Taylor Thomas

George Mason nutrition graduate students lead advocacy efforts for policy to protect food safety and access for infants and children

tthoma8 — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 17:30:31 +0000

George Mason nutrition graduate students lead advocacy efforts for policy to protect food safety and access for infants and children tthoma8 Mon, 02/17/2025 - 12:30

Faculty and staff from the Department of Nutrition and Food Studies, and students in the Master of Science in Nutrition, dietetics concentration, program took a trip to Richmond, Virginia, to meet state legislators and participate in Nutrition Legislative Day with the Virginia Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (VAND). Students spoke directly with the Chiefs of Staff for several members of the Virginia House of Delegates, offering novel insight as up-and-coming nutrition professionals.

Abby Suchoski, a dietetics student, and her cohort showcased the valuable perspectives of students in pioneering the intersection of nutrition science and health policy development. Suchoski explains the importance of advocacy by nutrition students and professionals in solving existing and evolving public health nutrition challenges.

What is the role of nutritionists in influencing health policy?

As nutrition experts, registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) and registered nutrition and dietetics technicians (NDTRs) have the knowledge and firsthand experience to influence public policy regarding nutrition. They serve as the bridge between clients and legislation, as they can bring insights from their careers to advocate for change.

What is the significance of students in advocating for policy and interacting directly with legislators?

By attending Legislative Day, I gained deeper insight into how much we can contribute to our communities, even at such an early stage in our paths to becoming dietitians. I initially thought the representatives, or their staff, would only want to talk with the leaders of our groups, but they were genuinely interested in learning more about us and why we believed the bills were important. Students bring fresh perspectives as emerging professionals eager to speak up and help create meaningful change. Meeting with policymakers in person and sharing experiences is not only a great way to make a lasting impression but also a valuable experience for us students.

What policy topic was being advocated for this year?

There were two bills VAND was highlighting. The first focused on the coverage and regulation of donor breast milk. This bill protects infants by requiring a license for anyone operating a donor milk bank, ensuring the milk’s safety and quality. The bill also seeks to provide coverage for donor milk for infants under six months of age, as donor milk can be expensive.

The second bill aimed to create a universal school breakfast program, as evidence shows that children learn and perform better when they aren’t hungry. This would also be a way to reduce the stigma associated with food support programs.

How has the College of Public Health MS dietetics program prepared you to advocate for public health nutrition policy?

The College's MS dietetics program has prepared me to advocate for public health and nutrition policy by providing me not only with the knowledge and skills needed to engage with legislators, but also with the confidence to do so.

Dietetic students, faculty, and staff pictured along the steps of the Virginia State Capitol at Legislative Day.
For names of those pictured, see below.

George Mason’s Master of Science in Nutrition, Dietetics degree is accredited as a Future Education Model graduate program by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). The program prepares students to address public health challenges involving nutrition and food science, nationally and globally. Graduates from the dietetic concentration program are taught to master the Nutrition Care Process to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy and leave eligible to sit for the RDN registration exam.

Each year, VAND invites its members, student interns, and students to meet Virginia state legislators, to advocate for legislation important to the profession. This is the 2nd annual visit to the Virginia legislature that George Mason faculty and students in the MS dietetic program attended. All 10 students in the third cohort of the MS program were in attendance and met with state legislators who represent George Mason University and where they reside. Students learned about public policy at the state and federal level which will have a direct impact on the health and well-being of the patients, clients, and citizens that they will serve as credentialed dietitians.

