AVA REICHARD
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    • Postgraduate Dietetic Internship
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Research

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A book I read on well controlled diet studies before using NDS-R software to create meal plans.
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Cucumber yogurt soup I prepared during my time at the laboratory.

Nutrition Research Assistant at the Clinical Research Center and Metabolic Kitchen
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In the summer of 2017, I was one of two students at Penn State that was offered an internship position to work at the Clinical Research Center and Metabolic Kitchen with the research dietitian. During this time I utilized NDS-R software to develop diet specific meal plans, meeting macronutrient and micronutrient targets. Exchanges and meal planning knowledge was crucial to create a diet that met all targets.Preparing food was also important to create plans that were tasty and reasonable for compliance from an average person. As I prepared study items, my ServSafe certification was helpful to ensure food safety standards were met.  
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In addition to developing meal plans, I observed the dietitian as she interviewed potential participants and performed physical examinations. As metabolic syndrome determined study eligibility, I am now familiar with standard values for waist circumference, blood glucose, triglycerides, HDL, and blood pressure.

After reading data relating to the study, I was asked to compile information on the study as a whole. As there were many components, I determined how to make it understandable for the general public. The summary is linked below


My Summary of the Spice Study
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  • Home
  • Background
  • Experiences
    • Postgraduate Dietetic Internship
    • Undergraduate Nutrition Related Experiences
    • Research
  • Class Assignments
  • Leadership
  • Involvement in the Community
  • Certifications and Memberships
  • Awards