Flavour of the Month: Freshly Baked Bread
We asked Melissa Baker-Wilson, Bachelor of Science (Dietetics) what her favourite flavour was. Find out more from our UBC Dietetics Education Coordinator.
What is your favourite flavour and why?
I love the flavour (and smell) of fresh baked bread! I grew up watching (and eventually helping) my grandmother make fresh bread and buns all the time. No matter how many times I tried, I could never make bread like my grandma. There was something so special about showing up at her house as a kid and smelling her bread when I first walked into the house. Now, I remember her fondly every time I smell fresh bread.
How long have you worked in LFS and what is your role?
I joined the dietetics team in January 2024 in the role of dietetics educator. I am an instructor for our students practice education courses and lead placement planning for the program, as well as our work with UBC Health on the integrated curriculum, which supports students in building team-based competencies.
What are the highlights of your career after you graduated?
Lots of highlights since I graduated 12 years ago! My dietetics degree provided me many opportunities for interesting roles and experiences. I was elected to serve on the Board of Directors for Dietitians of Canada as a new professional. This was a great experience, where I actually had the pleasure of working with my now colleague Kara Vogt! I completed my master’s degree at TMU and then had the chance to work for BC Dairy as a nutrition educator, which allowed me to travel all around beautiful BC to provide workshops for K-12 teachers. I also worked with UBC Food Services for about 7 years transforming UBC’s residence food program, which led to us being featured on CBC’s The Nature of Things: Food for Thought series. In this role, I also implemented a stock epinephrine (Epi-Pen) program that has helped to save at least one life. Lastly, a big passion project of mine was working to reduce the advertising and availability of sugary beverages on our campus. I helped negotiate a first of its kind pouring rights contract on campus that eliminated sugary beverage advertising and reduced the availability in student residences. I worked with some fabulous UBC researchers to publish this paper on the topic: The University of British Columbia healthy beverage initiative: changing the beverage landscape on a large post-secondary campus.
What activities, programs, and extracurricular activities were you involved in as an LFS student?
- Dietetics Newsletter Committee
- Community Health Initiatives by University Students (CHIUS) Dietetics Representative
- UBC Dietitians of Canada Student Representative
What are your highlights of studying dietetics?
I loved the food lab (food theory and applications) course with Gerry Kasten and Joanne Rankin (at the time). It was such a fun course, we learned so much and had fabulous instructors. I have many fond memories in Vij’s Kitchen. We are so lucky to have that space in LFS! My clinical placements were also wonderful learning experiences that allowed me to explore beautiful areas in northern BC.
Do you have some top tips for students interested into getting into the field of dietetics, nutrition and wellness?
Think outside of the box! Definitely make sure you have a good understanding of the dietetics profession and food system, but also look for unique opportunities to build skills that will help you be successful in the profession. Finding a good mentor can also be an incredibly valuable experience. Check out the LFS mentorship program.
And finally, where on campus is your go-to place to eat and/or place to relax?
I love Open Kitchen (a first year residence dining hall, but it is open to all!), as well as Hero Coffee – the best little café with the best treats and coffee on campus!