We are so pleased to welcome Sarina Simon to our Discover FSHN Series! Sarina is a senior undergraduate student in the dietetics program in the Food Science and Human Nutrition Department at the University of Florida. Learn about her path to UF and passion for dietetics, her plans to become a performance dietitian, and the kind of food she considers herself to be!

What inspired you to study dietetics?

When I first came to UF, I knew I wanted to study something nutrition related, and I wanted to work in the field of sports. I was very interested in how nutrition can impact and improve one’s life. So, I started out as a nutritional sciences major. About halfway through my freshman year, I realized dietetics was going to be the path for me. I took a class with Dr. Anne Mathews and worked in Dr. Karla Shelnutt’s research lab. Both are registered dietitians and have been amazing mentors for me.

During my sophomore year, I started volunteering as a nutrition intern for the University of Florida football team. I quickly realized exactly what I wanted to do for my future career: I want to become a performance dietitian, which is a registered dietitian for a sports team. Being able to work with athletes and focus on their nutrition combines my love for nutrition and sports. My goal is to help make them the best athletes they can possibly be at an elite level.

One of the best things about being a performance dietitian is that even though you can feel like such a small part of the team, you have a big impact on the athlete’s performance. To get athletes to be their best self on the field or court, it’s not just about being in the weight room, or practicing drills, or proper nutrition, but a combination of many factors. The people I have met in this field love what they do, and their passion for it drives my passion.

Why did you decide to attend UF?

I decided to attend UF because of the community, great academics and adding to a family legacy. My mom and brother both went to UF, so I grew up always rooting for the Gators. From the research I’d done about the school, I saw they had the programs I was interested in, plus there were a lot of clubs you could join and a plethora of sporting events to attend.

What are your post-graduation plans?

I plan to attend the Master of Science-Dietetics Internship program at the University of Florida. Since my passion has been in sports, and I found my “why” to become a dietitian from it, my ultimate goal is to become a performance dietitian. This area of dietetics combines my love of sports and helping people become the healthiest version of themselves. I don’t have a particular sport I want to work in, but I have worked closely with the football team for the past couple of years. I’ve loved every bit of it, even in the hectic, long days during training camp or in the heart of the season.

After graduation, I will be in Gainesville for the rest of May until the American Collegiate Rowing Association  Championships in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. It will be bittersweet leaving a sport I’ve become so fond of the past four years. I also plan to do some traveling around the country with my family before I start my graduate classes in the fall.

What do you believe are the most important facts the public should know about nutrition?

I believe the public should know to not believe everything you see on social media, but to check the credentials of the people posting information about nutrition. It’s also incredibly important to fuel your body, prioritizing whole foods, but not being afraid to have that sweet treat you want. You don’t have to completely cut food out of your life to be your healthiest self.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I like to work out, particularly rowing and strength training. During my freshman year at UF, I joined the rowing team, and it’s been hands down one of the best decisions I’ve made. I also enjoy spending time with friends watching movies, doing puzzles, playing pickleball, or just hanging out.

If you were a food, what food would you be and why?

I would be overnight oats! There are so many different variations you can make that are packed with nutrients. You could be sweet or savory, adding fresh fruit, peanut butter, chocolate, chia seeds, or whatever you want!

Interested in learning more about FSHN’s Dietetics programs? Read more here and here!

P.S. The Discover FSHN Series highlights the unique experiences of UF’s Food Science and Human Nutrition students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Want to read more about the amazing work happening in the FSHN department? See our previous features below (click on arrows to expand):

Undergraduate Students:

Shannon Mai, Dietetics
Alex Colon, Dietetics and Jenny Duong, Food Science
Jackie Shannon, Nutritional Sciences
Jennifer Jordan, Food Science
Lily Tucciarone, Dietetics
Tim Cassella, Nutritional Sciences
Kate Mullis, Dietetics
Charles Overdevest, Nutritional Sciences

Graduate Students:

Savanna Curtis, Food Science (M.S.)
Carley Rusch and Matthew Beke, Nutritional Sciences (Ph.D.)
Alexa Hosey, Dietetics (MS/DI)
Vicnie Leandre, Food Science (M.S.)
Rufus Theophilus, Nutritional Sciences (Ph.D.)
Amber Fritsche, Dietetics (MS/DI)
Amy Jones, Food Science (Ph.D.)
Melissa Perez Santana, Food Science (M.S.)
Jeena Endter, Dietetics (MS/DI)

Postdoctoral Associates:

Dr. Cameron Bardsley, Food Safety
Dr. Tautvydas Shuipys, Food Safety
Dr. Felix Jimenez Rondan, Nutritional Sciences

Faculty:

Dr. Naim Montazeri, Food Science/Food Virology
Dr. Jeanette Andrade, Dietetics
Dr. Zhiyong Cheng, Nutritional Sciences
Dr. Juan Andrade Laborde, Global Nutrition
Dr. Razieh Farzad, Food Science
Dr. Beth Gankofskie, Dietetics
Dr. Anne Mathews, Nutritional Sciences
Dr. Diana Taft, Nutritional Sciences
Dr. Boce Zhang, Food Science/Food Microbiology
Dr. Cora Best, Nutritional Sciences
Dr. Katherine Thompson-Witrick, Food Science
Dr. Laura Acosta, Dietetics

Staff:

Sharyn Passeretti, Lab Specialist
Herschel Johnson, Manager of Student Services
Brandy Johnson, Administrative Assistant
Kohrine Counts Hazim, Dietetics Program Coordinator

Alumni:

Dr. Rebecca Gould, Dietetics, Postdoctoral Research
Dr. Becca Solch, Nutritional Sciences, Postdoctoral Research
Hannah Cooper, Dietetics, Private Practice
Dr. Richie Li, Food Science, Product Development
Doctor Brian Barrow, Nutritional Sciences, Medicine/Physician
Luciano Junoy, Food Science, Product Development
Carlin Dixon, Dietetics and Professional Dance
Jamie Zeldman, Dietetics, Research Coordinator
Ellen Bowser, Dietetics, Preceptor
Nina Burt, Food Science, Research & Development and Innovation
Kyle Giest, Dietetics, Supporting Young Adults with Cancer
Dr. Adam Bernatsky, Nutritional Sciences, Podiatrist
Joeva Barrow, Professor, Molecular Nutrition and Biochemistry

P.P.S. Learn more about FSHN’s renowned programs below!

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