Student Bios
Keaton Buckingham
Master of Science Coordinated Program in Dietetics, Nutrition, and Exercise Physiology
Originally from Portland, Oregon, I have always had a love for food and nutrition. My “chef” career started early, helping my mom in the kitchen. I love sweets and grew to have a passion for baking, even opting to bake my own birthday cakes from scratch from a young age. Part of what I love about food is sharing my passion with others and the community that food can create. Currently outside of the kitchen and school, I work as a personal trainer helping others achieve their health goals.
What led you to study nutrition and exercise physiology, and why?
My own struggle with food, health, and injuries really propelled my aspirations to learn more in the field of nutrition and exercise physiology. I hope to be able to look back on my experiences and show empathy toward people who may be going through their own struggles.
What is your passion?
My underlying passion is helping others and I am fortunate to be able to do just that while pursuing a career in an area that intrigues me so much. I am sure that I will be able to utilize my education to support people in achieving their health and performance goals. In the future, it is my hope to help others optimize their health through nutrition and exercise.
Where do you hope to make an impact as you move to the next stage of your journey and beyond?
It is my hope to promote the success and well-being of all athletes in competition and school through nutrition support and education while fostering a positive relationship with food that persists following their athletic careers.
What is one of your favorite memories from your time at the college?
I have enjoyed so much in my time in college. During my stint at WSU I relished my time in my clinical rotation at St. Luke’s. It was amazing to interact directly with patients and to make a positive impact on the patient’s quality of life.
Ezequiel Cecilio-Santos
Master of Science Coordinated Program in Dietetics, Nutrition, and Exercise Physiology
My name is Ezequiel, but I have gone by Zeke growing up. I am a first-generation graduate student from Boring, Oregon, and I am about to accomplish something I never thought possible. Graduate with a master’s degree! I always knew that I wanted to pursue higher education after high school, and I earned my bachelor’s degree in physical activity and health at Eastern Oregon University in 2019. After working a few years in the real world, my interest in learning about human nutrition grew to the point where I knew I wanted to learn about nutrition and make a career out of it.
What led you to study nutrition and exercise physiology, and why?
Growing up, I have always had an interest in human nutrition but never thought about pursuing it as a career. I studied exercise physiology in my undergraduate education but felt like I wanted to learn more about nutrition. As time continued, I began to realize that our health is heavily influenced by what we eat. Therefore, I wanted to learn how to prevent disease onset through nutrition and exercise physiology.
What is your passion?
My passion for being a registered dietitian is to be a source of information and helping individuals live healthy lives. I enjoy making people laugh and smile because a world of laughter and smiles makes for a friendlier atmosphere, and that is what should always be going around.
Where do you hope to make an impact as you move to the next stage of your journey and beyond?
After becoming an RDN, I plan on working in a clinical setting to learn as much as possible and then go into a teaching position to share my knowledge among those interested in nutrition. I want to be in a position where I can share my knowledge and inspire others to live healthier lives. I also hope to inspire students of color that higher education is achievable with a strong work ethic and positive attitude. I never thought I would reach this level of higher education but I never gave up and kept doing my best no matter how difficult times.
What is one of your favorite memories from your time at the college?
My favorite memories at WSU have been the mentorship I have received from the amazing faculty. My success in the program is thanks to all the amazing nutrition and exercise physiology professors, especially Professor Frederick, Professor Davis, and Dr. Larson.
Kylie Clark
Master of Science Coordinated Program in Dietetics, Nutrition, and Exercise Physiology
I’m a second-generation Washington State University graduate from Bellingham, Washington. I am a Coug through and through, receiving both my bachelors and masters from WSU! In my free time, you might find me experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, exploring local farmers’ markets, or engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking.
What led you to study nutrition and exercise physiology, and why?
Throughout my 26 years of life, I faced and overcame my own
significant digestive challenges sparking a passion for the quest of vitality and led me to recognize the power nutrition plays in our bodies.
What is your passion?
To empower individuals on their journey to optimal health through evidence-based nutrition guidance and personalized strategies. My aim is to foster a sustainable and nourishing relationship with food, promoting overall well-being and disease prevention. With a commitment to continuous education and compassion, I strive to inspire and guide my clients toward making informed choices that support their unique needs, leading to a healthier, more vibrant life.
