Afshan Ahmad

Email: aahmad3@mail.csuchico.edu

Professional Profile

Advanced training and experience in motivational interviewing
Two years of experience in community nutrition and nutrition education
Diverse background with a Bachelors in Human Biology
Leadership experience
Basic Spanish and Urdu speaking skills

Education

Masters of Science in Nutrition and Food Science and Didactic Program in Dietetics Expected Graduation: May 2016

California State University, Chico

Bachelors of Science in Human Biology, Minor in European History June 2012

University of California, San Diego

Work Experience

Community Nutrition Assistant January 2014- Present

Center for Healthy Communities, Chico, California

Lead for Butte County activity reporting and ensuring that all objectives are met
Interacted with diverse communities to lead nutrition and cooking lessons in schools and community centers
Created and implemented lessons and team trainings for new and continuing staff
Developed policy and procedures for the organization’s community materials

Laboratory Associate July 2012-February 2013

Covidien Neurovascular, Irvine, California

Collaborated with engineers to design and improve vascular technology
Implemented tests and performed data analysis on devices and prototypes
Maintained and updated laboratory notebook with prototype results and changes

Laboratory Assistant June 2010-June 2012

Moore’s Cancer Center, San Diego, California

Conducted independent research under the guidance of Principle Investigator
Planned and executed experiments and data collections
Calculated and prepared buffer and solution preparations
Extensively used technology and laboratory equipment to run assays

Lead Intern December 2011-December 2012

San Diego Health Fairs and San Diego Veg Festival, San Diego, California

Networked and communicated with San Diego health and wellness companies
Planned and organized onsite health and wellness events, seminars, & workshops for companies and communities
Worked to raise awareness of healthy and affordable eating habits to community members
Compiled and updated database of San Diego health professionals and companies
Served as lead intern for the first annual San Diego Veg Festival and worked to secure vendors for the festival and cater to the needs of over 900 guests

Volunteer and Internship Experience

Peer Mentor Coordinator October 2015-Present

Nutrition and Food Science Department, California State University, Chico

Organized undergraduate and graduate peer mentor lists
Collaborated with professor to devise venues for peer mentor and mentee interaction
Developed content for peer mentor website

Sustainability volunteer October 2015-December 2015

Associated Students Sustainability, California State University, Chico

Researched state-specific vegetation to design handouts on drought-tolerant plants and crops
Created materials for drought awareness

Nutrition and Exercise Mentor January 2014- May 2014

FitU, California State University, Chico

Completed a 45-hour training externship focused on motivational interviewing to be eligible to be a peer mentor
Mentored fellow students individually in 8 exercise and nutrition counseling sessions throughout the semester
Practiced motivational interviewing skills and guided clients towards developing a healthier relationship with food
Brainstormed with mentor team on approaches to discussing body image and hunger and fullness cues

Nutrition Intern September-December 2014

Terraces Senior Living Community, Chico California

Joined senior residents in exercise and physical activity sessions
Created handouts and flyers on incorporating seasoning and flavoring practices from various cultures to avoid excessive use of salt
Discussed nutritional topics of interest with residents and provided resources for additional information

Nutrition Volunteer July-August 2014

Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, Downey, California

Accompanied dietitians through various units in the hospital including the stroke, pediatric, and diabetic units and partook in patient interviews and diabetes education sessions
Monitored and assisted foodservice workers in tray line for lunch and dinner preparation
Trained under diet technicians to complete menus with patients, collect all menus for meals and assessed for compliance with diet orders
Worked with dietitians to assess chart notes and labs as well as nutrition diagnoses

Research and Presentations

Graduate Research: Development of a Visual Analog Scale for Trigger Foods
California Afterschool Network (CAN): Nutrition and Physical Activity Committee Webinar, November 10, 2015
Butte County Office of Education: Nutrition in the Preschool Setting: Tools for Healthy Living August 4, 2015

Certifications

ServSafe Food Safety Certification, October 2013
Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point Certification, December 2013

Professional Affiliations

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
California Dietetic Association

Honors and Awards

Achievement Award- Center for Healthy Communities, April 2014
Certificate of Recognition-Center for Healthy Communities, April 2015
Certificate of Completion-Wildcat Leadership Institute, May 2014
Provost's Student Awards for Research and Creativity- CSU, Chico, February 2016

Extracurricular Activities

Wildcat Leadership Institute, CSU Chico, Fall 2013 and Spring 2014
Graduate Student Nutrition Association, CSU Chico