Erika R. Anna, MS, RDN, CD
Commission on Dietetic Registration Doctoral Scholarship
Completing a Doctoral Program at University of Wisconsin-Madison
| “Thank you for this honor. I am humbled and grateful to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation for selecting me as a recipient of the 2023 Commission on Dietetic Registration Doctoral Scholarship. My deepest gratitude to the Foundation and the CDR for recognizing my work and accomplishments and supporting the advancement of my education. I am committed to the elevation of the field of nutrition and dietetics, as well as mentoring and empowering future RDNs through their own growth and development.” |
How did you learn about the availability of the Foundation scholarship that you received?
I learned about the availability of the Foundation scholarships through the numerous DPGs and MIGs in which I am a member. I am so grateful for these communities!
What motivated you to apply for a Foundation Scholarship?
I made the conscious decision to continue to work full time in a career I am both passionate about and thriving in while simultaneously completing a doctoral degree. This meant I went into my doctoral program knowing I would be self-funded (versus our "traditional" graduate students who function as such and are fully funded). This was a stressful decision, but I stand firm because I am profoundly grateful for the work I get to do each day in my full-time role. I teach courses I am passionate about which are informed by my global-local clinical work and international teaching responsibilities; I have the opportunity to work with students whose innovative and creative thinking both challenges me up and gives me hope in the future; and as a clinician, I have the opportunity to work with an extraordinary interdisciplinary mobile primary care team who work tirelessly breaking down barriers to accessible and affordable health care. I knew a scholarship would take the stress of constantly seeking funding off my plate, allowing me to focus on my teaching, mentoring, clinical work, patients, and research.
How will the scholarship funds help support your continued success within your educational program?
I am resourceful, highly motivated, and have a passion for learning. I admire the refining process I have gone through with each educational degree and certification attained. Having the funding and the support of the Foundation and the CDR to pursue my doctoral program is a strong motivator to dig in and publish my research to advance our profession through best practices, original literature, and student growth and development.
What advice do you have for your colleagues about seeking out and applying for Foundation funding opportunities?
Apply! I have watched numerous students and colleagues receive Foundation funding opportunities, you can too! Start your application early and give yourself ample time to thoughtfully complete it.
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.
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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.
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