Rutgers SHP - Department of Clinical and Preventive Nutrition Sciences

Rutgers SHP - Department of Clinical and Preventive Nutrition Sciences In 1995, Rutgers School of Health Professions introduced the first masters level program in New Jersey designed exclusively for Registered Dietitians (RD's).

Our clinical and preventive nutrition sciences programs offer exceptional education and research experiences for students that prepare them for careers as dietetic practitioners at all levels. The program provides a clinically challenging, rigorous graduate education in nutrition that may be completed online. This program is unique in regards to its distance education options and for advanced leve

l practice opportunities in clinical, community, public health and management settings. The MSCN is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence through an individualized advanced-level, clinically focused graduate degree program. The program instills an appreciation of lifelong learning, professional leadership, and service. It prepares graduates with the advanced knowledge, expanded skills, and intellectual maturity necessary to become progressive, innovative and inter-professional practitioners and leaders in the dynamic health care environment. In 2003, SHP opened the first clinical doctorate program (DCN) in Nutrition. This web-based program focuses on advanced clinical practice assuring that RD's remain integral members of the health care team in any practice setting. This program requires completion of a clinical doctorate residency and a research project. Strategic Vision of the Graduate Programs in Clinical Nutrition

The Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition (MSCN) and the Doctorate in Clinical Nutrition (DCN) Programs are models for advanced-level graduate study in clinical nutrition. The programs utilize a web-based platform to educate a diverse group of RD professionals to service the state, nation and communities abroad. Graduates are prepared with critical thinking and scientific skills needed for advanced-level clinical practice, management, research, and leadership roles to respond to the challenges of the 21st century. Graduates are consumers of research and scholarship, able to design, conduct, analyze, and publish scientifically sound research and other peer reviewed papers on evidence-based dietetics practice. The program instills an appreciation for interdisciplinary collaboration and education, provides "upskilling" opportunities to achieve expanded roles in health promotion, disease prevention, and intervention for a multi-cultural society.

Congratulations to DCN student Ge Ge on two outstanding publications! In the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, ...
05/13/2026

Congratulations to DCN student Ge Ge on two outstanding publications!

In the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Ge published:

“Professional Ethics in Dietetics: A Global Document Analysis of Codes of Ethics and Conduct.” This important work explores how professional ethics are represented across dietetics organizations worldwide and highlights opportunities to strengthen ethical guidance within the profession.

🔗 https://doi.org/10.1111/jhn.70268

Ge also published “Culturally Appropriate Food in Local Food Systems and Associated Health Impacts Among Immigrants Living in High-Income Countries: A Scoping Review” in in the Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development. This review examines the importance of culturally appropriate foods for immigrant health and well-being and the role of local food systems in supporting diverse communities.

🔗 https://doi.org/10.5304/jafscd.2026.152.008

We are proud to see our DCN students advancing scholarship that promotes ethical practice, cultural inclusion, and health equity in nutrition and dietetics!

Congratulations to Paul Foster, MS, RD, LDN, CSR, CCTD, DCN student, on presenting his poster at the 2026 National Kidne...
05/08/2026

Congratulations to Paul Foster, MS, RD, LDN, CSR, CCTD, DCN student, on presenting his poster at the 2026 National Kidney Foundation Spring Clinical Meetings!

Paul’s poster, “A Rare Stone on the Road to Kidney Transplant: A Case Study on Nutrition Challenges with Cystinuria,” explored the critical role of nutrition intervention and multidisciplinary care in supporting patients with cystinuria and chronic kidney disease during the kidney transplant process.

This project was completed as part of the DCN Advanced Clinical Nutrition course and mentored by Dr. Becky Brody.

We are proud to see Paul representing Rutgers University and advancing nutrition and kidney care through his scholarship and clinical expertise.

On Monday, May 4, Drs. Garth Nanni and Jane Ziegler, Professor Krista Donough, and DCN student Lian Cerella led an innov...
05/07/2026

On Monday, May 4, Drs. Garth Nanni and Jane Ziegler, Professor Krista Donough, and DCN student Lian Cerella led an innovative interprofessional practice experience exploring the use of ultrasound in nutrition care.

Ultrasound is an emerging, non-invasive tool for evaluating muscle mass and muscle quality as part of assessing nutritional status. As this technology becomes increasingly integrated into clinical nutrition practice, it offers exciting opportunities to improve the diagnosis, monitoring, and intervention of malnutrition.

This experience highlighted the important collaboration between the nutrition and sonography professions, demonstrating how working together can enhance patient care and make a meaningful impact in addressing malnutrition.

Thank you to everyone involved!

05/07/2026

At Rutgers School of Health Professions, student outcomes reflect the strength of the academic experience.

The MS in Clinical Nutrition for Aspiring Dietitians program has achieved a 97.3% three-year pass rate on the national credentialing examination for registered dietitian nutritionists, including a 100% pass rate over the past two years.

These results speak to the quality of the program’s curriculum, faculty mentorship, and preparation for professional practice.

Learn more: https://shp.rutgers.edu/ms-clinical-nutrition-aspiring-dietitians/

We are proud to celebrate AnnaMarie Couce, a DCN student and graduate of the MSCN for Aspiring Dietitians program, who w...
05/07/2026

We are proud to celebrate AnnaMarie Couce, a DCN student and graduate of the MSCN for Aspiring Dietitians program, who was recognized on May 1st at the 2025–2026 Leadership Education in Neurodevelopment and Related Disabilities (LEND) Fellow Graduation.

