Welcome!

Who Am I? 

Hello! And thanks for checking out my new blog! 

My name is Maria and I am a nutrition expert living in La Crosse, WI. I received my Bachelors Degree in Dietetics at the University of Wisconsin – Stout. When I was finishing up my degree at Stout I realized I was really just scratching the surface on my nutrition knowledge and understanding, so I decided to pursue my doctorate at the University of Arizona.  

I received my doctorate in Nutritional Sciences with a minor in cancer biology. My dissertation focused on nutrition and cancer therapy. Specifically, I assessed how autophagy ( a cellular mechanism initiated with calorie restriction or fasting) impacts saliva production after radiation treatment for head and neck cancer.  

Head and neck cancer patients receive radiation of the head and neck region as their primary cancer treatment. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible for the radiation to miss the salivary glands and these patients suffer from inadequate saliva production.  

Think about what it would be like to live without spit?! Imagine trying to eat or suffering from constant dry mouth? I found that autophagy (induced with a medication) was able to prevent this salivary gland dysfunction, in mice, during my doctoral work.  

The drug I used in my doctoral studies is now in clinical trials at the University of Arizona Cancer Center (in humans this time!) and I am hopeful that it will be able to provide some relief to these patients.  

During the last year of my doctoral work I completed my clinical hours to become a registered dietitian through the Carondelet Health System in Tucson, Arizona. This was a medical nutrition therapy focused opportunity and I focused on renal and critical care nutrition. 

 I was able to complete clinical rotations at variety of hospitals and clinics in Tucson and the surrounding area. I was fortunate enough to work with a variety of populations including veterans, pediatrics, and pregnant women to name a few.  

As I was nearing the end of my doctoral work and completing my clinical hours, I realized that I wanted to switch research fields and focus on obesity, weight loss and inflammation. I felt like I could make a difference in this area of nutrition in my lifetime.  

I completed my postdoctoral fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN where I focused on obesity and inflammation. I have been fortunate enough to stay on as a research consultant for Mayo Clinic to continue my work.  

Currently, I am working at Viterbo University where I am an associate professor, department chair and dietetic internship director in the Nutrition and Dietetics department. I am one of the fortunate few that are able to say they absolutely love their job! 

Recently, I also started a consultant position with Vida Health where I am able to provide nutrition care to Vida Health members with a variety of health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, PCOS and fertility concerns.  

Why Am I writing a Blog? 

I love nutrition! And I want to share my expertise with the masses. My dietetic interns are always telling me I should write a book, so I thought why not a blog.  

There are so many misconceptions out there about nutrition and wellness. I am hoping to help clear up some of the myths and answer your burning nutrition and wellness questions! 

Education is my passion and I would like to use this blog as a way to provide education to many.  

What Can you Expect? 

I will be posting on a variety of nutrition and wellness topics. Starting with more basic information and moving into weight loss, inflammation and fertility.  

That being said, I would love to from YOU… what do you want to learn more about?? 

I will be posting weekly and I would love for you to comment on posts and let me know if you want more of the same or want to learn about something new.