March 23, 2023

“I am interested in nutrition because I want to connect with people, and I feel that food is a great and healing way to do that,” shares Sofia Weingarten, BS nutrition and foods/MS dietetics ’25.

Interest in Nutrition Sciences

Weingarten’s passion for nutrition sciences began in childhood, when her parents explored a vegan diet and consulted with a dietitian. “Nutrition Sciences combine my love of sciences with food and cooking,” says Weingarten. She reports that since learning about dieticians and their career paths as a child, Weingarten has been hooked ever since.

“I grew up cooking, and I’ve always enjoyed sharing meals with friends and family,” Weingarten says. “My brownies have been popular these days.”

Opportunities to Succeed

A current student in the Nutrition and Foods (BS)/Nutrition and Dietetics (MS) Bridge Program, Weingarten will complete this dual degree in five years and graduate with preparation to become a Registered Dietitian/Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD/RDN). During the first four years of study, students pursue a bachelor’s degree and complete their Master’s degree in their fifth and final year of study. The program encompasses nutrition science, the application of the principles of biochemistry, physiology and biology to human nutritional needs.

In addition to her studies, Weingarten is involved with the Center for Nutrition and Performance (CNP), a collaboration between Drexel Athletics and the Department of Nutrition Sciences. CNP’s mission is to provide evidence-based nutritional advice to the entire Drexel community to optimize athletic performance, well-being and overall health.

“I’ve really enjoyed working with CNP,” Weingarten shares. “Especially because sports nutrition is such a competitive and small field, gaining exposure to this work so early in my education has been great.”

Off campus, Weingarten works as a nutrition research assistant at the Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania and as a member of the product development team at Wawa Corporate Headquarters, aiding with nutrition and menu planning. Weingarten says that both of the opportunities for professional experience came to her via Nutrition department faculty, who frequently send out information about nutrition science opportunities in the area. “The faculty encouraged me to apply and I’m so glad I got both opportunities to explore my profession while still in school,” says Weingarten.

Campus Community

When she isn’t studying for her dual degree or exploring professional opportunities, Weingarten is an involved Drexel community member. She is an executive board member for the Drexel Nutrition Association (DNA), a member of the Delta Gamma sorority and an active community member at Drexel Hillel, a Jewish life student center with a commitment to celebrating all modes of Jewish expression, practice and identity.

Weingarten says she has served as a Greek Life Engagement intern with Drexel Hillel and helped to organize community events.

“Last year, I helped to plan an event for Yom Hashoah, or Holocaust Remembrance Day. My grandfather was a holocaust survivor, and I was able to share his story,” says Weingarten. “A lot of people attended the event, and it was so meaningful to me that so many people showed up.

For Weingarten, nutrition and community are inextricably linked. “I especially love cooking cultural foods for the Jewish holiday because I am away from home during the school year. Having that tie to our foods, as well as FaceTiming my family, is important to me,” Weingarten shares. “Food can really connect people to themselves and others.”