Farm-to-Pantry Intern
Summer 2016 at Just Food, NYC
About Just Food
Just Food is a non-profit organization that advocates for and increases access to locally and sustainably grown food by training, empowering and supporting community leaders to launch projects like farmers' markets and community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs.
Hearty Roots Farm
Golden Earthworm Farm
My Role
As the Farm-To-Pantry Intern, I worked closely with Alison Conforti (pictured above) and Jennifer Horan, an RD from United Way.
My responsibilities:
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Demonstrated leadership and intiative to ensure program continuity during manager and staff changes
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Managed and attended five farm trips
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Conducted outreach via telephone and in-person to register over 200 staff, volunteers, and clients
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Organized day-of logistics which included updating and distributing liability releases, facilitating educational activities during the trip
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Developed, distributed, and collected feedback via surveys to improve future trips and events
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Represented Just Food and its Farm-to-Pantry program during food pantry site visits throughout NYC
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At Just Food, I interacted with and gained exposure to individuals of varying cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, especially in underserved neighborhoods. I gained insight on non-profit organizations and how the complexities of food insecurity, policy, and justice impact people, businesses, and the overall food system.
On the left, there are slideshows of three out of the five farm trips. Hearty Roots Farm is located in Germantown, NY; Windflower Farm is located in Valley Falls, NY; and Golden Earthworm Farm is located in Riverhead, NY.
Windflower Farm
Group Picture!
Golden Earthworm Farm
Windflower Farm
Hearty Roots Farm
7.5lbs or 4% weight-loss over 5 months
About CQOR
The Center for Quantitative Obesity Research (CQOR),
founded by Dr. Diana Thomas, aims to
“facilitate the application of quantitative methods
that promote collaborative interdisciplinary research
related to obesity related health issues.”
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CQOR hosts its own, on-campus Weight Management Clinic. Using a scientifically proven weightloss , the team of Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Mathematics, and Nutrition students assist patients who are striving to lose weight.
My Role
As a student clinician at the CQOR Weight Management Clinic, I provide personalized nutrition information and advice towards patients’ health goals during weekly one-on-one consultations.
Every week, I complete the following:
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Measure anthropometric data such as weight, height, waist circumference,
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Measure vital signs such as blood pressure and pulse
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Utilize a resting metabolic rate (RMR) machine to calculate target energy intake and expenditure for weight loss, weight management, or weight gain
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Utilize ultrasound technology to monitor changes in body fat composition
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All records are recorded and stored using HIPAA protocol.
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By using a mathematical formula researched and designed by Dr. Thomas, I am able to create a projected weight-loss graph as seen below. The green dots are my patient's weekly records and the total weightloss for this patient was 7.5lbs or 4% over 5 months.
Active Membership
In addition to clinical work, I also:
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Attend weekly meetings where I recieve updates on all patients
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Lead brainstorming sessions to ensure patient adherence
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Organize and update patient files and personal information in accordance with HIPAA protocol
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Calculate nutrition information for the CQOR “Recipe of the Week”
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Create educational materials grounded in evidence-based research
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Planned the day-of-logistics, prepared healthy snacks, and led portion control workshops during our annual Holiday Weight Loss seminar
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CQOR has taught me the value of an interdisciplinary team. As a Nutrition major, discussing the issue of Obesity with Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics students has shown me that Obesity is a multifaceted and can be targeted from many different perspectives.
Disclaimer: Identifying information has been removed from the above files. Photo release forms have been completed and are on file for the pictures above.
Student Clinician
Center for Quantitative Obesity Research (CQOR)
November 2014 - Present
I am on the left. Patient provided written confirmation to allow public posting of her photo.
I am on the right. Patient provided written confirmation to allow public posting of his photo.
Research with Dr. Giampaolo Vigilia
June 2015 - Present
For the research paper Who Am I? How Compelling Self-Storytelling Builds Digital Personal Reputation, I collected, categorized, and organized over 400 consumer profiles in an Excel sheet for analysis. To the right is the highlighted acknowledgement found in the paper.
In preparation for another upcoming research study on consumer behavior, I have again collected, categorized, and organized over 900 public Facebook posts. In addition, I review and proofread many of Dr. Vigilia’s research papers, ensuring consistent language and accurate information. I have worked with Dr. Vigilia for almost two years and these experiences have bettered my understanding of research.
After returning from my semester abroad at Bournemouth University, I maintained close professional ties to Dr. Giampaolo Vigilia, Senior Academic. Under his mentorship, I have conducted various consumer research studies in Hospitality and Food Service Management.
These are the primary experiences that developed me, my skills, and my beliefs.
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I managed Farm Trips as the Just Food, NYC Farm-to Pantry Intern.
In the Center for Quantitative Obesity Research, I help patients as a Student Clinician.
After returning from Bournemouth University, I stayed connected and conducted research with Dr. Giampaolo Vigilia.
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Professional Experience
