NUTRITION IN HEALTH
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

"The doctor of the future will no longer treat the human frame with drugs, but rather will cure and prevent disease with nutrition." – Thomas Edison

We believe that it is important that all students who are pursuing a health profession (pre-med, pre-PA, pre-nursing, pre-pharmacy, pre-physical therapy, pre-dental, etc.) expand their nutrition background. This RSO is ideal for students who are pursuing graduate school for a health-related profession, or who are just interested in learning more about nutrition. We welcome everyone!

Our organization has the following goals:
  • Expand nutrition background in order for our members to become more well-rounded healthcare providers and make a difference in the lives of future patients 
  • Start off each general meeting with a brief nutrition discussion/commentary
  • Reflect on documentaries that examine relevant nutrition topics in our present-day society 
  • Create nutrition education materials to be presented to various community organizations 
  • Bring in relevant speakers that are involved in health-related fields (and connect those fields to nutrition!)
  • Provide nutrition/health-related volunteering opportunities in the Champaign-Urbana community 
  • Host social events to foster an enjoyable, supportive network of like-minded individuals 
  • Professional development for graduate school and beyond 





About Us image

Emily Galfano

President

Emily Galfano is a senior at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and is majoring in Human Nutrition. After her undergraduate career, she plans to complete a Master's Program in Physician Assistant studies. In addition, Emily is a member of MED-LIFE, likes to volunteer at a local soup kitchen, works as a Certified Nursing Assistant, and was featured in a video about Human Nutrition to promote the importance of the major for any health professional path. She is passionate about becoming a healthcare provider with a unique foundation in the nutritional sciences, and is interested in learning more about the connection between nutrition and disease states. As President of Nutrition In Health, she aspires to bring more awareness about how having a foundation in the nutritional sciences can prove to be very effective for a healthcare provider of any kind.

Lauren Moy

Social Chair

Lauren Moy is a senior studying Food Science & Human Nutrition, concentrating in Human Nutrition with a minor in Business at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She plans on pursuing pharmacy after finishing her undergraduate career. She hopes to be able to integrate nutrition into new research on medication. Outside of Nutrition In Health, Lauren is also a core member at CU-Impact and co-leader at Covenant Fellowship Church. She loves to play volleyball and is currently learning how to play the guitar. As Social Chair, Lauren wants to cultivate an environment for students to not only participate in developing external relationships with the community but develop internal relationships within the organization through team-bonding and fun events.

Savannah Burkhalter

Treasurer

Savannah Burkhalter received an Associates in Radiologic Technology from Parkland College and is a certified Radiologic Technologist RT(R). She is currently working towards her Bachelors in Human Nutrition at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Savannah is currently examining physical health and cognitive function in preschool aged children, as well as body composition of low SES women during and after pregnancy. In her free time she enjoys swing dance, traveling, and cooking new things as well as enjoying her role as Treasurer in Nutrition In Health.

Nisha Shiroor

Nutrition Education Chair

Nisa Shiroor is a sophomore at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign majoring in Community Health and is on the Pre-Physician Assistant track. In addition to Nutrition In Health, she is involved in the Special Populations RSO, which falls under the health education department at McKinley Health Center. She is also involved in the iHeal RSO on campus. Aside from academics, Nisha loves being active and enjoys playing tennis. She likes to sing and listen to music. Nisha spent the summer, and is still in the process of learning how to play the piano and ukulele.

Mansi Patel

Assistant Nutrition Education Chair

Mansi is a junior at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign studying Interdisciplinary Health Sciences. She was born in Toronto, and moved to the Chicago suburbs when she was 8. After graduation, Mansi plans to go to PA school. If there are any members that are interested in PA school, she can offer tips on how to study for the GRE as well as share her study materials. Some of her hobbies including ice skating, doing outdoor activities, hanging out with friends, playing the piano, watching Netflix, and nurturing her creativity. Mansi worked as a research assistant in a breast cancer research lab on campus, and can give advice to members on finding research opportunities. Currently, she is an intern at the Frances Nelson clinic where she performs basic duties in the Emergency Room. This past summer, Mansi had travel plans with her family to go to Vegas, but due to COVID-19, her plans were cancelled, and she took on baking as a hobby instead. Her role as the Assistant Nutrition Education Chair is to help promote nutrition education. The reason why she thinks nutrition education is so important is because it is often overlooked, however Mansi believes it is one of the most important factors of a healthy lifestyle. If you need any advice on PA school, volunteering, EMT-related topics, or internships, feel free to contact Mansi!

Ann Luo

Communications Chair

Ann Luo is a sophomore studying Molecular and Cellular Biology and minoring in Chemistry with a pre-dental emphasis. She plans on pursuing a career in dentistry after her undergraduate years. Growing up, Ann played club soccer at the national level which required a grueling amount of traveling for competition. During that time, she learned how important a proper diet is in order to sustain an active and hectic lifestyle. She believes that eating right and being well educated on nutrition is essential in boosting both physical and mental health. She also sees nutrition as a great preventative measure from sickness and disease. Outside of Nutrition In Health, Ann is part of Vineyard Church where she plays on one of their worship teams and is also part of their campus ministry ALIVE. As the social chair, Ann is looking to create an online platform that helps inform its members and others on different aspects of nutrition as well as keep the club connected and up to date on different events. When she isn’t finding new recipes to cook, you can find her reading a good book or picking up a new art project.

Jaylin Herrejon

Assistant Communications Chair

Jaylin Herrejon is a sophomore at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She recently transferred to the Human Nutrition program at the College of ACES and it's on the track of Pre-Health / Pre- Physician Assistant. Jaylin was born and raised in Chicago but lived in Mexico for a couple of years. She has always been passionate about helping others and in recent years she has developed an interest and passion for the environment, nutrition, and how it impacts our daily life. Outside Nutrition, Jaylin works as a tutor for pre-kindergarteners helping them with their reading, writing, and math. She also loves volunteering and has participated in various opportunities over the years. She hopes people feel welcome and safe, and overall enjoy what this club has to offer.

Mary Yarck

Community Chair

Mary Yarck is studying Food Science and Human Nutrition at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She hasn’t decided exactly what she wants to pursue after graduation, however, her love for helping people and health guide her towards the medical field. As the Community Chair, she wants to connect students with the environment around them by giving a helping hand whenever needed. Did you know Champaign County is more food insecure than the city of Chicago? She plans on making a positive impact in Champaign Country by gathering members of this group to volunteer at local food pantries and distributors. Outside of being the Community Chair, she’s also a nutrition coach with Campus Recreation. Check it out if you’re looking for one on one nutritional advice with your peers! Not to mention she loves to listen to all different kinds of music, making crafts, and anything that has to do with the outdoors. Stay safe and healthy, and don’t forget that together we can make a difference in this world!

Alex Hoelscher

Assistant Community Chair

Alex Hoelscher is a senior in Kinesiology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a future physical therapist. He is incredibly passionate about fitness and nutrition. His hobbies include lifting heavy weights and heavy metal, helping animals, and everything horror. Alex is a member of the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity as well as a certified personal trainer. He hopes that by being a part of Nutrition In Health, he can help spread some of his knowledge and passion elsewhere to create a healthier community.

JOIN US! Every Thursday @ 6 PM!

https://illinois.zoom.us/j/87305840462?pwd=QTdVZ3lDVWtyOWlTTnF6ZVMzZS9Xdz09

Meeting ID: 873 0584 0462
Password: 816484






Check out this document from our Community Chair, Mary Yarck, about volunteering opportunities at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.  

Volunteer Opportunities at UIUC

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