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What is like to be a RD2Be getting a PhD? In this episode Dana interviews Nili about her pathway to becoming a nutrition PhD student. Follow her on Instagram at @fuelingaphd

Niliarys Sifre is a doctoral student in Dietetics and Nutrition at Florida International University (FIU), where she also earned her Bachelor of Science in Dietetics and Nutrition with a minor in Psychology. With a strong academic record and extensive research involvement, she has contributed to multiple studies on diet, obesity, food environments, and disordered eating, resulting in several peer-reviewed publications and national conference presentations.

At FIU, Niliarys has served as a Research Assistant in the MetA Bone Lab, Snackability Lab, and other nutrition research initiatives, gaining expertise in participant recruitment, data analysis, laboratory methods, and scientific writing. She has also worked as a Teaching Assistant in the Fundamentals of Nutrition course, combining her passion for education with hands-on mentoring of undergraduate students.

Beyond her academic work, Niliarys has demonstrated leadership as Co-President of Project Sunshine and as Newsletter Editor for the Student Dietetic Association, where she helped organize community initiatives and outreach events. She has also led nutrition education programming at the Mexican Consulate in Miami and gained practical experience in sports nutrition and private practice settings.

Her research and professional interests center on improving dietary behaviors, gut inflammation, and promoting evidence-based nutrition education. Fluent in Spanish and committed to advancing public health, Niliarys aims to build a career as a nutrition scientist dedicated to addressing health disparities through research, teaching, and community engagement.