Where do you hope to make an impact as you move to the next stage of your journey and beyond?
I look forward to helping my patients at Sensibly Sprouted, a dietitian-owned clinical practice! I aim to work closely with individuals to improve their health and well-being through personalized nutrition plans. This involves educating them about healthy eating habits, guiding them on making sustainable lifestyle changes, and providing ongoing support to help them achieve their health goals!
What is one of your favorite memories from your time at the college?
One of my favorite memories from my time at college is when my friends and I organized a study group. We gathered in the library every week, armed with textbooks, notes, and plenty of snacks. What made this memory so special was not just the academic support we provided each other, but the camaraderie and laughter that filled the room. We shared stories, jokes, and anecdotes from our lives. These study sessions became a blend of learning and bonding, where we supported each other academically while also fostering deep friendships. Looking back, I realize that it wasn’t just the academic knowledge gained during those study sessions that made them memorable, but the sense of community and friendship that made the experience truly special.
Jayda Currinm
Master of Science Coordinated Program in Dietetics, Nutrition, and Exercise Physiology
I grew up in University Place, Washington but spent four years in Phoenix, Arizona to complete an undergraduate degree in nutrition. My passion and interest in furthering my knowledge in nutrition and exercise brought me to Spokane. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and being active!
What led you to study nutrition and exercise physiology, and why?
Growing up as an athlete I have always experienced the importance of nutrition in performance. Having the opportunity to grow my knowledge and to teach others led me to the NEP program.
What is your passion?
My passion is to help others balance a healthy lifestyle that includes being active and nourishing their body with foods that taste good.
Where do you hope to make an impact as you move to the next stage of your journey and beyond?
As I move to the next stage of my journey, I hope to share my education of nutrition and exercise to assist others in creating a healthy lifestyle!
What is one of your favorite memories from your time at the college?
One of my favorite memories through this college experience has been sharing the process with my classmates and leaning on each other to get through the stressful and tough times.
Elizabeth Ganey
Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology
I was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and I moved to Washington state with my family at 16. I lived in Olympia for three years and have resided in Spokane for the past two years. Growing up, I always participated in school sports such as soccer, volleyball, tennis, and track. You name it, I tried it. I still love watching sports and staying active in my free time. I spent a lot of time in lakes growing up, and some of my hobbies included swimming, fishing, and water sports like tubing. I am an avid reader and have a love for food. As a child, I would constantly switch back and forth on whether I wanted to be a heart surgeon or a chef. I later realized I wanted to be neither, but over time I started to develop a deep interest and passion for science and cooking. This led me onto my journey of studying nutrition and exercise.
What led you to study nutrition and exercise physiology, and why?
Because of my love for cooking and my interest in the medical sciences, I started to do some research into what careers and degrees would best fit my interests. That’s when I discovered WSU’s NEP program, and I immediately knew that was where I wanted to be. I discovered the field of dietetics and realized it was the perfect combination of my two interests: medicine and nutrition. I applied for NEP’s undergraduate program, and here I am today graduating!
What is your passion?
Aside from my love for science, exercise, nutrition, and other academic focuses, my greatest passion is helping others. Growing up, my family volunteered regularly and giving back to my community by volunteering is something I continue to do as an adult. As I start my future career, I will use my expertise in exercise and nutrition to help my community.
Where do you hope to make an impact as you move to the next stage of your journey and beyond?
After graduation, I will be going to WSU’s MS CPD program and hopefully becoming a registered dietician. With this career, I hope to make an impact in my community by being an advocate for food security and a resource for nutritional education.
What is one of your favorite memories from your time at the college?
One of my favorite memories from the past two years was going out for dinner in Coeur d’Alene with the whole cohort on the day of our last final junior year!
Thomas Gooding
PhD in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology
Born and raised in Paw Paw, Michigan, I’ve lived and worked in five different states before I made my way to WSU and Spokane. I am fortunate to have an amazing wife that continues to put up with me and my career aspirations and a father to two dogs and one tiny human. When I’m not “doing PhD school” you can find me tackling some sort of DIY project, playing with the kids, reading a fantasy book, or enjoying the great outdoors.
