Student Profile: Sharyn Moss

Why did you decide to attend Loma Linda University School of Public Health?

Loma Linda was one of the few schools that met all of my criteria. I was looking for a program that would provide me with a graduate degree in Nutrition from an ADA accredited school, provide hands-on experience and integrated practicum requirements, and prepare me to be eligible to sit for the RD exam upon graduation. I was impressed that Loma Linda University School of Public Health is affiliated with the Peace Corps Masters International program which will provide the opportunity to get practical experience helping spread healthy nutrition and livelihoods to those who need it most. The location and length of the program were also very appealing to me.

What experiences brought you to LLU SPH?

With an undergraduate degree in Psychology, LLU was the only school I applied to that saw my “non-nutrition related” degree as an asset to provide me with a well rounded and integrated approach to Nutrition and Public Health. I was very impressed with LLU's ability to align themselves with my goals and aspirations and emphasize the wholeness of man as it relates to both psychosocial, behavioral, mental, spiritual and physical aspects. I wanted to go to a school that encouraged the multidimensional approach to providing a means to better the lives of those around us.

What has been one of your most valuable experiences at LLU SPH?

I have had many unforeseen opportunities since being here only a short time, but one that sticks out is the accessibility of the professors and the quality research that is continually going on here. I had the privilege to participate in a study last quarter and really get a feel for the detail and effort required to design, implement and evaluate research with some of the leaders and experts in their field. It is exciting to be able to work with and learn from such prestigious yet humble nutrition experts!

What class really impressed you?

I cannot stop talking about my Advanced Nutrition classes with both classmates and friends/family alike. I'm sure they all get tired of hearing me go off on tangents about the biochemical breakdown of their food and how it relates to metabolism. I was fascinated and thoroughly impressed with how the class was taught and its practical implications for both my future career and current health!

What are your career goals?

I have never seen myself in just one career for the rest of my life. One of the things I love about my program/degree is its versatility. I want to help people live a better life by empowering them to make healthy choices, including healthy food choices, for themselves and their families. I would love to work in developing nations and urban communities to help increase awareness and accessibility to good nutrition and public health practices. I also really enjoy working with and educating Diabetes populations and medical nutrition therapy in the clinical setting.

How did your program train you for your current and future career?

I feel LLU's SPH Coordinated Program in Dietetics is really the best of both worlds. I am learning fascinating and readily practical information in the classroom and have the opportunity each week to practice implementing them in the “real world” through various experiences in the hospital, clinical, treatment and community settings. I get a lot of practice learning how to do the things that will be expected of me in my various career possibilities under the supervision of current experts and leaders in their respective areas of nutrition and public health.