(BS in Biobehavioral Nutrition and Wellness, current MS student)

Razel Gargollo, from Gulf Shores, Alabama, graduated from UAB with a BS degree in Biobehavioral Nutrition and Wellness (now Nutrition Sciences) in 2024 and is now in the Dietitian Education Program (DEP). “I chose nutrition sciences because we’re realizing now more than ever how critical nutrition is to our overall health,” Razel says. “What I enjoyed most about the undergraduate program was the opportunity to explore so many different areas of nutrition. UAB really encourages students to expand their knowledge and step outside their comfort zones. I also loved the nutrition faculty and staff. They truly care about their students’ success and go above and beyond to support us both academically and personally.”

(BS in Biobehavioral Nutrition and Wellness, current PhD student)

Jesse Perry, from Kimberly, Alabama, graduated from the BS in Biobehavioral Nutrition and Wellness program (now Nutrition Sciences) in spring of 2025 and joined UAB’s Nutrition Sciences doctoral program in the fall. “The program at UAB gave me insight into many areas of nutrition that I had never considered before,” Jesse says. “My favorite classes all came from the nutrition program because of how engaging and interesting they were.” He says he chose to pursue a PhD because “I really enjoyed the process of working to find answers for the gaps in knowledge. I was also fortunate to be matched with a research experience that confirmed I was headed in the right direction. This is where my interest in nutrition research began, and the best place for me to continue to grow as a student and researcher was through UAB’s PhD program.”

(MS in Nutrition Sciences, Dietetic Internship)

Charita Lewis is from Dothan, Alabama, and earned her undergraduate degree from Samford University. She completed the Dietetic Internship track of UAB’s MS in Nutrition Sciences program in 2016 and is a clinical dietitian at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Atlanta, Georgia. “Students enrolled in the UAB DI program will be well equipped to work professionally when they leave,” Charita says. “This program has a high emphasis on critical thinking and application. Come prepared to be stretched and to learn. It is an intense year of study and learning how to practice, but it is all worth it.”

(MS in Nutrition Sciences, Dietetic Internship)

May Pendergrass is from Huntsville, Alabama, and earned her undergraduate degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee. She completed the Dietetic Internship track of UAB’s MS in Nutrition Sciences program in 2018 and is now clinical services manager for Insulet Corporation in Nashville. “UAB’s dietetic internship gives students the opportunity to rotate through a wide variety of experiences, from clinical and wellness to food management, that help the students become well rounded,” May says. “Experiencing such a wide variety of opportunities in the field of nutrition and dietetics helped me narrow down what I would be interested in doing as a dietitian. Through the internship, I really saw myself grow professionally and become more confident in my skills and abilities.”

(MS in Nutrition Sciences, Lifestyle Management and Disease Prevention + Dietitian Education Certificate)

Jacqui Adan is from Pelham, Alabama, and earned her undergraduate degree in biomedical sciences from UAB. She completed her MS in Nutrition Sciences, Lifestyle Management and Disease Prevention + Dietitian Education Certificate (DEP-C) and is now a research dietitian in the UAB Department of Nutrition Sciences metabolic kitchen. “My DNS degree was instrumental in helping me become a registered dietitian, equipping me with the essential skills and knowledge needed for clinical and research practice,” Jacqui says. “During my time in the DEP-C, I gained exposure to diverse areas of nutrition and had valuable opportunities to engage in nutrition research and build professional connections.”

(MS in Nutrition Sciences, Dietitian Education Program; PhD in Nutrition Sciences)

Leandra Durham is from Tucson, Arizona, and earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Arizona. She completed her MS in Nutrition Sciences in the Dietitian Education Program (DEP) in 2021 while living in Virginia, passed the RD exam, and then came to Birmingham to pursue a PhD in Nutrition Sciences, which she completed in 2025. Leandra currently serves as a dietitian in the United States Air Force Reserve. Asked what she liked best about the DEP, Leandra says, “the focus and push for critical thinking to better prepare you as a clinician, as well as the flexibility and support with the internship and being able to get opportunities to work in my areas of interest.” About the PhD program, she says, “The mentorship! I cannot say enough good things about the guidance I received throughout this program.”

(PhD in Nutrition Sciences)

Harleen Kaur earned her undergraduate degrees in chemistry and nutrition science from the University of Texas at Austin before coming to UAB to pursue her PhD in Nutrition Sciences. Following graduation in 2024, Harleen joined the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in the Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami as a postdoctoral scholar in the South Florida Cancer Control Training in Disparities and Equity (C-TIDE) T32 Training Program. “My PhD program exceptionally prepared me for my career through a comprehensive combination of rigorous research training, advanced coursework, and invaluable networking opportunities,” Harleen says. “The research training I received honed my investigative skills, while the diverse courses I took deepened my knowledge in critical areas. My PhD director provided continuous support, offering guidance and ensuring my goals were both realistic and ambitious.”