Meet Kiersten Koch, a passionate graduate student at Rutgers University–New Brunswick who is making her mark in nutrition and dietetics through dedication, compassion, and a commitment to impactful care. Kiersten is currently enrolled in the Rutgers SEBS Nutritional Sciences Dietetics
Program, where she is earning her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences while completing her dietetic internship, with an anticipated graduation in October 2026. Driven by the belief that “even small actions can make a meaningful difference,” Kiersten is motivated each day by her goal of becoming a Registered Dietitian who empowers others to feel supported, heard, and understood in their health journeys. As she shares, “making a difference doesn’t always mean creating huge change- sometimes it’s simply helping someone feel seen and supported.”
Her interest in nutrition began with a background in sports medicine and exercise science, which sparked a deeper curiosity about how food fuels the body and influences overall health. Today, she views nutrition as a powerful, universal tool, sharing: “Food is not just fuel-it is culture, connection, celebration, and community.” Through her dietetic internship, Kiersten has gained valuable experience across clinical, long-term care, and community settings, strengthening both her technical skills and her deep sense of empathy for those she serves. She also credits her mentors – Erin Comollo and her internship director, Pinkin Panchal, and Sarah Curran for their guidance, support, and the opportunities that have shaped her growth into a confident future Registered Dietitian.
In addition to her academic and clinical training, Kiersten serves as a Student Director with Rutgers Cooperative Extension – Family and Community Health Sciences, where she contributes to community-based programming and research, including initiatives with corner stores and schools across New Jersey. She is also an active student member of the New Jersey Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (NJAND). Kiersten attributes her success to strong time-management skills and a commitment to prioritizing well-being. Whether she’s at her rotation site, leading student initiatives, or preparing meals for her family, she maintains a balanced routine grounded in self-care, connection, and personal growth. Her guiding inspiration comes from T.S. Eliot: “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.”
Looking ahead, Kiersten is particularly interested in sports nutrition and weight management, including emerging areas such as GLP-1 and GIP therapies. Her long-term goal is to pursue a career in academia, where she hopes to educate and inspire the next generation of nutrition professionals.
