Betsy Hiser Scholarship
The Elizabeth Hiser Memorial Nutrition Scholarship
This scholarship is intended to help a registered dietitian who is a current member of VAND pursue education in order to enhance professional standing and knowledge of nutrition, nutrition education, or food science. The school or educational program may be located in Vermont or out-of-state but the dietitian must be a resident of Vermont. One scholarship up to $1000 will be awarded annually each May. Application
Elizabeth (Betsy) Hiser, M.S., R.D., was a nationally recognized dietitian and journalist. She received the American Dietetic Association media Excellence Award in 1998, and the Institute of Food Technologists Science Journalism Award in 1995. Betsy was the founding nutrition editor of Eating Well magazine, and her work was published in numerous magazines including Better Homes and Gardens and Vegetarian Times. She was author of the book "The Other Diabetes: Living and Eating Well with Type 2 Diabetes." Betsy was known for her creative ability to translate the technical science of nutrition into writing that was easily understood and interesting. The Vermont Dietetic Association is proud to honor Betsy's memory with a scholarship in her name.
VAND Members who have received Betsy Hiser Scholarship
2019 - Molly Parker
My professional goal is to become a specialty-level dietetics practitioner by completing the necessary education and supervision to earn the Certified Eating Disorder Registered Dietitian credential. This scholarship will allow me to expand my knowledge base and clinical competencies for treating individuals with eating disorders by taking the required coursework and receiving continuing supervision. My goal is to increase access to care in Vermont, and use my skills to help my clients improve their relationships with food and their bodies.
2018 - Rebecca O’Reilly
As a registered dietitian at the Vermont Department of Health, it is my responsibility to seek and translate the latest in diabetes research, particularly as it pertains to nutrition management. I have recently submitted an abstract to the American Diabetes Association’s 78th annual scientific sessions. If selected I will have an opportunity to present the results of an internal VDH assessment of the National Diabetes Prevention Program at a poster session. I am applying for funding to attend the annual meeting of the American Diabetes Association, which offers an unparalleled opportunity to become immersed in current research, better inform my role at VDH, and expand my network of national colleagues.
2016- Nicole Rohrig, RD, CD. I have always been fascinated with the role of nutrition and wellness, particularly in disease prevention. As an outpatient dietitian, I find it incredibly rewarding to work with patients to help them meet their health goals. Dietetics is an ever-evolving science; continuing my education requires me to stay on top of the most relevant, evidence-based information to integrate into my practice. Obtaining my master’s degree in dietetics demonstrates my commitment to the profession and will open more opportunities for me in the future. It is a crucial step in building the framework to start a private practice and stepping into the world of food journalism. The flexibility of the program has allowed me to continue working full time while taking online classes that are both interesting and beneficial to my work. Being awarded this scholarship would lessen the financial burden that comes with graduate school and would assist me in meeting my educational and career aspirations.
2013-Kimberly Evans RD CD
2009- Laura Biron MBA, RD, CD
2004- Molly Holland, MPH, RD, CD
2003- Joanne Heidkamp, RD
2002- Susan Coburn, RD