SPOTLIGHT: MS Student Audrey Gao
Meet Audrey, an IHN MS candidate who will complete her one-year MS journey this summer. Audrey was one of our Student Speakers at IHN's 2024 MS Program Class Day Ceremony in mid–May. Originally from Anhui, China, Audrey shares insights into her journey and experiences at the Institute of Human Nutrition (IHN).
Describe your experience at IHN.
IHN provided me with many opportunities to access the latest nutrition knowledge and deeply understand nutrition's key role in obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. I particularly appreciate the philosophy conveyed by the MS Program, 'Food is medicine.' If I were to summarize my experience in one sentence, it would be 'pain and pleasure.' The pain comes from the heavy academic pressure, and the pleasure comes from engaging in a field I am passionate about.
What is the focus of your thesis project?
My thesis project focuses on how parents perceive the type and quality of food their food-allergic children consume. I am distributing a food intake questionnaire to parents and collecting this data to assess their children's nutritional status.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to apply for a PhD program and work in nutrition counseling.
What was your favorite class?
My favorite class was "Physiology & Nutrition Through the Lifecycle." Before taking this class, I didn't realize how significantly nutritional needs and health goals vary at different stages of life. It was also my first comprehensive look at infant nutrition and the excellent benefits of breast milk. This course opened new perspectives for me on nutrition and highlighted the importance and potential of the field.
What would you tell prospective students about the MS program?
At IHN, our class cohesion is solid, creating a family-like atmosphere. Here, you'll find like-minded friends and receive generous support from our professors. The academic workload is demanding and has significant pressure. Still, it offers you the chance to gain extensive knowledge about nutrition and diseases, building a solid foundation for your future career or further studies. Beyond academics, you can explore your interests. The program requires each student to engage in a research project, which can be in basic science, clinical science, or public health. These experiences help you understand yourself better, possibly discovering a passion for a particular field or learning what you might not want to pursue. If you have innovative ideas or personal projects, professors are eager to offer advice or introduce you to helpful contacts. At IHN, you'll experience a profoundly enriching year.
