Food Science & Nutrition Senior Salute: Debra Perry

Senior Debra Perry is one of the top seniors in our food and nutrition science department and a key leader in our Bulldogs in the Grocery Store program where students lead public tours in a local Save Mart store to give nutrition, shopping and cooking advice related to fruits to vegetables. 

The Hanford resident is also a member of the campus Student Nutrition Dietetic Association club (SNDA) and looks ahead to joining our campus dietetic internship program this fall.

The full-time internship gives post-graduate students hands-on experience working with local organizations such as hospitals, cooperative extensions, school districts, diabetes organization and a state prison.  

The nine-month program also includes eight units of graduate level course work to help prepare them for becoming a registered dietitian nutritionist. 

Learn more about her in this recent interview:

 

Why were you drawn to that department/degree field?

Perry: “I wanted to teach people how to focus on health promotion and disease prevention through food.”

 

What were some of your Fresno State favorite classes and why?

Perry: “All of my nutrition classes were my favorite. I enjoyed learning about how food fuels our bodies and how I can make an impact on others through food.”

 

Which faculty members had the biggest influence on you while at Fresno State and why?

Perry: “Professor Erika Ireland, Dr. Lisa Herzig, and Dr. Shabnam Pooya have been instrumental in my growth. They guided me on my career path and gave great advice, and also about life in general, and I am very grateful.”

 

What career path do you plan to use your degree towards?

Perry: “I was accepted to the Fresno State dietetic internship this fall, so I plan on completing my practice hours and sitting for the board exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist.”

 

Is there anything unique on your road to getting a college degree?

Perry: “I had a child right before transferring to Fresno State and although it was difficult, I was accommodated by utilizing the many breastfeeding sites across campus.”

 

What was your most rewarding experience at Fresno State?

Perry: “The most memorable experience for me was the opportunity to be a grocery store tour leader through the Bulldogs in the Grocery Store program where I was able to educate other students and the community about fruits and vegetables.”

 

Are there people you would like to thank in your family that have been key influences for you receiving your diploma?

Perry: “I want to thank my mom and dad for listening to me every time I complained about school being hard. It wasn’t that I thought I couldn’t do it, I just needed someone to vent to, and they were always there cheering me on.”