Student Dietetic Association

Name: Sarah Fernández
Position: President
Hometown: La Vega, Dominican Republic

Nutrition interests: Critical Care (adults and babies), Pediatrics, Renal
Bio: My interest in studying nutrition began early in my life. I must have been around 14 years old when I realized I wanted to become a dietitian. The direct relationship between food and health—or disease—was clear to me from a young age, which is why this field felt like the perfect fit. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM) in summer 2023. As I progressed through my undergraduate studies, I found myself connecting more to the clinical aspects of nutrition, which led me to pursue a focus in Clinical Nutrition.

What draws me most to Clinical Nutrition is its complex nature and the opportunity it gives me to make a difference in a patient’s health. I love the process of analyzing lab results, reviewing medical charts, and understanding the full clinical picture of a patient. Each case is very unique, and I find it very satisfying to apply medical nutrition therapy that can directly influence a patient’s recovery and long-term health. I’m even more fascinated by the way nutrition impacts the body on a biochemical level—it’s interesting to see how the right dietary adjustments can improve internal markers like electrolytes, blood glucose, vitamins, or lipids. For me, Clinical Nutrition represents the perfect combination of science, critical thinking, and care.

Fun fact: I’m very creative – I love writing, watercolor painting and making collages that reflect my mood

Name: Meghan McCabe
Position: Vice President
Hometown: Somerville, NJ

Nutrition Interests: Diabetes Education, Oncology, Maternal Nutrition, Long Term Care

Bio: My passion for nutrition began in high school when I learned the importance food and nutrition had in each stage of the lifecycle. I had always enjoyed cooking and wanted to learn the science and nutritional implications foods had on different conditions and diseases. I completed my undergraduate degree in Dietetics at the University of Dayton. During my time at UD, I was able to understand the impact food deserts have on the community and teach school-aged children how to cook and fuel themselves the best way they can. Since beginning the MSCN Program at Rutgers I have built my knowledge and understanding of nutrition and grown even more passionate for nutrition and the impact it has on every stage, from fetal to geriatrics. I can’t wait to learn more throughout the rest of the program!

Fun fact: I love rollerblading!

Name: Samantha Brancato
Position: Secretary
Hometown: Boonton, New Jersey

Nutrition Interests: Oncology, Pediatrics, ICU, Women’s Health

Bio: My interest in nutrition began when I witnessed firsthand the impact a Registered Dietitian had on the care of a family member. This experience revealed the profound connection between food and healing, and it became clear to me that nutrition was a powerful tool in restoring health. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of Delaware in Spring 2024. During my time at UD, I gained hands on experience through volunteer work at the Sports Nutrition Center and a Bariatric hospital. These experiences further confirmed that nutrition plays a vital role in both preventative care and the management of disease. Now being apart of the Rutgers MSCN program, I am excited to continue building on this foundation of knowledge I have developed and contribute to the field in a way that promotes health through personalized, evidence-based care.

Fun Fact: I have been a vegetarian for 15 years!

Name: Elijah Emond
Position: Student Representative
Hometown: Tampa, Florida

Nutrition Interests: Veteran Health, Sports Nutrition, Endocrine Disorders

Bio: My path to nutrition hasn’t been the most traditional, but I’ve been persistent in pursuing what I’m passionate about. I started my professional journey in the Marine Corps, serving as a Communications Chief. After transitioning into the Reserves, I began working on my degree, originally in a completely different field. But during that time, I got really into nutrition through my own health journey. I saw how much of a difference it made, but from an athletic mindset, and I knew I wanted to learn more. Even though I was already two years into school, I decided to shift my focus and commit to nutrition. At the same time, I was working full-time in a veterans’ office to support myself. That experience had a huge impact on me. Connecting with other military-connected students, hearing their stories, and seeing the challenges they face really changed my perspective. That experience redirected me one final time, and now my purpose is clear, to give back to the veteran community that’s given so much to me; to provide care that’s rooted in compassion, connection, and real understanding.

Fun Fact: I eat kiwis the way nature intended, fur and all. 

Name: Veronica Egan
Position: Public Relations Officer
Hometown: Staten Island, New York

Nutrition Interests: Functional Medicine, Women’s Health, Sports Nutrition, Diabetes Education

Bio: Nutrition has been a strong interest of mine since some years back when I experienced some health challenges and someone in my family struggled with diabetes and heart disease at a young age. I have always loved food and have been highly experimental, always eager to try new things! I experienced a total transformation in my health and enjoyed a dramatic healing experience when I changed my diet and lifestyle. It was then that I decided to change careers and become a dietitian. I earned my undergraduate degree in Nutrition at Arizona State University and am now honored to be part of this Master’s in Clinical Nutrition program here at Rutgers! With a background in healthcare and food retail, I am excited to continue learning and adding to my skillset and experience through the unique clerkship areas where I am doing my dietetic experiential learning hours.

Fun Fact: I’m an avid gardener and love to bake!

Facebook: Rutgers SHP Student Dietetic Association
Instagram: @rutgers_sda