We are now heading into the summer season here in Pennsylvania. I hope everyone is taking some time to enjoy the warm weather! This month’s Research Spotlight comes from a dietetic student, Lynzi Smith, at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP). Read below to find out more about what Lynzi is doing in the nutrition field, and find her at FNCE to hear more about her research!
Where are you from?
I’m from a tiny town just outside of Altoona, Pennsylvania called Claysburg. It’s your stereotypical small town- everyone knows everyone. My graduating class was only 58 students!
I noticed you’re currently a senior at IUP what are you currently working on/researching?
I’ve been working under my professor, Dr. Pao Ying Hsiao, helping her with her current research project. The project itself involves looking at the effects of clinical interprofessional simulations on undergraduate students. Traditionally, clinical simulation, as a learning strategy, has mainly been utilized in the field of nursing, with nursing students playing every healthcare professional role. We are looking to see if including students from other professions, specifically nutrition and speech-language pathology, is better for the student learning experience. My role in all of this has primarily been data analysis, interpretation and presentation of the findings. In October, I plan to travel to FNCE to present the outcomes of the study.
What did you want to do after your studies were completed?
After I finish my Bachelor’s in Dietetics, I plan to apply to medical school and get my MD license. Currently, I’m leaning towards orthopedics for my residency.
Have you published anything professionally?
No, but I would like to in the future.
Why did you decide to focus on nutrition as a career?
I have always been into health and fitness, however in my early teenage years, I struggled with depression and unhealthy eating habits/over-exercising. Part of my recovery was resolving to turn those experiences into something positive and using them to help other people. Although I am no longer going to become a Dietitian, I still plan to use my job as a physician to impact the lives of others in a similar fashion.
How do you like to spend your free time?
When I’m not doing schoolwork, you can usually find me drawing. There is something inherently calming about putting headphones in and zoning out for a few hours with my pencils. Currently, I do a lot of graphite realism, and I’m just getting the hang of watercolors.
I also love running and working out. I just finished my first half marathon recently, and I plan to do more in the future.
What is your favorite food? Is there anything people be shocked you like or hate?
Probably pasta or anything else with a ton of carbs. I’ve never been a picky eater, so the list of foods I dislike is almost nonexistent. I’ll try anything once!
