In this episode of Feed Me the Facts, we sit down with Dr. Navika Gangrade, a visiting assistant professor at NYU and registered dietitian, to unpack the journey of pursuing a PhD in nutrition. We discuss her experiences navigating academia as a woman of color, the financial realities of graduate school, and the power of research to drive real-world change. If you’ve ever considered academia, research, or even wondered about the impact of a PhD in dietetics, this conversation is for you!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Navika’s Journey into Nutrition & Research
How her multicultural upbringing and love for food led her to dietetics and academia.

Why Pursue a PhD? (06:00)
What inspired Navika to continue her education and dive into research.

Navigating Academia as a Woman of Color (12:00)
The challenges, barriers, and the role of mentorship in her success.

Community-Based Research & Youth Advocacy (19:00)
How her research empowers young people and promotes health equity.

Money & Respect: Does a PhD Pay Off? (25:00)
Breaking down financial realities, funding, and salary expectations.

Advice for Future Dietitians in Academia (35:00)
How to navigate PhD programs, find mentors, and advocate for yourself.

Resources & Links:

Follow Dr. Navika Gangrade on Instagram: @navika.phd.rd

Learn more about the NYU Nutrition Program: NYU Steinhardt Department of Nutrition

Explore Diversify Dietetics and mentorship opportunities: Diversify Dietetics

🎧 Listen now on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube