Guest Judge for UT Architecture Critique – Haiti Nutrition Pod 9/8/2014, 9/15/2014, 11/25/2014
I was asked by the former Dean of the Architecture Department at the University of Tennessee (John McRae), based on my BFA and nutrition background, to be a guest judge for the school's Haiti Nutrition Pod Project. Each year a small group of architecture students participated in a UTK sponsored trip to Haiti to gain hands on experience with functional and site specific architecture. Prior to the trip, students researched and prepared concept presentations for a "Mobile Nutrition Pod" to address at least one health problem of the population. I was first asked to speak to the students about my own nutrition research with children and arts, as many were focusing their projects on the school age population and growing food. I then joined several Architecture Professors, visiting artists, and Built Environment experts in 4 critiques throughout the course of the project. The final winning project was to be implemented during the next two student trips to Haiti.
NRV Women’s Resource Center, Healthy Homes Nutrition Program Senior Volunteer 8/2011-2013
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Orchestrated weekly menu, meal preparation and service for 5-25 residents
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All menus were designed to fit a SNAP budget, utilize in season produce and local store sales, highlight 1-2 new cooking ingredients or techniques, account for taste preferences and resident allergies, and able to be executed with the help of resident children (3-13yo) in under one hour.
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Educated shelter residents on healthy cooking option
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Involved the residents and children in the cooking and nutrition related activities
Blacksburg Farmers Market Volunteer and Service Learning Group Member 9/2012-2013
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Designed needs assessment for the farmers market
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Created program plan and marketing strategies to increase VT student awareness and participation at the market
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Operated the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and Market Information booth each week
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Organized the creation of a sustainable student farmers market club on campus to continue the awareness campaign for long-term effect.
Volunteerships.
I have had some wonderful opportunities to work with a variety of organizations and populations in both nutrition and art capacities. They have been truly rewarding experiences and have also helped to expand my professional development in areas such as program planning, implementation, budgeting, assessment, networking, promotions, and marketing.