She was understanding and empathetic, which made a significant difference in helping me stay on track to graduate with my cohort. 

Have you received a scholarship? If so, how has it affected your life and your studies? 

During my first term of graduate school, I was awarded a scholarship from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Having extra funds to cover textbooks, supplies, and class materials eased some of the financial strain of full-time graduate school, especially with the upcoming internship responsibilities in the second year of the program. 

What are your post-college plans? 

This summer, I plan to spend a few weeks studying for the RD exam to gain my credential and become a registered dietitian. My job search will start soon after graduation. I would really like to work with inpatient populations or in a dialysis clinic setting as my first job.