HOURS

  • Registered Dietitian
  • M - F: 10:00am - 5:00pm
  • By Appointment Only
  • Peer Nutrition Coaching
  • By Appointment Only

CONTACT

The University Health Center Nutrition Service unit empowers and supports members of the University of Maryland College Park community with the knowledge and skills needed to make and implement healthy nutrition choices today and for a lifetime.

Nutrition Services

Registered Dietitian

The Registered Dietitian Consultation service includes Medical Nutrition Therapy (diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, digestive issues) using a holistic, non-diet approach to nutrition and health. The Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist (RDN) provides knowledge and practical skills according to each client’s individual needs and preferences to help them reach their health and wellness goals. 

Fees are associated with this service: 

  • students: $20 per session
  • faculty/staff: $55.00 per session

Please email JJakubcz@umd.edu to schedule an appointment.

Peer Nutrition Coaching Service

The Nutrition Coaching team consists of undergraduate dietetic students supervised by the UHC Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist. This service offers clients support, encouragement and guidance in reaching general healthy eating goals, based on the USDA Dietary Guidelines. The Nutrition Coach will help you break down your nutrition goal into manageable steps and offer ongoing support and accountability. This is a free service.

This service is available during Fall and Spring semester only.

Please note this service does not include Medical Nutrition Therapy. If you have nutrition related health issues such as diabetes, digestive disease, major food allergies, eating disorder etc., please refer to the Registered Dietitian Consultation Service.

Please email NutritionCoach@umd.edu to schedule an appointment.

Meet our Peer Nutrition Coaches

Akua

Photo of Akua

Major: Nutrition Science/Dietetics

Expected graduation year: 2025
Why did you choose Dietetics as your major? I first became interested in nutrition after trying a plant-based diet out of curiosity. Ever since then I have been experimenting with plant-based food and learning how to nourish my body with the proper nutrients. I chose Dietetics as my major so I could learn more about nutrition and help people improve and enjoy their relationship with food.

Favorite food and why: Rice, bean stew (also known as Red Red, a Ghanaian dish), and fried plantain. This is one of my favorite foods because it is very comforting and delicious–I especially remember enjoying it in high school when my mom made it for dinner while I was doing my homework. I also really love plantains!

Words to live by or favorite quote: “We’re here to feel the joy of life pulsing in us–now.” - Joyce Carol Oates

Boriana

Photo of Boriana

Majors: Biology and Dietetics, 2024

Why I chose these majors: I chose biology because learning about how life works is fascinating to me. I added the
dietetics major later because I was interested in how it relates to health and fitness. I truly believe that anyone has the
power to facilitate their well-being through nutrition.

Favorite food and why: My favorite food is fruit because it is super nutritious and there are so many tasty varieties to
choose from. In my opinion, fruit is like candy, but better.

Quote: "Let thy food be thy medicine" - Hippocrates

Fernanda

Photo of Fernanda

Major and expected graduation: Dietetics, May 2024

Why I chose dietetics as my major: I found in Dietetics my passion for helping others to live their best life. It is fascinating how our diets can shape the way we live and how it can transform a whole life. My goal is to become a Registered Dietitian and influence people around me to achieve their goals and experience all the benefits a balanced diet can bring!

Favorite food and why: Strawberry is my favorite food. It brings good memories of my childhood when my grandmother used to buy them whenever I went to her house. Besides being nutrient-rich, they are simply delicious!

Words to live by or favorite quote: “Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the
places you can, At all the times you can, To all the people you can, As long as ever you can.” - John Wesley

Hailey

Photo of Hailey

Major/Minor: dietetics major, general business minor, May 2025

Why I chose the major: I chose dietetics as my major because I have always been extremely interested in learning about
how food impacts the body. I want to educate people about it to promote body positivity and help people form
healthier relationships with food!

Favorite food and why:  My favorite food has to be either chocolate or sushi! I have a huge sweet tooth and chocolate
goes great with so many desserts. Sushi can be so diverse and I love the combination of fish with seaweed and rice.

Quote:  “Life is a great and wondrous mystery, and the only thing we know that we have for sure is what is right here
right now. Don’t miss it.” – Leo Buscaglia

Kristin

Photo of Kristin

Major: Dietetics

Expected Graduation: May 2024 

Why I chose my major: After being diagnosed with scoliosis and dealing with severe chronic pain, I dove into nutrition and fitness to help gain back my quality of life. I loved science and originally wanted to go into nursing or become a doctor but found out about careers in nutrition during my sophomore year of high school. I set my heart on nutrition ever since and cannot wait to help people gain a higher quality of health and therefore life. 

My favorite food is tacos. I am always in the mood for them, and they are so versatile. 

Quote: “Massive goals don’t require mass action. They require consistent action” - J. Mike Fields

Taylor

Photo of Taylor

Major: Dietetics

Expected Graduation Year: May 2024

Why did you choose dietetics as your major? I had unhealthy eating habits as a child and noticed how those eating patterns would directly impact things I would have never guessed. Due to the negative impact of my diet, I decided to adjust what I was eating and noticed several positive changes. Ultimately, I would like to help others achieve a healthy, balanced lifestyle that will have many positive effects on a person's life and overall well-being.

What is your favorite food and why? My favorite food would have to be Ice Cream. It comes in a large variety of flavors and can easily be paired with other foods.

Words to live by or favorite quote:
"Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle, or your middle to someone else’s end. Don’t compare the start of your second quarter of life to someone else’s third quarter." -Tim Hiller

To speak to the University Health Center Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist please email JJakubcz@umd.edu or call 301-314-8140