The purpose of the Outstanding Dietetics Student Award program is to recognize the emerging leadership and achievement of students in ACEND-accredited and approved dietetics education programs and encourage their participation in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Idaho State University selected three students for this award: one from the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD), one from the Dietetic Internship in Pocatello, and one from the Dietetic Internship in Meridian. Faculty, preceptors, and students assisted with the selection.

All students will be recognized at the Annual Meeting, April 20th – 21st, 2017 and their bios will be featured after the Annual Meeting in this blog. 

The Idaho Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics awards each ODSA a one-year membership in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Criteria

• Member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Students must be members by January 1st of the year in which they would receive the award. Student enrolled in ACEND-accredited dietetics education program (CP, DI, DPD, DT).
• Demonstrated academic achievement as documented by letters from program faculty or preceptor.
• Demonstrated leadership and professional potential; e.g., honors, student dietetic association activities, community service activities, etc.

Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)

Stephanie Fisher 

Stephanie Fisher has been nominated by three of her Idaho State University (ISU) classmates to be awarded the IAND Outstanding DPD student for 2017. The ISU Dietetic Faculty unanimously concur with their nomination.

Stephanie is a non-traditional student that took some time to find her chosen career path of dietetics. She wanted a medical based career for many years but was uncertain which direction to take until she spoke to a family friend who was a dietitian. Having worked in foodservice and patient care, she believed she had found her calling. Stephanie orchestrated her own path to success in achieving her goal of earning a degree in dietetics to be conferred in May of 2017 and has positioning herself to be a competitive applicant for the dietetic internship.

Stephanie has grown in confidence and abilities through her employment at Portneuf Medical Center Nutrition Services Department, volunteering with local food banks and leadership in the local chapter of Phi Upsilon Omicron National Honor Society. Through taking personal responsibility to gain experiences outside of the classroom to augment her education, Stephanie has learned valuable organization and communication skills. She will be an excellent dietitian as well as future leader in the professional organization.

Dietetic Internship in Pocatello

Andrea Conley

After considering competency performance, preceptor evaluations, leadership attributes, and attitude/professionalism the ISU faculty wish to nominate Andrea Conley for Pocatello Outstanding Dietetic Intern for 2017.  Andrea graduated from the Didactic Program in Dietetics at Idaho State University in 2016.  During Andrea’s time in the undergraduate program, she participated in Phi Upsilon Omicron and had the opportunity to lead a cooking demonstration during the annual professional project.  Andrea was also a member of the dietetics club.  She maintained active status in both clubs while also working numerous hours a week at a local restaurant.  Andrea worked in a managerial role at the restaurant which gave her the opportunity to hone management skills.  During the internship Andrea has grown both personally and professionally as she has shown leadership through a very positive attitude, class contributions, and has excelled at her internship work.  Andrea’s fall presentation was professional and enjoyable and she has been well received by her preceptors.  Andrea will be a great dietitian and we look forward to watching her career blossom.

Dietetic Internship in Meridian 

Alyssa Lynott

Alyssa Lynott is the Outstanding Dietetic Intern from the Meridian site.  She is a graduate of the Idaho State University undergraduate program in the Spring of 2016.  During the dietetic internship, Alyssa was always excited to learn and participate in any activity.  Multiple preceptors commented on her positive attitude, her professionalism, her eagerness to learn, dependability, and organizational skills.  She is an excellent presenter, and did outstanding jobs on both of her class presentations.  ISU is very proud of Alyssa.