Whitney J. Merola 1819 Summerhaven Ave., Apt 1 Cookeville, TN 38501 (865) 387-5082 wmerola@utk.

edu Education Master of Science, Nutrition Public Health Nutrition, Minor in Epidemiology The University of Tennessee, Knoxville Dietetic Internship Program The University of Tennessee, Knoxville Bachelor of Science, Human Ecology- Food, Nutrition, and Dietetic Option Tennessee Technological University Aug 2008-Present Jan 2011- June 2011 Aug 2008

Experience Oct 2010- Oct 2011

Aug 2010- Present

May 2010- Aug 2010

Dec 2009 May 2010

Aug 2009 May 2010

Jan 2009 July 2009

Oct 2008-Dec 2008

Registered Dietitian Assistant, Shannondale Resident Center, Knoxville,TN Assistant for Rachel Farris MS, RD Perform initial and annual nutrition assessments to monitor nutritional status of residents, making dietary recommendations accordingly Monitor monthly weights, recommending nutrition interventions as necessary Perform calorie counts on residents experiencing unintentional weight loss Ensure patient satisfaction through meal observations Graduate Teaching Assistant, The University of Tennessee Food Systems Management, Darla Smith, MPH, RD, LDN Professor Assistant for Nutrition 303- Food Systems Management Grading of Course Assignments Nutrition Intern, The University of Tennessee Block Field Experience in Windham, ME (7 Weeks) Interned as an entry-level Public Health Nutrition Professional with the District School Health Coordinator for the Windham Raymond School District Completed a community assessment and worked on various nutrition related projects Graduate Student Assistant, The University of Tennessee Child and Adolescent Nutrition Lab, Dr. Marsha Spence, RD, LDN School Meal Menu Development in conjunction with a Coordinated School Health Program Menu development Data entry and analysis Evaluation of acceptance Graduate Teaching Assistant, The University of Tennessee Introductory Nutrition, Lee Murphy, MS-MPH, RD, Instructor Discussion leader for Nutrition 100 Introduction to Nutrition Development of education and lesson planning skills for groups of 20 to 25 students Graduate Student Assistant, The University of Tennessee Child and Adolescent Nutrition Lab, Dr. Marsha Spence, RD, LDN Coordinated School Health Program evaluation projects, including: Diabetes Prevention: Fruit and Vegetable Choice and Consumption Among Elementary School Children Data collection Data entry and analysis MyPyramid Food Signage System Data collection Data entry and analysis Cardiac Kids: Afterschool Obesity Prevention Program Data entry e-Wellness: A Coordinated School Health Worksite Wellness Program Data collection Data entry and analysis Latino and Immigrant Head Start Menu Development and Analysis Developed menu based on USDA guidelines for toddlers and pre-school children Analyzed menus to ensure nutrient recommendations were in accordance with USDA guideline Nutrition Intern, Cherokee Health Systems Provided nutrition counseling to patients, 2 hours weekly

May 2008-Jul 2008 Mar 2005-Sept 2009 Projects Spring 2009-Present

Nutrition Intern, Block Field Experience at TTU 120 hours food service experience and 120 clinical/community hours Sales Associate, Old Navy Continuous development and improvement of customer service skills Thesis Project, The University of Tennessee in conjunction with the Monroe County Coordinated School Health Program, Dr. Marsha Spence, RD, LDN Evaluation of a Social Marketing Campaign: Impact on Elementary School Students Selection and Consumption of Salad Bar Items Community Nutrition II, The University of Tennessee in conjunction with the East Tennessee Childrens Hospital, Jennifer Nicklas, MS-MPH, RD, LDN Childrens Hospital Weight Management Clinic Newsletter Project Developed the Monthly Weigh-In newsletter for distribution to children and their families enrolled and on the waiting list for the Weight Management Clinic at East Tennessee Childrens Hospital Community Nutrition I, The University of Tennessee in conjunction with the Knox County Health Department, Stephanie Welch, MS-MPH, RD Food Equity Assessment for Knox County, Tennessee Full assessment of demographics, market basket survey, presentation to community members and Knox County Health Department personnel American Dietetic Association Tennessee Dietetic Association Knoxville District Dietetic Association Graduate Nutrition Student Association- The University of Tennessee Treasurer, Fall 2009 Food Nutrition and Dietetic Club- Tennessee Technological University Secretary/Treasurer, 2007-2008

Spring 2009

Fall 2009

Affiliations May 2004 - Present May 2004 - Present Aug 2010 - Present Aug 2009 - Present Aug 2006-Aug 2008 Honors

Tennessee Technological University- Deans List 2004-2008 Kappa Omicron Nu Honor Society Sadie K. Stanton Human Ecology Scholarship Ruth L. Huenemann Fellowship Scholarship

References available upon request