Marcela Salinas Domene

     I am Marcela Salinas Domene and I am currently a Nutritional Sciences graduate student in the Integrated Coordinated Program in Dietetics at The University of Texas at Austin. My journey into the field of dietetics first began as a child growing up in the Rio Grande Valley. With limited access to Registered Dietitians and multiple areas that are considered food deserts, there was a scarce amount of nutritional guidance for myself and for my community. As a result, I decided to pursue a career where I could use my nutrition knowledge to empower individuals with the tools to lead a healthier lifestyle. 

      As a graduate student in Nutritional Sciences, I have been able to learn more about the intricate mechanisms involved in nutritional pathways as well as deepened my understanding of how social determinants of health can impact the way one views nutrition. Additionally, I recently finished my dietetic internship where I was able to apply my Medical Nutrition Knowledge and use it to aid the communities in Austin. These nutrition classes and internship experience have given me the proper leadership, nutrition education, and counseling skills to properly succeed in my future as a Registered Dietitian. Some of my strengths that I have discovered through my experiences include being a fast-learner, having a detailed understanding of motivational interviewing, and having a personalized intervention for each of my patients. Furthermore, my rotations have strengthened my commitment to nutrition education and accessibility of nutrition within underserved communities (CRDN 5.2). 

     My ultimate goal is to work as an outpatient clinical dietitian, serving mainly the Hispanic and underrepresented areas in the Rio Grande Valley. Through my nutrition education, I feel that I have the proper tools to be able to spread nutritional science information and help people in my community as a Registered Dietitian!

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