Student Spotlight: Alyssa Shewmaker, RDN, LD, MPH'25

In conversation with Dartmouth, 2025 MPH candidate Alyssa Shewmaker, RDN, LD, spoke about her path to public health, how her educational experience has real-world application in her career, and why she believes being a student in our Online/On-Campus Hybrid MPH program is "the best of both worlds." 

Alyssa is a registered dietitian, nutritionist, licensed dietitian, runner, and cat mom. Originally from just outside Austin, Texas, Alyssa now works as a clinical dietitian for Aramark in her home state. After completing her bachelor of science in nutrition sciences didactic program in dietetics at Texas A&M University, Alyssa pursued her dietetic internship at the University of Houston. 

During her undergraduate education, she worked with Operation Border Health Preparedness (OBHP), providing nutrition education to a predominantly Hispanic community, where her interest in public health began. 

"It became clear to me that the issues we are facing in the healthcare field will continue if we are not preparing future providers with the education needed to be humanistic and able to provide necessary care to different populations."  

When asked how Alyssa plans to leverage her public health degree in the future, she smiles, "I am still figuring that out!" 

"Right now, I enjoy community nutrition research and helping Hispanic communities, particularly with K-12 education. While I'm still determining my next step after graduation, I have so many opportunities and connections I wouldn't have had before because of Dartmouth's MPH program. I am excited to see where that takes me!" 

Alyssa describes the connections she can make from what she learns in the classroom to her career.

"We are learning so much about how the healthcare system functions and how important quality improvement is within that system. I see a lot of what we are learning in my daily work life. It is so valuable to have that [public health] knowledge to be a better dietitian."

Regarding Dartmouth's community, Alyssa notes her appreciation for the wide range of her cohort's perspectives, experiences, and interests. "I have peers from all different career paths from pharmacy to law and beyond." She describes a warm classroom environment where students are open-minded and curious:

"This is my favorite place I have ever been academically," she remarks, "I have never felt so at home." Referring to the upcoming December On-Campus Intensive Week, Alyssa adds: "It's just a really kind community; I can't wait to go back next week!" 

Alyssa highlights the opportunities to get involved as a hybrid student – acting as the communication officer for Dartmouth's UNICEF club and participating in the Dartmouth Healthcare Foundations Society for Medical Humanities. She describes discovering a sense of community at Dartmouth that she was unsure was possible in a hybrid education format.

"It is the best of both worlds. I appreciate how I can grow as a dietitian in the geographical location where I plan to live but also have this amazing community and education at Dartmouth. I completely love this program."

Alyssa also mentions the Big Tree Little Tree mentorship program, which she credits as instrumental in helping her acclimate to Dartmouth. 

Written by: Mia Pennekamp

POSTED 12/4/2023 AT 02:43 PM IN #education #studentspotlight ##mph