Ria Thakur 773-226-1597 w riathakur@yahoo.com w E-portfolio: riathakur.weebly.

com

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Human Nutrition, concentration in Dietetics May 2017
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Professional DPD GPA: 3.71
Minor in Chemistry Cumulative GPA: 3.39
Deans List Spring & Fall 2016 w Paul H. Tracy Memorial Scholarship 2016-2017 w Edmund J. James Scholar 2013-2014

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

Sensory Intern June 2017-August 2017

Griffith Foods Alsip, IL
Leveraged the marketing team and provided insightful research by conducting a 7 week long sensory
discrimination methodology comparison study independently and presented results to the US Leadership Team
Recruited panelists, set-up tests, prepared samples and ran 14 tests using Compusense, a sensory evaluation
software
Researched on botanicals and alternative proteins and contributed to the Health and Nutrition Initiative

Dietary Manager September 2016-May 2017

University of Illinois IT professor Champaign, IL
Formulated a low carb, high fat meal plan with new recipes every week that embraces the Always Hungry? Book
by Dr. Ludwig as well as my clients preferences; create a grocery list and purchase all groceries for my client

Research Assistant October 2016-May 2017

University of Illinois Sensory Lab Urbana, IL
Helped run a single-blind research study by sampling 400 participants and synthesizing data into Excel as well as
a sensory study on different iced-teas and soda products

Cooking Instructor May 2016-May 2017

University of Illinois Activities and Recreation Center Champaign, IL
Taught 15 patrons per class for at least 1.5 hours long, healthy themed cooking classes with exceptional
customer service; presented to an undergraduate dance class about proper nutrition for enhanced performance
Selected to be Employee Of The Month for November, December and April.
Provided nutrition check-ups to patrons in one-on-one 30-minute sessions using mirroring and motivational
interviewing to help them set and achieve health goals

Student Guest Chef October 2015-February 2017

WCIA ciLiving Local Television Champaign, IL
Planned, curated and presented live healthy recipes using seasonal ingredients, while keeping up with current
food trends, for my audience on the local network WCIA

Dietetic Intern June 2016-August 2016

Illinois Bariatric Center Champaign, IL
Created a 70-page educational guidebook for the ORBERA Managed Weight Loss System program on various
health and wellness topics
Observed outpatient education sessions using Medical Nutrition Therapy and ADIME charting under Krista
Rohrscheib MS RDN while providing input; observed bariatric surgery performed by Dr. Sidney Rohrscheib
Planned, created and led a cooking class designed specifically for bariatric patients under the RDs supervision

Research Assistant October 2014-August 2015

University of Illinois Neurocognitive Kinesiology Laboratory Urbana, IL
Assisted Dr. Khan in his research on nutrition and exercise and its effects on cognitive development using Excel
and NDSR Nutrition Data System for Research Software

Assistant to Sports Dietitian June 2015-August 2015

University of Illinois Sports Nutrition Fueling Champaign, IL
Ensured delivery of nutrient-rich snacks to various NCAA Illini Sports teams to enhance their performance
ACTIVITIES AND LEADERSHIP

Delegate, Agriculture Future of America Food Institute, January 2017

Member, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, December 2016-Present
Dietetic Mentor, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, September 2016-May 2017
Student Ambassador, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, August 2016-May 2017
Media Director, Student Dietetic Association, May 2016-May 2017
Member, Phi Eta Sigma Honors Society, May 2014-May 2017
Volunteer, University of Illinois Dining Services Dietitian, March 2014-May 2017
Sisterhood Chair, Alumni Relations Chair, Alpha Delta Pi, January 2014-January 2016

SKILLS AND CERTIFICATIONS

CPR/AED/First Aid Certified by American Red Cross June 2016-June 2018

ServSafe Food Safety Manager (12861409) October 2015-October 2020
TAP Food Handler Training and Certificate (IL 107769) November 2014-November 2017
Proficiency in Windows Nutrition Data System for Research NDSR Software
Proficiency in Compusense Software
Fluent in Hindi, Limited Proficiency in French