Gaby Contreras

Nutritional Sciences

Firsthand experience drove dietetics major's passion for nutrition

Hometown

Kennesaw

Major/Minor

Dietetics

Activities/Honors

• Peer Nutrition Educator
• Vice President of Student Dietetic Association
• FACS Ambassador
• Campus Kitchen Volunteer
• Member of Alpha Phi Sorority
• Double Dawgs Student
• Recipient of Outstanding Dietetic Student Award from Georgia Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
• Linda K. Crandall Nutrition Scholarship Recipient
• Experiential Learning Scholarship Recipient
• Zell Miller Scholar

Why I chose my major

I came in my freshman year as a Dietetics major, and have kept the same major ever since. I have always been drawn to the power of nutrition as I have seen the firsthand effects of nutrition. I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease in high school, and changing my nutrition is what helped me find a sense of control within the disease. Ever since, I have absolutely loved all my classes and seeing how much of an impact nutrition can have on certain conditions and interventions.

What I like most about FACS

At FACS, there is a large sense of community and it so easy to create close relationships with the staff. I love being able to walk around Dawson Hall and always seeing a classmate or professor I know! It has been so easy to create friendships with my FACS classmates, and all my professors from the department have been amazing! All the staff at FACS will always provide you with so many opportunities and support in order to push you to be your best!

Post-graduation plans

Following graduation, I will be completing my Dietetic Internship at Emory University Hospital while also completing my online master's through the University of Georgia. This will allow me to become a Registered Dietitian, which I will then work as for a few years before starting PA school, so I can hold the PA-RD credential and tie nutrition and medicine into the care I will provide for my future patients!

Photo credit: Emily Cummings