What started out as an assignment in English class nearly a decade ago has turned into a lifetime of passion for BHS alum Tiffany Mihaliak, daughter of Paul and Evon Mihaliak.  Sitting in Mrs. Julie Tommes’ class, she was charged with choosing a controversial topic

for her research paper.  “Mrs. Tommes said to make sure it was something I wouldn’t get sick of researching over a six-week period,” said Mihaliak.  She decided to study the effects of pesticide use on the human body. During her research, she learned about the relationship between food and the impact it has on our health. Seven years later, she is still not sick of learning about it.

 

Mihaliak was recently selected to participate in a 10-month program as a Dietetic Intern with Mississippi State University.  During that time, which will begin in August, she will receive supervised experience in clinical and community nutrition, food service management, and nutrition education.  She will then obtain her license to be a Registered Dietitian and be able to counsel patients in an outpatient setting.

 

As an Honors student, Mihaliak graduated magna cum laude from WVU last December with a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Nutrition and Foods.  She credits her faith and family for creating a spirit of giving, which has led to a career choice in helping others.  She was an active member of the WVU Chapter of the Student Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and regularly volunteered at The Shack Neighborhood House and the Children’s Discovery Museum in Morgantown where she educated children and caregivers about nutrition and the effects of simple sugars.

 

She also assisted with the “Passport to Heath” program, which encouraged children K-5 to increase daily fruit and vegetable consumption and exercise in innovative ways over a nine-week period.  The group monitored the difference these simple changes made on over 100 people.

 

Mihaliak worked under UHC’s Erika Ford as a Clinical Nutrition Student Volunteer.  “Mrs. Ford was so empathetic, cheerful and knowledgeable as she worked with patients and the experience really gave me a good role model to look up to.  With her inspiration, Mrs. Tommes’ challenge and years of learning about the nutrition, I am so excited to do this internship in Mississippi and begin living my dream of extending compassion and nutrition knowledge to help people fully enjoy life.”