What’s it like to study nutrition at UNH? A dietetics and ecogastronomy dual major shares her experience
Meet Katja Schrottner, a senior nutrition dietetics and ecogastronomy dual major from Westwood, NJ. Katja talks about why UNH was a top choice, her favorite hands-on research and study abroad experiences, professors that have made an impression, and other ways UNH has enriched her college experience.
Why did you choose UNH?
UNH offered the nutrition program that I was interested in, and I saw how dedicated the staff and curriculum are. I also enjoyed the location, it felt very in touch with nature and UNH promoted its sustainability. My hobbies include hiking, skiing, pickleball, and just enjoying time outside, so there is plenty to explore at UNH.
What’s your major and why did you choose it?
My major is nutrition: dietetics and technically I decided it sophomore year, however I knew when I applied to UNH that I wanted to be in this program.
What's something about UNH that most people don't know?
Although it may seem like a big campus and like it would be easy to disappear in the crowd, I found that it was actually quite easy to find like-minded people and connect with peers and professors. Getting to meet new people and see different experiences is one of the best ways I was able to grow as a person.
What advice would you give your freshman self?
I would tell my freshman self to befriend anyone and everyone. Genuinely you can never have too many connections.
What's your favorite course you've taken at UNH?
I loved taking Microbes in Human Disease with Dr. Montminy. He is very educated, knows what he’s talking about, and is able to describe the material in an easy-to-understand manner. His labs were also quite fun, as we were identifying different bacteria and learning to gram stain cells for microscopes.
Are there any faculty or staff members who have made you feel particularly supported and encouraged at UNH?
I feel that all the nutrition department staff are wonderful, but those who have me feel specifically supported would be my academic advisor Dr. Taetzsch and lab facilitator Dr. Dao. I had Dr. Taetzsch my freshman year in Nutr 400 and have since been keeping in contact. She is an excellent professor and even better advisor as she has kept me on track throughout my college experience and also advises me with certain issues. I also have great respect for Dr. Dao who accepted me into her lab beginning of junior year and helped me get some hands-on research experience. I also wanted to mention Dr. Morrell who helped me immensely when preparing for my study abroad in Italy my sophomore year.
Where have you found a sense of community at UNH?
Right right at home in my dorm freshman year. I made these really good friends who have helped me have an amazing college experience. Also, as my classes have become more specific senior year, I have gotten to know more about my peers, and they are all really lovely people.
Reflecting on your time at UNH, what's an experience that stands out to you?
An experience that stands out will always be my study abroad experience.
I specifically did the UNH-in-Italy program and I think it is such a well thought out program that really immerse students in the Italian food culture. I highly recommend it to anyone thinking about studying abroad for a semester.
What's a UNH tradition you love?
I don’t know if this counts as a tradition per se, but I love the SCOPE concerts. I am a big music girly, so being able to see these creative and talented people perform at UNH for such a cheap cost really means a lot. It’s also a fun way to bring the community together and enjoy some down time with friends.
Tell us about an impactful hands-on learning experience you've had at UNH.
Currently I really love my ecogastronomy capstone experience. I am working with a food pantry, the Waysmeet Center Cornucopia food pantry in Durham. They are really the sweetest people and I have loved being able to help them with cleaning, organizing, and the odd projects. I have been able to get my capstone project done there as well and they have been able to support all my needs for it.
What's your favorite spot in Durham?
My favorite spot on campus is the tennis courts. I love getting a good game of pickleball going. It’s the best after a long day of classes when I just need to move around.
What are your aspirations for the future? How is your time at UNH helping you get there?
For my future I would love to get my master’s degree. I am planning on pursuing PA school after my time here which I hope to apply by the end of the next cycle. UNH has prepared me with the required classes and showing me what the professional health track looks like.
Have you taken part in any undergraduate research opportunities?
Yes, I am a part of the Dao research lab on campus.
I have particularly loved this experience because of the people I was able to work with. I am also very interested in the study being conducted, the SEEN study which looks at SNAP enrollment, nutrition, and chronic disease in NH residents.
Tell us about a part of your college experience that wasn't what you thought it was going to be.
I wasn’t expecting how much of the education was in our own hands. The classes are really what you put into them. If you want to learn stuff, then it is up to you to show up for yourself. There is only so much the professors can do with the material, so it is really about paying attention and putting in the effort.
Have you received any scholarships during your time at UNH and what have you been able to do or accomplish because of them?
UNH granted me the Trustees Scholarship which I apply to my tuition and allows me to continue schooling here. When I studied abroad, I applied for UNH’s Education Abroad Award which gave me some money to put toward tuition that semester. I also applied for and got the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship which was a substantial amount that allowed me to experience so much while I was in Europe.
Most of the scholarships at UNH are funded by alumni, Wildcats just like you, who want to help the next generation. If you could say anything to those alumni, what would you say?
I would say that I genuinely have had the experience of a lifetime, going to Italy, experiencing a culture rich in food and community and then traveling more broadly in the surrounding area. I would have never been able to do this without the support of these scholarships that gave me this opportunity.