Photo names 2nd row, left to right:

Allison McKay, Department Manager Nutrition and Food Studies Department

SJ Brown, Student

Madison Banks, Student

Aria Bahadur, Student

Dr. Allison Miner, RDN, Assistant Professor, Dietetics MS Program

Photo names 1st row, left to right:

Dr. Sapna Batheja, RDN, Director Dietetics MS Program

Bri Schuh, Student

Abby Suchoski, Student

Mihar Rahonintsoa, Student

Donia Kerasi, Student

Hana Khan, Student

Nancy Villatoro, Student

Topics

Child and Adolescent Health

infant health

Health Policy and Reform

We are at a critical moment in time: we must reshape mental health policy in the US

mthomp7 — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 17:59:26 +0000

We are at a critical moment in time: we must reshape mental health policy in the US mthomp7 Wed, 11/13/2024 - 12:59

In This Story

Evelyn Tomaszewski, MSW, ACSW

Stigmatized attitudes toward mental health have contributed to decades of harmful policies. Evelyn Tomaszewski, assistant professor in the Department of Social Work, advocates for a human rights-based approach to address outdated and harmful policy practices.

Evelyn Tomaszewski, assistant professor in the Department of Social Work, advocates for a human rights-based approach to address outdated and harmful policy practices.

Public policy plays a critical role in the protection and promotion of mental health. Research by Assistant Professor of Social Work Evelyn Tomaszewski analyzes over 80 years of national and global mental health policy trends. The study is the first comprehensive review of policy, noting the historical and ongoing impacts of stigma, discrimination, and the structural barriers to reaching mental health equity. The aim of the article is to shift perceptions of mental health care and advocate for future policy to be built upon a human rights-based approach.

“We are at a critical moment in time. Comprehensive, culturally relevant and engaged community-driven public health policy is being undermined, defunded, and devalued. Advocates for comprehensive mental health policies are committed to mitigating stigma and discrimination and reshaping the mental health landscape to focus on communities, prevention, and inclusion. Yet, major gaps still exist. This requires a call to action,” said Tomaszewski, MSW program director.

“Efforts to reform mental health policy require interdisciplinary and community-driven policies and practice initiatives that can promote and commit to mental health equity in the US,” said Tomaszewski.

The paper calls for commitment at the government level to address political determinants of health by developing legislation from an equity lens, and outlines action items for national and international governance, research, education, and outreach. Tomaszewski suggests expanding essential ACA services to include behavioral health into primary care, for the US to ratify several United Nations Conventions, including the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and engaging people with relevant lived experiences in program and policy development.

“Eighty Years of National Mental Health Policy: Exploring the Inclusion of a Human Rights Approach” was published in September in the American Journal of Orthopsychiatry as a part of a special issue in honor of the 100th Anniversary of the Global Alliance for Behavioral Health and Social Justice.

Topics

Mental Health

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

United Nations

College of Public Health is fueling the pipeline for nutrition professionals

tthoma8 — Mon, 05 Aug 2024 12:49:46 +0000

College of Public Health is fueling the pipeline for nutrition professionals tthoma8 Mon, 08/05/2024 - 08:49

George Mason's first cohort of graduates had a 100% pass rate on the RD certification exam—and every student was immediately employed as an RD.

Eli Kalman-Rome is the first George Mason University graduate to pass the Registered Dietitian (RD) exam and become a credentialed RD in Virginia. Kalman-Rome was part of the first cohort to graduate from the new Master of Science in Nutrition, dietetics concentration program in May.

Kalman-Rome asserts his Mason education was paramount to this achievement. His prior experiences at George Mason left no question of the College’s capacity to facilitate his academic success.

“I did my master's at George Mason previously and trusted the university to provide a solid education with caring and competent faculty,” said Kalman-Rome.

To pass the RD examination, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics requires students to demonstrate competencies in the principles of dietetics, nutrition care for individuals and groups, management of food and nutrition programs, and food service systems. While the typical pass rate for this for this prestigious exam is 70%, George Mason's first cohort of graduates had a 100% pass rate—and every student was immediately employed as an RD. "These impressive statistics are a testament to how effectively the Department of Nutrition and Food Studies' MS, Nutrition Dietetic Concentration program prepares students for the RD exam and for the job market. We are proud of our first cohort of graduates and eager to grow this program to meet today's demand," said Martin Binks, PhD, MBA, chair of the Department of Nutrition and Food Studies.

