Student Dietetic Association

Joshua Spitz
Position: President
Hometown:Lawrenceville, New Jersey
Nutrition Interests:Oncology, endocrine disorders, eating disorders

Bio:My journey to the world of nutrition wasn’t a straight path. Before entering this program, I worked in management at a small food distribution company. For years, I nurtured a passion for nutrition as a hobby, delving into scholarly articles, credible podcasts, and online forums to understand the complex impact of nutrition on health. It wasn’t until witnessing the impact of nutrition intervention on loved ones battling illness that I started to conceptualize the idea of a career change. Seeing the impact, a registered dietician had on improving the quality of life of these family members, I knew I wanted to be more than just an observer. I believe nutrition plays a crucial role in well-being, and I’m driven to empower individuals by providing the knowledge and tools they need to make informed choices about their health. By becoming a registered dietician, I can cultivate my passion while making a meaningful impact.

Fun Fact: I love cooking, but not so much cleaning. This has led me to become a master at onepot recipes.

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Cynthia Puleo
Position: Vice President
Hometown: Hillsborough,, New Jersey
Nutrition Interests: Maternal nutrition, GI disorders, Pediatrics, and Oncology

Bio: In Spring 2023, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences from Penn State University. Throughout my time at Penn State, I actively participated in various experiences. As a member of the Student Nutrition Association and serving as a Healthy Penn State Ambassador, I engaged in initiatives promoting health and wellness within the university community. Moreover, my involvement in a Micronutrient and Pregnancy lab sparked my interest in specialized areas such as maternal and pediatric nutrition. Additionally, I gained practical experience during my summer field placement at a long-term care facility. In this role, I got the opportunity to participate in the tray line process, shadow the dietitian for new admit rounds, and had genuine face-to-face interactions with residents, deepening my understanding of the importance of nutrition in long-term care facilities. In my free time, I enjoy experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, playing tennis, and skiing.

Fun Fact: I worked at the Penn State Creamery all four years of college and my favorite flavor is Alumni Swirl.

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Emily Bill
Position: Secretary
Hometown: Flemington, NJ
Nutrition Interests: Pediatrics, Maternal and Neonatal Nutrition, Mental Health

Bio: My passion for nutrition started early with a deep love for being in the kitchen cooking, and the flavors, experiences, and social aspects that come along with food. Focusing my career on nutrition allows me to bring those passions into practice by helping others create a healthful and fulfilling life. In May of 2023, I graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutritional Sciences and followed with a Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition at Rutgers University. During my academic journey, I have been captivated by the interplay between physical and mental well-being and nutrition. This has inspired my commitment to serving individuals and families who can benefit from nutritional intervention and support.

Fun Fact: When I am not studying, I am spending time at Long Beach Island, NJ with my friends and family!

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Reena Nagendran
Position: Public Relations Officer
Hometown: Dallas, TX
Nutrition Interests: Endocrine disorders, Women’s Health, GI disorders, Oncology

Bio: Born and raised in India, my journey into the world of nutrition was driven by a lifelong fascination with food and its impact on health. I initially pursued a bachelor’s in engineering, and my passion for nutrition eventually led me to move towards a career aligned with my innate interests. Watching how food impacted my family’s health made me want to learn more about it. I believe strongly that food is a powerful form of medicine and what we eat affects how we feel and function. My goal is to make nutrition and health education easily accessible to all, ensuring that everyone has the knowledge and resources to lead healthier lives.

Fun Fact: I love cooking and creating my own recipes, and I am also a professional henna artist!

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Megan Gasnick
Position: Food Pantry Student Representative
Hometown: Park Ridge, New Jersey
Nutrition Interests: Eating disorders, sports nutrition, endocrine disorders, and women’s health

Bio: In 2023, I graduated from The College of New Jersey with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and minor in Psychology. During my undergraduate studies, I always had a passion for science, but was unsure what direction I wanted to go in. My time as a sprinter on the TCNJ track team coupled with an internship at an organic fruit and vegetable farm, played a pivotal role in shaping my interest in nutrition. These experiences opened my eyes to the importance of nutrition for both mental and physical health. In 2022, I began working as a Nutrition Assistant at a Rehabilitation facility. This position offered me opportunity to work closely with dietitians and engage directly with patients about their nutritional needs, which further fueled my passion for nutrition. While attending Rutgers, I am eager to enhance my skills as a Registered Dietitian so I may help others heal through nutrition in the future.

Fun Fact: I’ve raised seven German Sheperd guide dogs for the Seeing Eye

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Sasha Feinstein
Position: Student Council Liaison
Hometown: Haddonfield, New Jersey
Nutrition Interests: Integrative and functional medicine, Digestive Health, Oncology

Bio: Since being exposed to eating veggies from the school garden in elementary school, I have always been drawn to nutrition. I received my Bachelors of Science in Nutritional Sciences from Rutgers University, New Brunswick. Starting on the Biology major track, I found myself back to nutrition when I joined the Sampath Laboratory on campus, participating in research studying nutrition’s role in the cause of metabolic disease. I joined and eventually became the President of the Healthy Kids of New Brunswick Club, who’s mission is to provide free nutrition and fitness lessons to a local elementary school in New Brunswick. I volunteered with the Sports Nutrition department working with the Rutgers football team and I was also a part of the Kappa Omicron Nu Honor’s society. My exposure to the clinical setting came from my role as a Nutritional Care Assistant at Jefferson Hospital. I joined the Rutgers MSCN/Yale New Haven Hospital track to fully immerse myself into the world of clinical nutrition and learn from amazing faculty.

Fun Fact: I played on the Rutgers Club Basketball team!

 

Facebook: Rutgers SHP Student Dietetic Association
Instagram: @rutgers_sda

General SDA Email:rutgerssda@gmail.com
SDA President: Andrea Kuenzler: ak2237@shp.rutgers.edu
SDA Co-Vice President: Kaeley Fiorentino: krf72@shp.rutgers.edu
SDA Co-Vice President: AprylHazle Stepp: as4104@shp.rutgers.edu
SDA Secretary: Kayla Bosticco: knb119@shp.rutgers.edu
SDA Public Relations Officer: Perri Ripps: pr543@shp.rutgers.edu
SDA Public Relations Officer: Jacqueline Yank: jxy4@shp.rutgers.edu
SDA Student Representative: Lauren Santarelli: ls1335@shp.rutgers.edu
SDA Student Representative: Jordan Faith: jf1093@shp.rutgers.eduSDA
Student Representative: Morgan Kovacs: mk2041@shp.rutgers.edu