Experiential Learning
As a nutrition student at UNE, you will engage in experiential learning that helps to ensure you can use your knowledge and skills to succeed as a nutrition professional or continue with your education in a graduate program.
These experiences are tailored to your interests and may take the form of internships, service-learning projects, research opportunities, or honors theses. Experiential learning occurs in years three and four of the program, providing you with opportunities to work with organizations like these:
- Food assistance programs, such as Women, Infants and Children (WIC) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- State agencies such as the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Non-profit organizations, such as the American Cancer Society, American Lung Association, American Heart Association and Maine Public Health Association
- Faculty research projects addressing childhood obesity or childhood exercise patterns
- Non-profit centers advancing the health of vulnerable populations, such as Preble Street Resource Center, Healthcare for the Homeless and Immigrant and Refugee Services
- The governor’s office or a legislative office in Augusta to examine and advance specific nutrition policy
Nutrition Club
UNE's Nutrition Club is committed to improving the nutritional health of individuals at UNE and in the local community. Recent Nutrition Club activities have included tabling at a health fair for low-income households; working with non-profit initiatives on hunger; and hosting an exhibit at a wellness fair. Through events like these, members have opportunities to apply their science-based nutrition knowledge and gain practical skills to become successful, systems-oriented nutrition professionals.
WCHP Programs
Nutrition students may also participate in the following WCHP programs for research and career opportunities:
The Ghana Cross Cultural Health Immersion program brings UNE students and faculty to Ghana every summer to work alongside the Ghana Health Service, community health educators and the community.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) initiative works to improve the likelihood that persons eligible for SNAP (food stamps) will make healthy food choices within a limited budget and choose physically active lifestyles.
College Service Learning Initiatives connect students, faculty, and staff with opportunities to engage in service activities in a variety of settings. It instills a lifelong commitment to help others, while positively impacting health outcomes among populations served.