“George Mason not only provided the didactic and internship components I needed to be successful at the RD exam, but it has made me competitive as a hiring candidate. The classes laid a solid foundation for my skills and knowledge, and the internship placements for the program were varied, interesting, and provided real-life experience that helped me understand how dietetics is used professionally,” Kalman-Rome said.

In addition to setting him up for academic success, Kalman-Rome praises the College for preparing him to enter the field as a nutrition dietetics professional with an appreciation for nutrition’s role in public health.

“Adequate nutrition is instrumental to public health outcomes because it's impossible to remain healthy without it. Nutrition impacts all stages of life, from fetal development, infant mortality, maternal health, success in the classroom for growing children, the incidences of infection and disease, shortened lifespan from chronic diseases, but it is also a critical aspect of culture. Sharing food is a way of caring for each other and passing down our traditions and beliefs, nutrition is not only about physical health but also part of a holistic wellness of communities,” he said.

Kalman-Rome recently accepted a position as a Clinical Dietician at HCA Healthcare.

Congratulations, Eli!

Topics

Nutrition Students

registered dietitian

MS Nutrition

Department of Nutrition and Food Studies

Student Success

Students

Virginia’s health and well-being starts with strong food and nutrition policy, says Mason Department of Nutrition and Food Studies

tthoma8 — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 15:53:58 +0000

Virginia’s health and well-being starts with strong food and nutrition policy, says Mason Department of Nutrition and Food Studies tthoma8 Thu, 02/15/2024 - 10:53

In This Story

Allison Miner, EdD, MS, RDN

Lilian de Jonge, PhD

"Participating in Legislative Day deepened my appreciation for the role of policy and reinforced my commitment to driving positive change through informed advocacy and collaborative efforts with policymakers and stakeholders.”

Katherine Surette
MS, Nutrition '25

Nutrition and Food Studies students and faculty head to Richmond for Legislative Day.
For names of those pictured, see below.

On January 31, students and faculty in the College of Public Health’s Department of Nutrition and Food Studies took part in the Virginia Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics (VAND) Legislative Day. At the Virginia General Assembly 2024 session, faculty, staff, and sixteen students in the Master of Science in Nutrition, Dietetics concentration program met with state legislators to share their expertise and expand lawmakers’ knowledge about food, nutrition, and health.

“Faculty and staff in our nutrition and dietetics programs passionately care about legislation that affects our communities. We want legislators to know that here at Mason, we are professionally invested in the health and well-being of Virginia and that nutrition is at the very foundation of public health. Our work is to improve the health of US citizens; everything we do is to prevent disease, eliminate hunger, and assist with chronic disease management,” said Allison Miner, EdD, MS, RDN, assistant professor in the Department of Nutrition and Food Studies.

The Nutrition and Food Studies department recognizes the need for policy to advance access to healthy foods. Miner highlights how Legislative Day exemplifies the role nutrition plays in public health.

“Nutrition-related issues such as making school lunch free for Virginia students, increasing SNAP benefits for older adults, or advocating for grant money to feed low-income Virginia college students are directly related to the health and wellness of the United States," said Lilian de Jonge, PhD, interim department chair.

On the Front Lines of Advocacy and Policy Change

VAND’s mission is to support pending legislation important to progressing both the dietetic profession and food-related health in Virginia and across the nation. Priorities for this year were maternal health data and quality measures, school meals becoming available at no cost to students, and combating hunger on college campuses.

Alongside dietitians, dietetic students and interns, and citizens across Virginia, department representatives pushed for these policies to be prioritized.

By participating in VAND’s Legislative Day, students learned about public policy at the state and federal level, which will have a direct impact on the health and wellbeing of the patients, clients, and citizens they will serve as credentialed dietitians.

“We are educating future dietitians who will go on to careers in private practice, hospitals, government, non-profit organizations, and public policy. Showing students that they have direct access to the legislators who are passing bills that affect everyone has demonstrated the power they have as professionals,” said Miner.