What led you to study nutrition and exercise physiology, and why?
I originally went to school to become an athletic trainer, as I had dealt with personal injuries and wanted to learn more about rehabilitation and injury prevention to help myself and others. While I loved my time as an athletic trainer, I can still remember the fascination I felt toward glycolysis and bioenergetics during undergraduate exercise physiology. This fascination has always stuck with me and, ultimately, I chose to pursue my passion of exercise physiology through research and education.
What is your passion?
No surprise here, but I love teaching and learning (hence the PhD). Specifically, I love learning about how the body works and being able to apply the fundamentals of physiology to improve my health and the health of others as well. I love “talking shop” with others who are as big a nerd about this health stuff as I am, and those times when a student has a light-bulb moment and starts geeking out. Join me my fellow nerds.
Where do you hope to make an impact as you move to the next stage of your journey and beyond?
I believe the biggest impact I can make is through leading by example and sharing the knowledge I’ve gained in these 10.5 years of higher education. At the time of this writing, I am fortunate to have the “next stage” lined up, but cannot share details yet. Regardless of whatever role I am in, I will continue help others in their pursuit of health and well-being and will continue pursuing my academic interests of human performance and recovery (sleep and nutrition). On a personal note, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to understand that I am the sum of my parts (athletic trainer, performance coach, researcher, father, husband, etc.) and that these mantles do not exist in isolation. Now that I am finishing school, I intend to catch up on the “life” component of the work-life balance, especially now that I have a little one.
What is one of your favorite memories from your time at the college?
There are many! However, a set of memories that stand out are the walks around campus my graduate classmates and I used take together. On sunny mornings, when the air was crisp and refreshing, my peers and I would take a lap along the Centennial trail in between classes. These walks reflected a simpler time and were some of the few chances where we could all hangout as a cohort before we were swept up into our own individual programs of study and research aims.
Lesley Hackett
Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology
I’m a wife and mom of two incredible kids. I love all things about the outdoors in every season — running, mountain biking, hiking, cross-country skiing, or surfing on the lake. I’m a post-bachelor student, having completed my BS in kinesiology at Sacramento State University in 2014. After moving to Spokane at the beginning of 2017, I later heard about this program and decided to pursue another degree in this area of interest to me.
What led you to study nutrition and exercise physiology, and why?
These two fields of study define my greatest interests, and the fact that this program was in-person, in Spokane where I reside. I love how this program combined the two fields of nutrition and exercise physiology because they are so intertwined in health and wellness. I have always been interested in good health, especially as an avid competitive athlete with a background in personal training. I desired to understand more of the science, professional recommendations, and latest research involving these fields to not only better my own health, but impact and educate those closest to me.
What is your passion?
Two of my greatest passions are optimal wellness and fitness. I love to race competitively, especially in obstacle course races, trail running races, and mountain bike races. Competing at the highest level not only requires high-end fitness, but optimal nutrition to perform well. Understanding exercise physiology and in-depth nutrition has fueled my excitement and education towards my own athletics.
Where do you hope to make an impact as you move to the next stage of your journey and beyond?
My latest educational insight and excitement has been in cardio-pulmonary rehabilitation. I am fascinated by the heart, how it functions, and the impact it has on one’s health. This fascination has led me to pursue my internship at St. Luke’s Cardiopulmonary Rehab for summer 2024. I’m excited to assist individuals in the rehab and recovery process from a variety of disease states to better their health and make a change for their future. I hope to make an impact in my community to help people achieve their highest level of cardiovascular health for optimal well-being.
What is one of your favorite memories from your time at the college?
Most of my favorite memories from my time at this college stem from participation in the various lab activities through the various physiology courses. Most notably in one lab, we had to perform a graded maximal exercise test to volitional exhaustion, gathering different data sets such as heart rate, blood pressure, lactate, VO2, and RER. While the test was very hard and obviously uncomfortable, I feel privileged to have been able to use high-end, expensive pieces of equipment to capture valuable health data about myself and interpret what it all means.
