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Amanda Thurston, Outstanding Senior, Dietetics

Amanda is a wonderful student and person. Her academic success at the University has been incredible. Amanda is graduating with her nutrition degree (dietetics specialization) with career aspirations of becoming a registered dietitian. Amanda is very intelligent, a hard worker, organized and excited for her future. While earning her degree, she also began working as a dietary aide at a local hospital to gain clinical nutrition experience. She is applying for the College's Dietetic Internship Program, as she is hoping to stay in Reno to improve the nutrition in her community.

Barbara Stankuté, Outstanding Senior, Nutritional Science

Barbara is a first-generation college student graduating with a double major in nutrition (nutritional science specialization) and biochemistry & molecular biology. Barbara aspires to pursue an advanced degree in medicine. Barbara has been volunteering in a level II trauma center, where she has realized a passion for emergency medicine. In addition to her strong grade-point average and volunteer work in the hospital, Barbara works in the College's Ferguson Lab studying how changes in molecular signaling in adipose tissue affects adipose inflammation that contributes to the development of Type II diabetes and heart failure. Lastly, Barbara is working to complete her training as an emergency medical technician, while she prepares for medical school.

Masuda Akter, Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant, Nutrition

Masuda is completing her M.S. in nutrition this spring. Masuda served as a graduate teaching assistant for Nutrition 121 for two years. In this role, Masuda teaches lab sections to undergraduate students, managing three lab sections this spring. Masuda is always willing to put in extra effort to assist with the large lecture, helps students with their lab assignments, and is prompt with her grading. Masuda stands out, as she is eager to assist in additional projects, and always has a smile on her face. She is helpful in training new teaching assistants, helps out when needed, and offers to assist other faculty in last-minute needed tasks/exam proctoring.

Dillon Winkelman, Outstanding Ph.D. Student, Nutrition

Dillon completed his bachelor’s degree in nutrition and a master’s degree in public health with a focus on health and administration policy at the University. He is currently completing his Ph.D. in environmental sciences & health. His dissertation research explores grain products among people with chronic kidney disease. As part of his research work, Dillon helped secure a community engaged research pilot grant from the Mountain West Clinical & Translational Research Program. In addition to his studies and research, Dillon worked as a graduate assistant for Nutrition 121, 223, 325 and 485, and taught several sections of Nutrition 121.