Allie Lindke

Nutritional Sciences

Doctoral student and Ohio native credits faculty, staff, other grad students with helping her find community

Hometown

Holland, Ohio

Major

Ph.D. in Foods and Nutrition combined with the Dietetic Internship Program (Ph.D./DI)

Activities and Honors

Graduate Teaching and Research Assistant- my research focuses on the development and implementation of plant-based entrees into the National School Lunch Program; UGArden Herb Intern; UGArden Mushroom Production Manager; Athens Church Waumba Land Classroom Leader; Leila Alberta Richie Mize Scholarship; FACS Graduate Teaching Assistantship

Why I chose my major

I first was interested in nutrition because it allowed me to be involved in the medical field without having to deal with my fear of needles. Soon after starting my undergraduate nutrition program at Kent State, I started competing in Crossfit and was able to directly apply what I was learning in class to my athletic performance. When I was applying to graduate school, I wanted to build on my undergraduate nutrition courses while also combining my interest in agriculture. I knew that attending the Ph.D./DI program at UGA would prepare me for my goal of becoming a dietitian and working in the food industry. This major allowed me to pursue my non-traditional interests in farming through elective courses at UGArden and my interest in agribusiness through collaborations with Jackson County Schools and the Department of Agriculture and Applied Economics.

What I like most about FACS

On my first visit to UGA I was introduced to the FACS staff and was welcomed with open arms. Moving to a new state and not knowing anyone was intimidating at first but with the help of the staff, faculty members and other graduate students, Athens became my new home! Without the support of the FACS community I wouldn’t have been able to pursue my research interests and be as prepared as I am now for the next step in my career!

Post-graduation plans

After graduation I plan on moving back to Ohio for the summer and taking the registration examination for dietitians. After receiving my license, I plan on moving back to the Southeast to work as a Research Coordinator for an agricultural company or as a School Nutrition Director.