Lena Keller
Master of Science Coordinated Program in Dietetics, Nutrition, and Exercise Physiology
Hi! I’m Lena. I grew up in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley where I graduated a salutatorian from Lewiston High School in 2017. After graduating high school, I went to North Idaho College for a semester, took a semester off, and then started my undergraduate career at WSU Pullman. I finished my undergrad in nutrition and exercise physiology summer 2022. I was then accepted into the master’s program in dietetics and quickly learned that I had no doubt made the correct career choice. I recently took a job at Sacred Heart as a PRN Registered Dietitian. I look forward to building relationships with my patients and easing their way through whatever medical event they’ve been faced with.
What led you to study nutrition and exercise physiology, and why?
Growing up, I was surrounded by sports and being active. My brother was a great baseball player and ended up playing at the collegiate level, while my other brothers are both excellent golfers and played sports growing up. Both my mom and dad were active as kids. My mom was a cheerleader and gymnast, and my dad was a baseball player. Both my parents were active during my childhood as well. Currently, my mom loves to go on walks, go to the gym, and watch football, and my dad loves to play golf and watch pretty much any sport. Both my parents are excellent cooks, which started my love for food at a very young age. When I realized that I loved being active and eating great food, I knew that studying nutrition and exercise physiology would be the most interesting and rewarding for me.
What is your passion?
My passion is to build relationships with people and learn what I can do to assist people within my scope of practice and expertise. I hope by being a health care professional, I can make a positive impact on my patient’s healing process. I feel lucky to have the knowledge and education to bring my passions to fruition.
Where do you hope to make an impact as you move to the next stage of your journey and beyond?
As for the next stage of my journey, I hope to have a lasting impact on the world of dietetics. Working in the acute clinical setting, I want to build many professional relationships working on a team of other registered dietitians from different backgrounds and also with other health care professionals within such a large and great hospital.
What is one of your favorite memories from your time at the college?
My favorite memory during my time in college is when WSU beat UW in the 2021 Apple Cup. GO COUGS!!!!!
Shailee Kothari
Master of Science Coordinated Program in Dietetics, Nutrition, and Exercise Physiology
Originally from Mumbai, India, now in the USA post marriage. With two master’s degrees, one focusing on sports and the other on clinical nutrition, I’m deeply passionate about all aspects of food, from geeking about the science behind it to cooking and exploring different cuisines.
What led you to study nutrition and exercise physiology, and why?
My journey into the field of nutrition and exercise physiology stemmed from a deep-seated fascination with the intricate relationship between food, physical activity, and overall well-being. Witnessing the profound impact that proper nutrition and exercise can have on individuals’ health and performance sparked my curiosity and drove me to pursue studies in this field.
What is your passion?
My passion lies in the realm of nutrition and holistic well-being. I’m deeply committed to helping individuals optimize their health and vitality through evidence-based strategies. Beyond that, I’m also an avid traveler, music enthusiast, and foodie, always eager to explore new cultures and cuisines.
Where do you hope to make an impact as you move to the next stage of your journey and beyond?
As I embark on the next stage of my journey, my focus is on making a meaningful impact in the field of oncology nutrition. With the prevalence of cancer on the rise, my goal is to dedicate my efforts to improving the quality of life for cancer survivors and fighters through specialized nutritional interventions. I’m passionate about leveraging evidence-based strategies to support individuals undergoing treatment, manage side effects, and optimize their overall well-being. By working collaboratively with health care teams and advocating for greater awareness and access to oncology nutrition services, I aim to empower individuals on their cancer journey to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.
What is one of your favorite memories from your time at the college?
My absolute favorite college memories revolve around hitting the books with friends in the library, prepping for tests. There’s something about the collective focus and occasional laughs that made those study sessions memorable. And after the exams, treating ourselves to an amazing meal was the perfect way to unwind and shake off all the stress.
Hannah Landkammer
Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology
I grew up in Moscow, Idaho and Clarkston, Washington. I love backpacking, reading, painting, and writing. I have attended many colleges and have been in undergrad for many years.
What led you to study nutrition and exercise physiology, and why?
I’ve always been interested in nutrition and exercise, but I hadn’t considered it as an option for a career until a few years ago. I needed to experience other options first before I truly fell in love with nutrition.