As part of her LEND experience, Annie completed a culminating project titled: Sensory Friendly Virtual Meal Support for Eating Disorders.”

Mentored by Dr. Jane Ziegler, this important work highlights innovative approaches to creating more inclusive and supportive nutrition care experiences for individuals with eating disorders.

Congratulations, Annie, on this outstanding achievement and your continued dedication to advancing compassionate, patient-centered care!

Celebrating our DCN community! On May 5, 2026, 10 alumni and current Doctor of Clinical Nutrition (DCN) students from th...
05/05/2026

Celebrating our DCN community!

On May 5, 2026, 10 alumni and current Doctor of Clinical Nutrition (DCN) students from the Department of Clinical and Preventive Nutrition Sciences proudly presented at the Rutgers School of Health Professions Student Research and Scholarship Symposium.

Presenters shared their research projects and clinical case studies developed through their coursework, showcasing the depth and impact of their training:

Mary Kathryn Edwards, Dr. Jennifer Gordon, Glenn Brietzke, Dr. Wendy Medunick, Lyssa Lamport, Julie McGuire, Dr. Richa Modak, Dr. Anca Cunningham, Tara Rebele, and Erin Skinner.

We also extend our thanks to the faculty moderators, Dr. Laura Byham-Gray and Dr. Shristi Rawal, and the DCPNS faculty mentors. A special highlight of the day included an outstanding scholarly presentation by DCPNS faculty member Dr. Shristi Rawal.

We are also proud to celebrate our poster award winners:
Poster Session 1: Mary Kathryn Edwards – 1st place
Poster Session 2: Glenn Brietzke – 2nd place
Poster Session 3: Lyssa Lamport – 1st place; Anca Cunningham – 2nd place; Julie McGuire – 3rd place
Poster Session 4: Tara Rebele – 2nd place

An amazing showing by our students and alumni! Click to view their posters. Congratulations to all for advancing clinical nutrition science and representing DCN with excellence!

Celebrating Scholarly Excellence! We’re proud to highlight a recent publication from soon-to-be DCN graduate Tara Rebel...
05/05/2026

Celebrating Scholarly Excellence!

We’re proud to highlight a recent publication from soon-to-be DCN graduate Tara Rebele, MPH, RDN!

Tara’s doctoral research, a systematic review titled “Growth and human milk intake outcomes from postdischarge feedings among very-low-birth-weight preterm infants” has been published in Nutrition in Clinical Practice.
This impressive work was completed in collaboration with faculty and colleagues: Drs. Allison Gomes, Melanie Newkirk, Laura Byham-Gray, Jane Ziegler, and Rutgers Librarian Mina Ghajar.

Congratulations to Tara and the entire team on this meaningful contribution to neonatal nutrition research!

🔗 Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/e9kzsX5y

Another Outstanding Publication to Celebrate!Congratulations to recent DCN graduate Dr. Jane Sylvestre on her publicatio...
05/05/2026

Another Outstanding Publication to Celebrate!

Congratulations to recent DCN graduate Dr. Jane Sylvestre on her publication in Dietetics!

Her doctoral research study, “Identification of Nutrition-Focused Physical Exam and Other Nutrition Assessment Components Specific to Bariatric Surgery: A Modified Delphi Study,” contributes valuable insights to the advancement of nutrition assessment practices in bariatric care.

This work was completed in collaboration with Dr. Jane Ziegler, Dr. Laura Byham-Gray, and Dr. Diane Radler.

We are proud to see Dr. Sylvestre’s work making an impact in clinical nutrition practice!

🔗 Read the full article: https://www.mdpi.com/2674-0311/5/2/27

We’re proud to celebrate DCN student Katrina Hartog, MPH, RD, CDN, Associate Director of Clinical Nutrition at Memorial ...
05/04/2026

We’re proud to celebrate DCN student Katrina Hartog, MPH, RD, CDN, Associate Director of Clinical Nutrition at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Katrina recently delivered an engaging and insightful session at the NJ American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (JASPEN) meeting, focusing on body composition and measurement in critically ill patients, an area that is both complex and essential to advancing nutrition care.

Her work exemplifies the impact of clinician-scholars who are not only leaders in practice but also committed to advancing knowledge and improving patient outcomes. Congratulations, Katrina, on this outstanding contribution to the field!

Global learning in action!On 4/29/26, students from the Rutgers MS in Clinical Nutrition for Aspiring Dietitians program...
04/30/2026

Global learning in action!

On 4/29/26, students from the Rutgers MS in Clinical Nutrition for Aspiring Dietitians program and the International Medical University (IMU) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia came together for our annual International Clinical Case Rounds, bridging a 12-hour time difference to collaborate across continents.

Students from both programs presented clinical cases demonstrating the Nutrition Care Process. A special shoutout to Rutgers MSCN student Jade Fishman and IMU student Glynnis for their excellent case presentations!

Through breakout discussions, students debriefed on approaches to the Nutrition Care Process, assessment tools, and the influence of social and cultural factors on patient care. The engagement and exchange of ideas highlighted the power of global collaboration in health professions education.

Student Quotes:
“I think having the breakout rooms allowed me to share the practices done here, but also get to learn more details regarding the practices done in other countries.”

“I enjoyed comparing the two cases, especially when looking at performing the NFPE and malnutrition guidelines. It was interesting to see how we both use the same techniques and approaches to inform our overall care for the patient. ”

A huge thank you to IMU faculty Alina Ita Binti Azhar and Rutgers MSCN Dr. Jennifer Bridenbaugh for coordinating this meaningful and impactful experience.

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