About

Our History

by Debi Buchanan Bryant

Dr. Nina Lamb, professor of Food and Nutrition at Texas Tech University, encouraged me to be the organizational chairman of the Texas Tech Student Dietetic Association in the Fall of 1973. In working to establish such an organization at the university level, I began to see the merit of establishing such an organization at the state level. The idea of a state student dietetic organization was presented to and approved by the Executive Board of the Texas Dietetic Association (TDA) in the spring of 1974. During the 1974 State Dietetic Association annual summer meeting in Dallas, students from North Texas State University and Texas Tech University met with Mrs. Kathy Alders, TDA Education Section Chairwoman, to discuss the possibilities of establishing a state association for students majoring in dietetics. We decided to have an organizational meeting in conduction with the annual fall TDA meeting in Waco. Letters announcing the fall meeting were sent to each Texas University with dietetic majors. Approximately forty students representing six universities attended the first state organizational meeting of the Texas Student Dietetic Association (TSDA). At this meeting a constitution was proposed and plans were made for spring officer elections. Dr. Helen Brittin, the 1975 TDA Education Section Chairwoman, became advisor for TSDA and supervised the tabulation of election returns. The officers elected included: President – Nanci Cline, NTSU; Vice-President – Kathy Lust, Texas Tech; Secretary – Anita Bowman, NTSU; and Treasurer – Sharon Sims, University of Texas. These capable officers assumed their responsibilities during the 1975 annual summer TDA meeting in Houston, and TSDA was on its way.

Officers

President

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KayLeigh Kaiser, Texas Woman’s University

Email: Kkaiser3@twu.edu

Hello! I am KayLeigh Kaiser, and I am a senior at Texas Woman’s University! I moved to Texas from Wisconsin to pursue my passion for dietetics in an environment that has an endless amount of opportunity. I was Secretary for the Food and Nutrition Network at TWU, interned for Meals on Wheels, and currently work as a hospitality rep at Medical City Denton.   I also participate in research involving Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and the effects of whey protein.  I am a Certified Personal Trainer, so I love to workout, especially with weights.  I enjoy baking, cooking, writing, and going to Target.  My husband and I have been married for five years, and we have a Maine Coon named Zeus.

President-Elect

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Carla Trochez, Texas Woman’s University 

Email: Ctrochez@twu.edu

Hello TSDA members! I am currently a junior at Texas Woman’s University. I fell in love with nutrition when I was a child and have had a growing passion for it ever since. I currently work for the DOD and in foodservice. I volunteer for Texas A&M’s AgriLife-Denton extension to reach nearby communities at high risks for diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. I also serve at a soup kitchen to fight hunger. If I am not actively working with these organizations, I like to have fun with my friends by engaging in meaningful conversations, going on a run, and SHOPPING!

Secretary

Coming Soon!

Treasurer

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Geselle Zuniga

Email: G.zuniga6011@students.tsu.edu

Hey everyone!
My name is Geselle Zuniga, a junior at Texas Southern University. Born and raised in Houston, Tx. I’ve always loved learning about nutrition and health, so that’s why I decided to turn my passion into a professional career and went into dietetics. Even though I’m vegetarian and love healthy eating, I still enjoy my enchiladas and Gorditas. I’m currently the TSU dietetics club treasurer, so that’s why I wanted the TSDA treasurer leadership and I’m very excited! For fun, I like going to the gym, online shopping, exploring new places and talking to new people. I’m excited for the opportunities waiting for me and the new friends I will make!

Historian

Historian

Alby Bounlutay, Texas Christian University

Email: A.bounlutay@tcu.edu

Instagram: @oldfashionednutrtionist

Alby is a senior in the Coordinate Program in Dietetics at Texas Christian University. He is also the Student Chair for Dietitians in Business and Communication DPG and a marketing intern for TCU Dining. He has a passion for food and fitness. Fun facts: Alby is a Green Bay Packers fan, row crew for TCU, and has an eye for fashion. Prior to pursing a career in dietetics, he served in the Army for six years.

Faculty Adviser

Adviser

Ms. Holli Booe, RDN, LD – Texas Tech University

Hello, my name is Holli Booe and I have been in the field of dietetics for almost 20 years. I earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Texas A&M University, which is also where I completed my dietetic internship. Currently, I am the Director of the Didactic Program in Dietetics and an Instructor at Texas Tech University. I also work as an outpatient dietitian at Wellness Today in Lubbock. Prior to coming to Texas Tech, I worked in a variety of arenas of both clinical dietetics and community nutrition. My primary areas of practice included cardiac, pediatric, renal and sports nutrition as well as weight management counseling. I am also currently serving as the 2018-2019 Texas Academy of Nutrition North Region Director.  I am looking forward to working with TSDA and assisting in any way possible.

Contact

Reach out to the TSDA officers about how to get involved, internships, and any other student dietetic questions you may have!

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Texas Dietetic Student Organization Contacts

TSDA Chapter Directory