Andelino Calderon
Biography: Florida State University DPD Program Senior
- Can you tell me about your undergraduate/graduate program in dietetics? What made you choose this field of study?
I got into Dietetics through Exercise Science; I was taking metabolism, a requirement for both degrees, when I had discovered the sub-field of Sports Nutrition. I applied to the Dietetics major, now intending to earn a dual degree in Dietetic and Exercise Physiology.
- What were some of the most valuable courses you took during your program, and how did they contribute to your understanding of nutrition and dietetics?
As I’ve continued through the Dietetics, I’ve seen the wider impact that the field has outside of Sports. Life Cycle Nutrition was an especially valuable course that showed me the intersectionality between Community & Clinical Nutrition, sparking further interest within Dietetics.
- Did you have any specific research or internship opportunities related to nutrition during your studies? If so, can you share a memorable experience or project you worked on?
Over this past summer I worked with the FSU Food Pantry through a Summer 2023 Sustainability Fellowship. The main focus of this work was developing and implementing a food inventory system to minimize food waste. The most memorable part of this fellowship was the first day coming into the food pantry and seeing the diverse array of foods, community outreach, and student support.
- Have you been involved in any volunteer work related to nutrition or dietetics? How has that experience influenced your career aspirations or understanding of the field?
I will note this experience is a bit diverged from Dietetics; however, this volunteer experience has continued to shape my outlook on my future and career. I volunteer with the Institute of Sport Sciences & Medicine (ISSM). The ISSM is one of the few labs on FSU’s campus which deals in human research. The study I’ve helped with the most is a large grant comparing Resistance Training (weights) and Endurance Training (cardio) in Post-Menopausal Women. My experience in this volunteer position has shaped my interest in Clinical Health Sciences.
- Can you share a challenging situation you encountered in your academic or work experience related to nutrition? How did you handle it, and what did you learn from it?
During my work with the Food Pantry, I had to take into account nutritional considerations that I do not often think about. One of our tasks was to create nutrition infographics to communicate healthy eating choices to the FSU community. We based these infographics of the United States Department of Agriculture and its MyPlate initiative. I was informed of a large vegan & vegetarian student body that utilized the food pantry, whereas I made sure the infographics had inclusive food image choices such as soy milk and tofu.
- What are some of the key skills you have developed throughout your educational and professional journey in nutrition? How do you believe these skills will benefit you in your future career?
The greatest skill I have developed is time management. Outside of my volunteer work, I am also the secretary & treasurer of the Weightlifting Club at FSU. Weightlifting/Powerlifting is an upcoming Club Sport that competes at the national level. I compete in the sport of powerlifting and enjoy staying active! I organize my schedule around classes, volunteer work, club hours/coaching, and training which has allowed me to develop my time management skills.