Graduate School: Fall Semester, Defense, Graduation

There is a running light-hearted joke in my family that I am the “eternal student” always enrolled in either a degree, continuing education class, or certification program.  It’s not to avoid getting a job, as I’ve worked full time along the way, but what can I say? I love to learn! Career development takes time and I find I do best in structured learning environments. 

Speaking of which, I’ve been meaning to post an update on the completion of my graduate coursework, Plan B Thesis/Defense, and conferral of my degree. After almost two years working and studying full time, weekends spent locked in in my office, and a handful of sleepiness nights, I officially have my Masters of Science in Food Science and Human Nutrition.

Fall Courses

During my final semester at CSU, I completed two didactic courses and a research/self-study block to finalize my Plan B Thesis and defense. Of my two didactic courses, my favorite by far was Nutrition and Physical Activity in Aging with Dr. Barbara J. Stoecker, PhD, RD of Oklahoma State University. This course examined basic physiological changes during aging and their impacts in health and disease. The projects and reading assignments were well-crafted, meaningful, and relevant to current public health guidelines. Nothing eeks me more than an out-of-date textbook. I actually enjoyed our final group project, which provided the opportunity to work on an interdisciplinary team of physical therapists, exercise physiologists, and public health professionals to craft a physical fitness program for seniors. 

My second course – Current Issues & Trends in Dietetics with Dr Elizabeth A. Droke, PhD, RDN of South Dakota State University – had all the makings of a “hot topic” dynamic discussion-based course, but missed the mark due to excessive reflection assessments. For every discussion post, a follow-up reflection was required to self-evaluate engagement and participation. While I enjoyed the initial discussion topics, the self-reflection component left me feeling burned out. 

Plan B Thesis and Defense

My third course slot was actually a block to work on my Plan B Thesis and defense. In the style of the Academy’s Evidence Analysis Library, I conducted a systematic review of the research literature to answer a question of interest. Prompted by an article I read a few years ago in Diabetes Spectrum, I was interested in examining the relationship between dietary fat intake and glycemic in adults with diabetes.

While I’d love to dive into this topic further with original research, due to the nature of the online program, the Plan B Thesis offered great insight into the systematic review process. For the defense component, I presented my research question, scientific process, and findings to my department advisor and panel of professors. I passed!

Graduation: What Next?

If you know me at all, you know I am always working towards some professional development goal or credential. Admittedly, I am a “certification junkie”. Since graduation, I have changed jobs, transitioning from primary to speciality care as well as obtained a speciality credential in advanced diabetes management.

Though I would be lying if I said I wasn’t tempted by a doctoral degree at some point, for now, I plan to continue to develop my clinical skills in diabetes care and education.