DETROIT, Mich.—Abby Harvey, a graduate of Western Michigan University's nutrition and dietetics program, recently received the prestigious Maye Musk Scholarship from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation. The scholarship will be used by Harvey as she starts her graduate studies at Wayne State University to become a registered dietician this fall.
Abby Harvey, center, volunteering at Friends Dinner where she prepares healthy meals for the community.
"Winning the scholarship was definitely something I wasn't expecting. It was very exciting for me because it is a significant amount of amount of money I can use for my tuition," says Harvey.
According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation, they are the only nutrition and dietetic non-profit organization devoted to empowering professionals in the field. Through support of donations, the academy is able to provide scholarships to students at all levels of study. The Maye Musk Scholarship, funded by well-respected dietician and nutritionist Dr. Maye Musk, supports exemplary students during their graduate or dietetic internship programs.
"It goes without saying that the scholarship is very well deserved," says Dr. Arezoo Rojhani, associate professor and director of the undergraduate program in nutrition and dietetics at WMU. "It is also reaffirming that our undergraduate program is rigorous and has prepared students like Abby for their dietetic internships and graduate work."
During her time at Western, Harvey was an active member in the Student Dietetic Association volunteering with Friends Dinner to make nutritious meals for the community. She was also a member of the winning research team at the 2023 Michigan Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics annual conference. At the conference, her team presented their poster on research they've conducted using date sugar as an alternative sweetener in baking.
"All of the professors in Western's program were so supportive and helpful throughout all of my undergraduate. Without them I don't think I would have the foundation that I have now, because coursework is only coursework. It takes professors that care and really know their stuff to make it possible for students to actually learn and retain information," adds Harvey.
ABOUT NUTRITION AND DIETETICS AT WMU
Dietitians are nutrition experts who apply the science of food and nutrition to settings in medicine, community health, wellness and food service operations. WMU programs in nutrition and dietetics prepare students who desire to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) or nutrition and dietitian technician registered (DTR). Both WMU programs are recognized by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). To learn more, visit the nutrition and dietetics program website.
For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.