Emily Korte

Emily Korte is a nutrition and dietetics graduate student from Cincinnati, OH

Hometown: Cincinnati, OH

Class of: 2024

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?
Growing up, I aspired to become a lawyer, and my parents were convinced I would follow that path and eventually enter politics. However, my high school biology teacher encouraged me to consider a health profession. When I started undergrad, I initially majored in biology, the same degree my mother has. By my second semester, I decided to switch to dietetics. Throughout my undergraduate and graduate studies, I discovered how science policy significantly influences health by shaping health care systems, research priorities and disease prevention strategies. The decisions made at the crossroads of science and policy have profound impacts on everyone, particularly underserved populations. I realized that my original dream of becoming a lawyer was not so different from my current goal of advocating for underserved communities.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I’m pursuing a master’s degree in nutrition and dietetics. As a child, my late grandfather had a stroke, and my family and I often visited him in nursing homes and hospitals. He was very kind to the nursing and medical staff and proudly talked about his oldest grandchild, my cousin, who was a nurse. Seeing the positive impact medical professionals had on my grandfather inspired me to choose this major.

Have you conducted your own research through Research Rookies, Honors capstones or theses or any other faculty-guided research opportunity?
Yes

Tell us about the research you are doing and why it interests you.
For four semesters, I have served as a research graduate assistant with the Northern Illinois Food Bank. Through this experience, I have administered and analyzed over 3,000 survey responses to gauge food bank user satisfaction and have provided recommendations to improve the process of providing free food and resources to users with dignity, equity and convenience. In October, my work on this project was published as an abstract in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. This research interests me as I believe access to safe and nutritious foods is a human right.

How has conducting research strengthened your education and experience at NIU?
Through my research, I have significantly enhanced my critical thinking skills. I believe this will be invaluable in navigating the challenges I may face as a registered dietitian nutritionist.

How will your research experience help you in the future?
My research experience has greatly improved my analytical and interprofessional skills. These enhancements will be crucial in my future career, helping me to effectively analyze complex issues and collaborate with diverse professionals.

Who at NIU has been important to your success doing research and why?
Dr. Henna Muzaffar has been instrumental to my research success at NIU. As my GA advisor and non-thesis advisor, she provided valuable guidance and consistently challenged me to grow.

What advice would you give to an incoming student as it relates to research at NIU?
If you’re interested in research, get your name out there! Connect with professors, go to office hours and be willing to learn.

Have you conducted an internship?
Yes

How did you get your internship, and where was it?
I found my internship through LinkedIn. I worked at enFocus Inc. in South Bend, Indiana.

How did your internship help prepare you for your career?
In the summer of 2023, I completed an internship at enFocus Inc., a nonprofit consulting agency where I had the opportunity to work on a smoke-free air campaign at the county level. This experience inspired me to further strengthen my skills in leveraging evidence-based practice to support policy change.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
The community! There’s great food, wonderful people and lots of fun!

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I have connected with many of my peers. I have truly made lifelong friends at NIU. I look forward to experiencing life's many journeys with them!

Are you involved in any student organizations, mentoring programs or extra-curricular activities? If so, which ones? How have they added to your experience as a Huskie?
During the 2022-23 school year, I was a Huskie Food Pantry student lead. Additionally, for the past three semesters, I have worked with the food recovery program Huskie Harvest. It feels so rewarding to give back to fellow Huskies. I believe access to safe and nutritious foods is a human right. Coming up with creative solutions to combat hunger and create better health outcomes for our community has been incredibly fulfilling.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
The Couple and Family Therapy Clinic has allowed me to feel safe and supported at NIU. Being able to access affordable individual counseling has allowed me to prioritize my mental health.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
Dr. Nancy Prange is one of my favorite professors. She is a mentor, advocate and friend. We share similar passions, and I feel I can discuss anything with her! She is a highly motivated and driven individual who also seeks to combat hunger. She is someone I look up to, and I am proud to one day join her as a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN).

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
Attending class regularly allows me to connect with my professors and fellow classmates. By doing so, I am able to better absorb the material.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
I love walking around the East Lagoon! It's so peaceful there, and there are great spots to put up a hammock.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
Don't be afraid to ask questions!

Why is a college education important to you?
I am a third-generation college student! My grandfather attended college after my father and his siblings were born. He was a proud University of Cincinnati Bearcat, and it makes me proud to be an NIU Huskie! My parents and grandparents have always emphasized the importance of education and encouraged me to be curious about the world, making college especially significant to me.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I set intentional time aside each week to spend time with friends or family. I love finding new activities to do with friends such as going for walks, going to concerts and even finding a new show to watch!

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I read the Huskie Weekly Scroll each week to stay informed. I also follow NIU pages on Instagram!

What do you do to relax or recharge?
During the semester, I love taking barre and reformer Pilates classes at the rec with Dr. Herrmann! It's a great way to unwind, and I love connecting with a fellow public health professional.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I am currently participating in the Junior Commissioned Officer Student Training and Extern Program (JRCOSTEP) with the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS). In this role, I am working alongside a registered dietitian nutritionist at an Indian Health Service hospital in Chinle, Arizona. I have developed a culturally sensitive, patient-centered approach in nutrition counseling, showcasing my effective and efficient communication skills. I also take great pleasure in learning about Navajo culture, hearing their stories and experiencing their food. It is truly rewarding to help people live healthier and happier lives!