Experiencing Change in Action

Katie Surette, MS, Nutrition ‘25

Katherine Surette (MS, Nutrition ‘25) valued the behind the scenes view of the legislative process. "Participating in Legislative Day provided a firsthand understanding of the intricate relationship between nutrition and policy. This experience deepened my appreciation for the role of policy and reinforced my commitment to driving positive change through informed advocacy and collaborative efforts with policymakers and stakeholders,” said Surette, who is in the registered dietitian concentration.

This was the first year the Department participated in VAND’s Legislative Day, and department leaders are planning for this to become an annual event Mason will attend.

Students, faculty, and staff met with state legislators who represent George Mason University as well as those who represent them where they reside. The legislative priorities for VAND included HB 169 Maternal Health Data and Quality Measures, Task Force (to reestablish), HB 686 School meals; availability at no cost to students, and HB 207 Hung-free Campus Grant Program.

First year students Yu Ting (Helen) Huang, Jui-Ching Li, Toqa Elashry, Arleija Williams, Courtney O'Loughlin, Katherine Surette, Khawlah Kheshaifaty, and Mary Christopher ascending steps of the Virginia State Capitol.

Faculty, staff, and students in attendance included Lilian de Jonge (Chair, Nutrition and Food Studies Department), Sapna Batheja (Director, Dietetics MS Program), Allison Miner (Assistant Professor, Dietetics MS Program), and Allison McKay (Department Manager, Nutrition and Food Studies Department). Mason was also represented by members of the George Mason University Board, The President's Council and President Washington himself.

Students in attendance included Asma Benomran, Marcus Brick, Mary Christopher, Chia (Amy) Chun Chang, Toqa Elashry, Yu Ting (Helen) Huang, Eli Kalman-Rome, Khawlah Kheshaifaty, Jui-Ching Li, Courtney O'Loughlin, Mark Rudich, Kiranjyot Sawhney-Duran, Katherine Surette, Monica Vargas, Arleija Williams.

The group photo at the top of the story includes:

Faculty and staff first-row center: Lilian de Jonge (Chair, Nutrition and Food Studies Department), Allison McKay (Department Manager, Nutrition and Food Studies Department), Allison Miner (Assistant Professor, Dietetics MS Program), and Sapna Batheja (Director, Dietetics MS Program)

Students first row left to right: Asma Benomran, Monica Vargas Marcus Brick

Students second row left to right: Kiranjyot Sawhney-Duran, Eli Kalman-Rome, Mark Rudich, Chia (Amy) Chun Chang, Yu Ting (Helen) Huang, Jui-Ching Li, Toqa Elashry, Arleija Williams (top), Courtney O'Loughlin (bottom), Katherine Surette (top), Khawlah Kheshaifaty (bottom), Mary Christopher (top)

Topics

Nutrition Faculty

Nutrition Staff

Nutrition Students

Department of Nutrition and Food Studies

food insecurity

Food and Nutrition

Health Policy and Reform

Advocacy

MS Nutrition

Raedeh Basiri elected as an at-large delegate for an American Society of Nutrition research section

tthoma8 — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 14:52:43 +0000

Raedeh Basiri elected as an at-large delegate for an American Society of Nutrition research section tthoma8 Thu, 11/16/2023 - 09:52

In This Story

Raedeh Basiri, PhD, RDN

On behalf of the College of Public Health, we are proud to announce that Assistant Professor in the Department of Nutrition and Food Studies Raedeh Basiri has been elected to serve on the American Society for Nutrition’s (ASN) Aging and Chronic Disease Research Interest Section (RIS) as an At-Large Delegate. In this position, Basiri will be a part of a leadership team coordinating all RIS-sponsored events during the ASN Annual Meeting, one of the largest international gatherings in the field of nutrition.

“Serving as an At-Large Delegate for the Aging and Chronic Disease Research Interest Section in the American Society for Nutrition is an opportunity to contribute to the growing body of research and initiatives focused on aging-related and chronic disease studies. This role allows me to actively engage with leading experts in the field, collaborate on impactful research, and stay abreast of the latest developments,” said Basiri.