What is your passion?
My biggest passion is backpacking and being in nature. I’m on the trails any chance I get. I would love to someday be able to combine nutrition and nature together. Hopefully I’ll learn exactly how to do that through my internship with Growing Neighbors!
Where do you hope to make an impact as you move to the next stage of your journey and beyond?
I hope to make an impact in people’s individual lives. I think there is a lot of bias and under-representation in health care and I want to be a voice for the people that need it. Being dismissed by a health care professional hurts. I don’t want any of my clients to experience that in the future.
What is one of your favorite memories from your time at the college?
Making new friends. My fellow classmates are some of the brightest, funniest, and most amazing people. I’m glad to have met them.
Anne Mansfield
Master of Science Coordinated Program in Dietetics, Nutrition, and Exercise Physiology
Originally from Utah, I love all things outdoors. Running, biking, hiking, and playing pickleball with my husband are among my favorite activities. I enjoy reading books and spending time with family in my free time.
What led you to study nutrition and exercise physiology, and why?
When I was 16 years old I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. I felt my world flip upside down as I began to navigate life with a chronic illness. Suddenly I was forced to learn what a carb was and how to count them all up at each and every meal that I ate. I found a lot of solace in working with the dietitian who helped me manage my illness, and it ultimately led me to study nutrition.
What is your passion?
My passion is helping people learn how to eat mindfully and have a healthy relationship with food. I hope that everyone I work with can be encouraged to eat a well rounded diet and include all types of foods in their life. I want people to understand that life is better when you eat enjoyable foods.
Where do you hope to make an impact as you move to the next stage of your journey and beyond?
I hope to make an impact by providing compassionate care to all those I work with. I hope that my patients will feel understood and validated as they work with me to make lifestyle changes. I hope to make nutrition an exciting and approachable topic for everyone.
What is one of your favorite memories from your time at the college?
One of my favorite memories was my time as a pediatric dietitian intern. I loved being able to provide nutrition counseling to patients and their parents as they navigated growth spurts, eating disorders, feeding difficulties, and many more unique challenges. It was incredibly fulfilling to help families learn about nutrition and take steps toward making sustainable, healthy changes.
Cortney Schuh
Master of Science Coordinated Program in Dietetics, Nutrition, and Exercise Physiology
I grew up in the small town of Kettle Falls, Washington, and was always staying active, whether it was club volleyball, playing tennis, or going camping with my family. I am excited to start a new chapter in my life soon moving to Redmond, Oregon and start my career as a licensed dietitian.
What led you to study nutrition and exercise physiology, and why?
I started my college education at Grand Canyon University as a nursing student. Junior year I was excepted into nursing school and completed one semester. I quickly realized something was missing and kept remembering that one nutrition class I took. I have always LOVED food and science. So what better idea for a career than putting my two passions together.
What is your passion?
My passion for my career is to help as many as I can. I want to work as an outpatient dietitian and council those on eating habits that make them feel there best! I’m so excited to see how nutrition can truly transforms someone’s life and how they feel.
Where do you hope to make an impact as you move to the next stage of your journey and beyond?
As I start my professional career as a licensed dietitian I am excited to learn from as much hands on experience as I can get. I hope I can be a light to my patients and help them the best that I can with their nutrition needs.
What is one of your favorite memories from your time at the college?
One of my favorite times in college was having all the opportunities to get involved with the community. Like being able to work with WIC, ESD 101, and getting clinical experience at Trios Health Southridge Hospital in Kennewick. I also will cherish the memories and friendships I made with my classmates.
Jennifer Westfall
Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology
My academic journey has been a bit of a wild ride! It’s been all about bouncing back, rolling with the punches, and diving deep into the world of nutrition. When I’m not buried in textbooks, you can catch me kicking back with a good book, whipping up something tasty in the kitchen, or hitting the Centennial Trail on my bike with my partner.
I’ve got a big heart for volunteering, especially when it comes to tackling food insecurity. And when I’m not out there changing the world, you can also find me cozied up with some yarn — currently making a blanket for my granddaughter. Life’s all about balance and I’m just trying to make the most of every moment, one stitch at a time!
