by Kevin Estrella, '23
Kevin from Drexel Business Services recently met with Makenzie Proctor, RD, LDN, the Campus' Dietician for Drexel Campus Dining, to learn more about her role and motivation for helping and guiding students with their dining decisions.
Q:
When did you start working for Aramark at Drexel, and what do you currently do here?
A:
I started working for Drexel Campus Dining in February of 2019. It’s been three years so far, and
I serve as the liaison between the dining team and the students to help students navigate food allergies or other sensitivities. I also conduct staff training and ensure that the chefs are
conscious about and are keeping up with culinary standards.
Q:
What is a registered dietician, and what are some common ways you support Drexel students?
A:
A registered dietician has extensive education and knowledge of nutrition. I focus on food science
and biochemistry to combine them into Drexel’s foodservice and work with students to create the
best dining experience possible.
Q:
Can you give an example of how the process of working with a student may look like?
A:
Typically, when a student gets in contact, I schedule a meeting or video call with them to
understand and get to the root of their concern. The next step with them would be to go
through the student’s options based on their preferences. Ultimately, I’m providing guidance
and knowledge of what is available within the dining program to empower them to make their
own decisions and help them form their independence.
Q:
What inspired you to become a dietician?
A:
Nutrition has always been a very important part of my life due to having type 1 diabetes;
I believe it catalyzed me to get into nutrition. Also, food is universal. We all eat,
and it’s a very special and social part of life. Because of this, I’m motivated to continue
to learn and educate students about nutrition, and ultimately, to demystify certain
information or misconceptions about nutrition.
Q:
What do you want students to take away from their dining experience at Drexel?
A:
I want students to feel like their dining experience at Drexel is a home away from home
that incorporates their favorite food while also providing new food options that they
wouldn’t have otherwise tried. Building a support system with students is very important
to me since I want to ensure that they do not feel alone while navigating the dining
options and feel empowered in their choices.
Mackenzie encourages students to ask questions about dining at Drexel no matter how big or small it may be, by emailing drexelrd@drexel.edu.