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Aislinn Behan, Outstanding Senior, Dietetics

The Department of Nutrition is pleased to name Aislinn as the Outstanding Senior in Dietetics. While working toward her bachelor's degree in nutrition with a dietetics specialization, Aislinn demonstrated outstanding scholastic ability by maintaining excellent grades, and, at the same time, working to acquire important clinical experience as a dietary aide at Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno. Aislinn has been accepted to Midwestern University’s Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies Program and will begin her studies there in August. Aside from her strong academic skills, Aislinn’s instructors were also impressed with her initiative, leadership abilities and communication skills, which will contribute to her future success as a physician assistant. 

Savanna Turnipseed, Outstanding Senior, Nutritional Science

Savanna's passion for science and nutrition stemmed from an early age, as her mom was also a nutrition major in college. Savanna not only excelled academically at the University, but also was highly involved on campus and in the community. Savanna was a CABNR Fit mentor for the Department for three years, providing excellent guidance and leadership to incoming nutrition students. She is involved in the University's Human Anatomy Dissection Team, works in the Biology Help Center and is President of the . Savanna also participates in many different community service programs, such as Sagebrush Smiles, , Urban Roots and Project 150. After graduation, Savanna plans to attend dental school to become a dentist. 

Masuda Akter, Outstanding Master's Student, Nutritional Science

Masuda completed her M.S. in nutrition this spring. During her time at the University, Masuda performed exceptionally in her classes, as a teaching assistant and as a scientist. Her thesis project systematically reviewed more than 100 online handouts for managing hyperkalemia in people with kidney disease, compiling and evaluating dietary guidance on more than 500 food items. Her study is currently being drafted for submission to the Journal of Renal Nutrition. Masuda is currently enrolled in the Human Nutrition Doctoral Program at the University of Alabama, where she is focusing on the incorporation of mindful eating strategies in chronic disease management under the supervision of Professor Linda Knol, R.D.N. We wish Masuda all the best in her future endeavors. 

Matthew Bolino, Excellence in Nutrition Instruction

Matt is a doctoral candidate in the Biochemistry Program at the University, and he also completed his bachelor's and master's degrees in biotechnology here. Matthew’s interests in nutrition and his passion for teaching and communication served him well as a graduate teaching assistant for nutrition courses in the past. But for the past year, Matthew has been teaching Nutrition 121 as an instructor. Matthew has taken on responsibilities above and beyond that of a typical graduate teaching assistant. He developed his own lecture style, built rapport with students and led graduate teaching assistants in managing a large lecture-based course. Matthew’s passion for teaching and his enthusiasm for nutrition research have served him well, and he has excelled both in his research and in his highly regarded lecture sections.