Like many students, Breanna Karabeinikoff’s academic path didn’t follow a straight line. After starting out as a chemistry major, she decided to switch tracks to pursue her original dream of becoming a clinical dietician and is now working in a career she loves.
Breanna graduated from UHart in 2019 with a health sciences pre-professional degree from the College of ENHP and a minor in chemistry. She continued on to graduate school at UConn where she obtained her master’s degree in dietetics in June 2022, and now holds two positions as a dietician at Day-Kimball Hospital in Putnam and the Hospital of Central Connecticut in New Britain.
Breanna developed an interest in the field of dietetics during her junior year of high school. She modified her lifestyle to be healthier, but became too cautious and restricted her calorie intake to lose weight. After realizing how much weight she lost and the detrimental effect it had on her body, Breanna recovered by eating more plant-based food and increasing her calorie intake. “This experience led me to pursue a master's degree in health promotion and a coordinated program in dietetics. I wanted to help people overcome or manage their diseases or eating disorders and support their overall well-being through the power of nutrition,” she said.
Her goal as an undergraduate was to major in dietetics, but she changed her direction after talking to her family about her plans. Breanna’s aunt told her she wouldn’t find many jobs as a dietitian and should become a pharmacist instead. Breanna was discouraged after hearing those words but took her aunt’s advice. She started a chemistry/pre-pharmacy major at UHart, but she lacked interest and still wanted to pursue her original dreams.
Breanna credits her transition to Dr. Claudia Oakes who helped her seamlessly transition from the College of Arts & Sciences to ENHP, as well as research graduate programs in dietetics that would accept her undergraduate degree. “I couldn't have been more grateful for the support I received during my time at UHart. I believe my path to dietetics would be a longer and more stressful one if I never received support from Dr. Oakes and Dr. Munoz,” she said.
Breanna also conducted research with her advisor, Dr. Colleen Munoz, assessing the dietary patterns and protein preferences of the local older adult population related to current guidelines and scientific findings that promote good health and quality of life.
“This research experience with Dr. Munoz helped me develop an in-depth understanding of conducting ethical human subject research as well as become proficient in nutrient analysis using commercial dietary software and statistical analysis,” she said. Breanna was able to implement the skills gained from this experience into her research at UConn which examined the usefulness of the Pediatric Adapted Liking Survey (PALS) and tailored messaging at Washington Middle School in Meriden, CT.
As a dietitian for the past three months, Breanna finds personal satisfaction in knowing that she helped someone adopt a healthy behavior to improve their overall well-being. Interventions that she implements in the hospital range from ordering a patient more snacks and supplements to encouraging them to consume an adequate amount of food, to providing education and tube feeding recommendations. She finds it so rewarding to be involved in a field that not only focuses on nutrition in a hospital setting but pertains to private practices, colleges, and clinics as well.
“My advice to current students would be to follow your dream career path despite what others think, because in the end it's most important that you're happy and pursuing an occupation that you're passionate about. With that being said, also remember that it is completely valid to change your career over time if you become interested in a different opportunity,” she said.
Breanna Karabeinikoff '19, College of Education, Nursing and Health ProfessionsMy advice to current students would be to follow your dream career path despite what others think, because in the end it's most important that you're happy and pursuing an occupation that you're passionate about. With that being said, also remember that it is completely valid to change your career over time if you become interested in a different opportunity.