Jennifer R. Watson, MS, RDN
2022 Colonel Katharine E. Manchester Scholarship
Completing a Doctoral Program at Iowa State University
| “This scholarship will ensure that I finish my PhD program strong, without worrying how to find the money to cover tuition and the costs associate with conducting my research in my last year. This scholarship has encouraged me to keep going this year, so I can complete my program and find a teaching position to share my passions for food and cooking with dietetics and hospitality students.” |
How did you learn about the availability of the Foundation scholarship that you received?
I received an email telling me about the scholarship application in the Spring. So while I was promoting this opportunity to my students, I also applied to get support in my own education.
What motivated you to apply for a Foundation Scholarship?
The foundation has generously supported my education in the past, and I feel like my dissertation topic is one that will be of interest to future dietetics practitioners. My major professor has been very supportive of my efforts to secure scholarships, and offered to write me a letter of recommendation. Without her support, I know I would not have gotten the scholarship!
How will the scholarship funds help support your continued success within your educational program?
Somehow graduate school, like most things these days, just keeps getting more expensive. Aside from being a student, I'm also a mom, which means many support costs like child care to keep pursuing my degree. This scholarship will mean that I have funds to cover my tuition fees, and research related costs, and that will free up my personal savings to go towards household costs and possible saving for college for my own children. I've tried to be a good example of the importance of pursuing higher education to get the job you want, and my family has been supportive of me along this journey. These funds will allow me to put my personal savings towards more fun things for the family, and show them how much I've appreciated the cheerleading for the last four years.
What advice do you have for your colleagues about seeking out and applying for Foundation funding opportunities?
The rewards are worth the effort! The scholarship application can seem daunting at times, and it can feel awkward to ask for recommendations, but go for it! You'd be amazed at how many of your friends and colleagues are there to support your efforts, so take the time to apply!
Scholarship and Award Application and Timeline Information
All applications and timelines for Foundation funding opportunities are made available electronically within the Foundation’s application portal. Generally, the scholarship applications are available from mid- February to mid-April, most award and grant applications are available from December to February, and fellowship opportunities are posted as they become available.
To ensure you receive all of our Foundation news and announcements, including scholarship, award and grant announcements, subscribe to our Foundation’s weekly Kids Eat Right Monday Message and Foundation News.
With Your Help, We Can Do Even More
Our Foundation is the only charitable organization dedicated exclusively to supporting nutrition and dietetics professionals by empowering them to help consumers live healthier lifestyles. Our Foundation does not receive any portion of member dues and is funded solely by donations. Please consider making a gift today to support our Make It a Million Scholarship Campaign that will help us to award one million dollars in scholarships annually to Academy members, students and dietetic interns at all levels of study.
#FoundationRecipientProfiles