Category: Health Behavior & Nutrition Sciences
Nutrition and dietetics student gains valuable experience in UD's Nutrition Clinic
May 07, 2025 Written by Amy Cherry | Photos by Ashley Barnas Larrimore
Gianna Doto is a sophomore nutrition and dietetics major who gained valuable experience volunteering in the University of Delaware’s Nutrition Clinic. Doto’s work was funded by the Eugene A. Petracca, Jr. and Daughter Alicia Ann Petracca '22 Nutrition and Dietetics Experiential Learning Fund. The award, generously provided by Eugene A. Petracca, Jr., in honor of Alice A. Petracca’s passion for nutrition and dietetics, supports students dedicated to making an impact in the field.
In this Q&A, Doto talks about her experience in the Nutrition Clinic, what she gained from the opportunity, and her goals for the future.
Q: What inspired you to pursue nutrition and dietetics at UD?
Doto: I’ve always been passionate about health and how food influences our lives every day. UD stood out because of its strong nutrition program, supportive faculty, and the many opportunities to get hands-on experience. I knew I wanted to study somewhere that would help me make a difference.
Q: How has your work in UD’s Nutrition Clinic helped you develop practical skills as an aspiring nutrition professional?
Doto: I first got involved with the Nutrition Clinic through a class and quickly realized the impact of the work. The experience is very hands-on. I’ve had the opportunity to shadow registered dietitians, observe counseling sessions, work with diverse populations, and have meaningful discussions with them afterward. Working in the clinic has also strengthened my communication skills and given me insights into real-world client interactions. I’ve also learned how to collect and interpret biometrics data, which has helped me understand how science applies directly to patient care.
Q: You were selected for the Petracca Award this spring. What did that mean to you, and how has the award supported your experience in the Nutrition Clinic?
Doto: Receiving the Petracca Award was such an honor. It’s opened the door to more connections and allowed me to dive deeper into community-based nutrition and research as I work to improve food insecurity and provide nutrition education to those with substance abuse and mental health issues in Delaware. I’ve gained experience logging data into analysis platforms and developing skills I didn’t expect to learn at this stage, which has really enriched my clinic work.
Q: The Petracca Award supports a paid experiential learning opportunity to an undergraduate student who exhibits dedication to and enthusiasm for the field of nutrition and dietetics. You chose to work with the Nutrition Clinic Director Donna Paulhamus on her work with the Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health to improve food insecurity and provide nutrition education for those with substance abuse and mental health issues in Delaware. Tell us more about the significance of this work. What have you learned from working with this population?
Doto: This work is important because it focuses on improving people’s everyday lives in meaningful ways. Whether through education or support, even small changes can have a huge impact. Working with this population has shown me the value of empathy, trust, and consistency. It's rewarding to know that we’re helping people take steps toward better health and stability.
Q: How has this experience shaped your goals or vision for the kind of work you’d like to do after graduation?
Doto: Initially, I was focused on clinical nutrition, but this experience has broadened my perspective to include opportunities in research and community-based work. I’m more open-minded now and could see myself combining clinical knowledge with research to create meaningful programs or interventions that help people at the community level.
Q: What advice would you give students considering volunteering in the Nutrition Clinic?
Doto: Absolutely go for it! UD’’s Nutrition Clinic is such a hands-on, immersive environment where you’re constantly learning. You get to shadow professionals, develop real skills, and make an impact on people’s lives. It’s a great way to explore different career paths and grow as both a student and a future nutrition professional.
