Cal Poly SLO DI
Kari Pilolla - Director - calpolyslodi@calpoly.edu
Karli McCarthy - Graduate Student Assistant
Our Interns
2021-2022
Brenda Bravo-Fajardo
Cal State University, Northridge
Hi my name is Brenda Bravo-Fajardo and I am a Los Angeles Native. I received my Bachelor's of Science in Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Science from Cal State University, Northridge. I am a big believer in good health coming from within - nourishing your body with delicious food, keeping yourself moving, practicing mindfulness, and managing stress levels. I am excited to grow professionally during this internship and collaborate with the rest of my cohort.
Melissa Garcia-Galvan
University of California, Davis
Hello, my name is Melissa Garcia Galvan! I was raised in the beautiful snowy town of Mammoth Lakes located in the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains of California. I graduated from the University of California, Davis in June of 2020 with a BS degree in Clinical Nutrition. In my free time I love spending time with my family and friends, lifting weights, and drinking tea. I am thrilled to be starting my rotations as a Cal Poly Dietetic Intern!
Shannon Kelly
University of Kentucky
Hi! My name is Shannon Kelly and I am one of the dietetic interns here at Cal Poly! I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, but recently my family moved to Northern California. So far I am loving it here! I attended the University of Kentucky for my Bachelor’s degree in Dietetics and also received a Certificate in Nutrition for Human Performance. In my free time, I enjoy trying out new coffee shops, reading a new book or trying a new food!
Helory Kojongian
Cal State University, Los Angeles
Hello, my name is Helory Kojongian and I am very excited to be a Cal Poly SLO Dietetic Intern!
I grew up in Pleasanton, CA and earned my B.S. in Nutritional Science from California State University of Los Angeles in May 2021. I truly enjoyed my
experience living in LA! (Hiking to the Hollywood sign and exploring unique cafes). Throughout
the internship, I look forward to equipping myself with the skills and knowledge I need to
specialize in an area of dietetics where I can make a difference in patients lives. I aspire to focus
on showing my community the power of achieving wellness through nutrition and a healthy
lifestyle. In my free time I love to dance, bake, and plan my next travel destination! Stay posted
for updates on my journey as a dietetic intern!
Vicky Lee
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Hi! My name is Vicky, and I am one of the dietetic interns at Cal Poly SLO 2021-2022. I graduated from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities in 2020 with a major in Nutrition and a minor in Chinese. During my gap year I was working at a level one trauma center in downtown Minneapolis as well as working at a supplement company working on consultations. I’m aiming to focus on wellness nutrition to work on preventative care and community programs!
Nicole Gardiner
Cal State University, Long Beach
I am a recent graduate of Cal State University Long Beach and a current dietetic intern at Cal Poly SLO. I got the opportunity to work on Catalina Island, where I ended up living for 6 years of my life. Living on Catalina fostered my love for the outdoors and helped me understand the importance of living a balanced life. My ultimate goal is to open my own wellness center to bring balance to communities in need through whole-food nutrition, mental health, and physical health education. By integrating these three domains of wellness, I hope to empower people with the skills necessary to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
Janine Mozoomdar
University of California, Davis
Hi everyone, I’m Janine! I was born and raised in Los Angeles and spent my undergraduate years hanging out with the cute cows at UC Davis. Around the beginning of the quarantine, I graduated with a B.S. in Nutritional Biology and thought I was going to do nutrition research; however, I had a change of heart, and now I am here as a Cal Poly SLO intern. My goals for this year include learning as much as possible, figuring out what specific direction I would like to take my career, and working on my own personal health -- please wish me luck! Outside of nutrition I love to spend time cooking, reading comics, taking walks, and spending time with my partner and pet gecko.
Sydney Navarro
San Diego State University
Hi everyone! My name is Sydney Navarro, I am originally from New Jersey, but my family and I have since moved to San Diego when I started at San Diego State University. I graduated from SDSU in the Spring of 2021 with a B.S. in Foods and Nutrition. I grew up as a dancer, which ultimately steered me in the direction of dietetics. When I moved on from dance in the beginning of college, I discovered my ultimate passion for all things fitness and exercise. I want to become a registered dietitian so that I can bring together nutrition and fitness to help people live in the best and healthiest version of themselves! I love going on long runs by the beach, trying new restaurants, cooking, traveling, and cozying up on the couch with my yorkie Sasha! I can’t wait to explore all SLO has to offer and do some amazing hikes with my fellow interns!
Alejandra Perez
Cal State University, Northridge
My name is Alejandra Perez, I was born and raised in Oxnard, CA. I am a product of immigrant parents and I am a first-generation college graduate. I graduated from California State University, Northridge with my Bachelor’s Degree in Family and Consumer Sciences: Nutrition and Dietetics. Some of my hobbies and interests include: playing volleyball, weight lifting, relaxing at the beach, and loving everything Disney!
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Justin Waller
University of California, Santa Cruz
Originally from Sacramento, I attended UC Santa Cruz for three years before transferring to Point Loma Nazarene University to pursue my passion for food and nutrition. I graduated in May 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics. Afterwards, I worked for about a year as a Dietetic Technician, Registered in an eating disorder residential treatment center. My mission as a dietetics professional is to provide culinary education and individualized nutrition counseling while emphasizing the philosophies of All Foods Fit & Health at Every Size to help individuals nurture a positive and sustainable relationship with food and their body. When I’m not in the kitchen or studying nutrition, I enjoy hiking, scuba diving, and traveling with friends and family.