The recipient of the Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year Award must be a dietitian 35 years of age or younger who has demonstrated leadership qualities and performance in dietetics. The 2020 recipient is Dr. Emily Patten.
Emily is currently an Assistant Professor at Brigham Young University. Emily is a dynamic instructor for several dietetics management courses where she shows students how to apply management and leadership principles to life. Emily is also the club advisor for BYU’s Student Dietetic Association.
Her research which explores issues impacting the experience and effectiveness of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists. Over her career, Emily has co-authored 11 peer-reviewed publications (3 of which have student co-authors), presented six oral conference presentations, and co-authored 19 posters (14 of which have student co-authors).
Emily has an enormous passion for the dietetics profession and has committed her time and skills to professional involvement at the state and national level. Specifically, Emily has contributed to the Utah Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics as the State Policy Representative (2011-13), Public Policy Coordinator (2013-14), and as a member of the Annual Conference Planning Committee (2017-2020). Nationally, Emily served a two-year term (2014-2015) as a Home Food Safety Scholarship Selection Committee Member for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation, a three-year term (2016-2018) as an ANDF Scholarship Committee Member, and is currently involved in RDN Exam item development and review for the Commission on Dietetic Registration. Outside of work, Emily spends time with Devin (husband), Griz (4-year old son), and Scout (1-year old daughter). She lives for summer when she can cycle and waterski!
Emily’s zeal, energy, fresh perspective, and desire to improve processes continues to benefit BYU Dietetics students and the field of dietetics. In recognition of her leadership and impact, UAND is pleased to present Emily Patten as the Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year.
Congratulations Emily!
Follow along in the coming months as we highlight each of our 2020 award recipients and their accomplishments!