What led you to study nutrition and exercise physiology, and why?
My journey toward a career in dietetics began in an unexpected place: my role as a birth and postpartum doula. In this role, I frequently encountered gaps in nutritional support for my clients, prompting me to delve into self-education. This pursuit not only filled a vital need for my clients but also ignited my passion for dietetics. Recognizing the profound impact I could have with the expertise of a registered dietitian, I decided to expand my scope to address nutritional needs during pregnancy and postpartum recovery more effectively.
When I entered the NEP program, I did not have much background in exercise physiology. When I sat in my first exercise physiology program, I became captivated by the material and gained a profound understanding of the impact exercise has on our internal systems and our overall health. While my continuing education will focus on nutrition, I am grateful for the unique opportunity to have gained an education in exercise physiology since I believe that when we talk about health, nutrition and exercise go hand in hand.
What is your passion?
One of my strongest beliefs and a philosophy that directs all my actions in life is, “it takes a village.” I am passionate about being part of the village that cares for the communities I am a part of. As someone who has experienced food insecurity in the past, I understand the profound impact it has on every aspect of life. This experience didn’t just deepen my empathy; it redirected my life’s trajectory. Now, having navigated those challenges, I see the world through a lens of compassion and understanding. My involvement with the 2nd Harvest food bank and our campus food pantry isn’t just a commitment to volunteering; it’s a testament to the power of community support. Here, I’ve not only contributed but also witnessed the tangible impact of collective effort.
Where do you hope to make an impact as you move to the next stage of your journey and beyond?
As I delved deeper into my studies, I became acutely aware of the disparities in health care and nutritional support, particularly influenced by socioeconomic factors. This realization broadened my focus from individual support to systemic change. As student director of my campus food pantry, and volunteering at the local food bank, from teaching cooking classes to sorting and distributing food, I have seen firsthand the power of community efforts and the transformative potential of public health policies. My goal is to become a registered dietitian and work in the field of public health. I hope to create public policies and programs which impact maternal and infant health with a focus on food insecurity.
What is one of your favorite memories from your time at the college?
In August 2021, I experienced a biking accident resulting in severe injuries including broken bones and a traumatic brain injury. Consequently, I needed to take an entire academic year off to focus on recovery. During this period, I underwent extensive rehabilitation, which involved relearning basic skills including balance, speech, and adapting to changes in cognitive functioning. As a result of the brain injury, I found that my previous study strategies were no longer effective.
Returning to campus and resuming my studies at WSU Spokane marked a significant milestone in my recovery. The support I received from faculty, staff, and peers was invaluable. I realized I had a village to help me succeed. Their encouragement and assistance reaffirmed my determination and belief in my ability to achieve my academic goals despite the challenges I faced.
Regina Yancey
Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology
I’m a non-traditional student. I was a cytogenetic technologist, but I left my job to pursue a degree in nutrition and exercise physiology. I live with my husband and two daughters, ages 7 and 10. Fun facts about me: I used to teach ballroom dancing, and I compete in equestrian vaulting.
What led you to study nutrition and exercise physiology, and why?
I first became interested in nutrition after reading Eat to Live by Joel Fuhrman, MD. This opened my eyes to a whole new world, one I hadn’t realized I knew so little about. My husband has type 1 diabetes, my father-in-law had type 2 diabetes, and my sister has multiple sclerosis. Intriguingly, I found the diets and lifestyles recommended for the prevention and treatment of these very different diseases were surprisingly similar. I was hooked!
What is your passion?
Hippocrates wisely said, “let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” I believe our journey to health and wellbeing begins with the diet and lifestyle choices we make every day.
Where do you hope to make an impact as you move to the next stage of your journey and beyond?
This summer, I will be doing my internship at Providence St. Luke’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Center. I want to empower individuals to take an active role in improving their cardiovascular health, thereby contributing to a healthier community where individuals not only recover from cardiac events but thrive in a heart-healthy lifestyle.
What is one of your favorite memories from your time at the college?
A classmate and I taught a group exercise class designed for pregnant and postpartum women, and all of us put balloons under our shirts to make it more realistic!