Basiri is a registered dietitian (RD) and has worked in the field as an RD in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Her research areas include assessing the effects of healthy eating on the prevention and treatment of diabetes and obesity, and functional foods in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.

Basiri is proud to be representing the College and contributing her expertise as an at-large delegate, as well as advancing Mason’s status as a leading research institution.

“This new role allows me to contribute to the university's and College's goal of fostering cutting-edge research, enhancing educational opportunities, and establishing a strong presence in the vital field of aging and chronic disease studies within the broader academic community,” said Basiri. “My involvement ensures that I bring back a deeper understanding of emerging trends and best practices, which can inform the institution's strategies for faculty development, student learning and mentorship, and research planning.”

The American Society for Nutrition strives to advance the science, education and practice of nutrition through being a source for science-based information, education, and policy and advocacy for a healthier world through evidence-based nutrition. ASN provides leading nutrition experts and practitioners with a centralized platform to network and collaborate, foster professional development, and be on the forefront of research ventures.

Congratulations to Raedeh Basiri on her new position within the ASN.

Topics

Nutrition Faculty

Department of Nutrition and Food Studies

Aging

Chronic Disease

Three newly Certified Healthcare Simulation Educators advance College toward offering VR-enhanced curriculum to every student

tthoma8 — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 14:24:35 +0000

Three newly Certified Healthcare Simulation Educators advance College toward offering VR-enhanced curriculum to every student tthoma8 Fri, 09/22/2023 - 10:24

In This Story

Bethany Cieslowski, DNP

The College of Public Health proudly introduces three newly credentialed Certified Healthcare Simulation Educators (CHSE) Sindhu Mallala, Debra Derner, and Virginia Cronin.

“The CHSE credential sets the industry standard for simulation training and our VR Sim Lab now has four certified educators working directly with students to turn information into experience,” says Bethany Cieslowski, Chief Innovation Officer for Immersive Technologies for the College of Public Health, who also holds CHSE certification. “This certification demonstrates expertise and excellence in high-quality simulation and learning practices that sets apart the education delivered here at the College of Public Health.”

Cieslowski, who joined the College in 2021 as the Simulation Coordinator in the School of Nursing, was recently named the Chief Innovation Officer for Immersive Technologies for the College. Cieslowski envisions that the College will play an integral role in expanding Mason’s VR capabilities on all its campuses, including having a robust presence at Fuse at Mason Square. The first milestone in achieving that goal is deepening the College’s bench of simulation-certified faculty.

CHSE certification signifies the unique skillsets facilitators possess to accelerate student learning using simulation-based education such as VR. Bethany Cieslowski, Sindhu Mallala, Debra Derner, and Virginia Cronin, all CHSE certified, are leading initiatives to expand access to virtual reality (VR) across all Mason campuses.

Cronin, an adjunct faculty member for the School of Nursing and an instructor in the Simulation Center, and Derner, who is the clinical assistant and facilitator in VR and Simulation, also received their CHSE certifications this past summer. Mallala serves as the Simulation and Data Integration Specialist and earned CHSE certification this past August.

“Gaining the CHSE certification has been quite meaningful. It pushed me to dig deeper into the world of educational strategies and best practices in simulation learning and opened doors to connect and collaborate with fellow simulation educators. Ultimately, CHSE has empowered me to contribute more effectively to the field of healthcare simulation education,” said Mallala.

Students across the College experience VR as a way to enrich the public health curriculum. For example, nursing students can practice various bedside scenarios while Health Administration and Policy students train in the intersections of public health and information technology.

“Virtual reality can be shared with all departments to foster collaboration among various disciplines and to learn from each other” said Derner.

“This was evident in recent events within the College of Public Health where faculty from departments of Social Work and Nutrition joined the nursing simulation team to create VR experiences for their students,” said Cronin

“Mason consistently embraces technological advancements in education, providing a solid foundation exploration of innovative ideas and approaches aimed at making learning more engaging and informative for our students,” Mallala said.

Topics

Tech Talent Investment Pipeline (TTIP)

TTIP

Tech Talent Investment Program