Three Idaho State University dietetic students take state honors

MERIDIAN­­­­­  – Three Idaho State University students will be recognized this month by the Idaho Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics with Outstanding Dietetics Student Awards. 

The ISU award winners are:

• Jacob Burger, Dietetic Intern-Meridian – He has been chosen as the ISU-Meridian Outstanding Dietetic Intern. Burger is originally from Hillman, Michigan, and came to Boise from Central Michigan University.

He was nominated by Barbara Gordon, program director for dietetic programs at ISU.

“Jacob has been a great asset to the internship and has earned top praise from all of his preceptors,” Gordon said. “All of Jacob’s preceptors have appreciated his willingness and enthusiasm to take on a multitude of different projects. He strives to do his best with all of his assignments and his preceptors described him as positive, professional, polite and a pleasure to work with. He is extremely dedicated to his internship and learning experiences, and has exceeded expectations.”

 Gordon said that Burger has blended well with his fellow interns and has brought a unique humor to the class, sharing his life experiences and stories.

“ We are proud to have Jacob as a graduate of the ISU-Meridian Internship,” she said.

• Jenna Bobroski, Dietetic Intern-Pocatello – Bobroski is the ISU Pocatello campus outstanding dietetic intern for 2018-2019.  Bobroski, a Pocatello native, graduated from ISU’s undergraduate program spring 2018. 

She discovered an interest in nutrition during her sophomore year at ISU.  Her passion for the dietetics field grew as she progressed through the coursework.  It was no longer something she saw as work or school, it became her life.

 “Growing up, Jenna participated in a variety of sports and wanted to stay involved with them through her adult life,” Gordon said. “She says her acceptance to the University of Colorado – Colorado Springs Sports Nutrition master’s program is a dream come true.  She will enter the program fall 2019.  Jenna is an aspiring sports dietitian with the professional goal to earn her CSSD and work for a professional sports or Olympic team in the future.” 

• Shannlyn Spotted Elk, Didactic Program in Dietetics – Spotted Elk is a first-generation college student and a member of the Northern Cheyenne tribe.  She hails from Lame Deer, Montana, and will earn her Bachelor of Science Degree in dietetics May 2019. 

She is currently working as Career Path Intern with the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Diabetes Project on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation. 

 “Shannlyn has shown great initiative and knowledge, and demonstrated strong public speaking abilities while working with the project,” Gordon said. “Shannlyn has a strong desire to continue working with the Native American population post-graduation and has applied to dietetic internships and graduate programs that emphasize Native American health care.  Shannlyn has been active in the Dietetics Club and Phi U. She is always willing to help fellow classmates, volunteers at club functions, and frequently assumes leadership roles in group projects. She will be a tremendous asset to our profession.”

The Idaho Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics will recognize the Outstanding Students from Idaho State University and the University of Idaho at Opening Session of the Annual Meeting on April 25.

The awards program recognizes the emerging leadership and achievement of students who are enrolled in dietetics education programs that are approved and accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). ACEND is the accrediting agency for education programs preparing students for careers as registered dietitian nutritionists or nutrition and dietetics technicians, registered. The awards program also encourages student participation in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.