Tamara Alam discovered how the power of nutrition truly impacts human life after doing biomedical research in Bangladesh. This experience prompted her to help others make vital changes in their daily lives so that they can live longer and healthier lives.

The newfound spark for nutrition inspired Alam to attend the Didactic Program in Dietetics at Brooklyn College. Currently, she is a dietetic intern at the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy. As an intern, she has received training, gained real-life experience by helping patients and clients improve their diet, and mentorship from professionals in the nutrition field. The internship program is a stepping stone for Alam that will lead her toward her goal of becoming a registered dietitian.

Recently, Alam was selected as a finalist in two award competitions at Nutrition 2023, an event hosted by the American Society for Nutrition. The awards she will receive are for the Emerging Leaders in Nutrition Science Poster Competition and for the Student Interest Group Three-Minute Thesis Competition for her paper entitled, “Bangladeshi New Yorkers with Diabetes Eat Healthier than their Counterparts: Examining the Role of Food Environments.”

Alam will graduate this spring with a master’s degree in nutrition and is ready to use her expertise to help teach people to adopt healthy eating habits that are tailored to their unique needs and preferences.

What did you study at Brooklyn College?

I studied the Didactic Program in Dietetics in tandem with my Master of Science in Nutrition.

Why did you decide to study dietetics and nutrition?

My interest in becoming a registered dietitian developed through academic and professional experience over the past decade, as well as my love for food. Since earning my Bachelor of Pharmacy, I have had a strong scientific foundation for understanding diseases and the application of drugs to treat them. As part of my research experience in Bangladesh, I prepared plant extracts, handled animal models, ran statistical analyses, and presented findings at conferences. Through my research experience, I have come to realize that the use of drugs to cure diseases is a reactive process, while on the other hand, disease prevention through nutrition is a proactive approach. That was when I decided to pursue my higher education in the field of nutrition. I enrolled at Brooklyn College and took nutrition classes that helped me realize that I want to become a registered dietitian. I accumulated experience in research, became part of professional organizations, and volunteered for non-profits.

How has interning at the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy prepared you to become a future dietitian?

As an intern at the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, I have gained valuable knowledge and skills that have prepared me to become a successful dietitian. Through the program, I have received training in medical nutrition therapy, food service management, and community nutrition. Additionally, I have had the opportunity to work with patients and clients, conducting nutrition assessments and providing counseling. These experiences have allowed me to hone my communication and interpersonal skills, which I believe are critical to building trust with patients and helping them make informed decisions about their health. Finally, I have had the chance to network with professionals in the field and develop mentorship relationships that I believe will benefit my career in the long term. Overall, I feel confident that the knowledge and skills I have gained through my internship program have prepared me for a successful career in nutrition and dietetics.

What was your favorite class and why?

My favorite class was called Human Nutrition. Human nutrition combines biology, chemistry, physiology, and social sciences. It is the study of the nutrients that we consume, the functions they serve in our bodies, and the impact they have on our health. By understanding the role of different nutrients in the human body, we can develop strategies to prevent and treat diseases, as well as optimize human health and performance. Moreover, human nutrition is a rapidly evolving field that is influenced by advances in science and technology, as well as social, cultural, and environmental factors. This means that there is always something new to learn and explore in this field. Finally, human nutrition is a practical and applicable subject that can help people make informed decisions about their diets and lifestyles. By understanding the science behind nutrition, individuals can make better choices about the food they consume and the way they live their lives, which can lead to better health outcomes and a higher quality of life.

What are your plans after graduation?

My short-term goal is to work in a clinical setting and my professional interests lie in type 2 diabetes and weight management. Then I would like to become a certified diabetes educator and obtain the Certificate of Training in Obesity for Pediatrics and Adults offered by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. In general, overweight and obesity are the most common modifiable risk factors for non-communicable chronic diseases, and I want to take a proactive approach to address them. My long-term goal is to obtain a Ph.D. in the field of nutrition and continue my research work. I want to develop culturally sensitive diabetes education material and weight management strategies specific to the South Asian community.