From plate to purpose

Missy Turetgen ’25 never imagined that her love for food and science would lead her nearly 1,000 miles from her hometown of Gilberts, Illinois, to the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

But when Turetgen toured the Texas A&M campus for the first time, something just felt right. It wasn’t merely the charming traditions or the close-knit community — it was the sense that this was a place where her passion for nutrition could truly thrive.

“I toured other schools, but Texas A&M felt like home,” Turetgen said. “It was big, but it still had that small-town feel. I could see myself growing here, both as a student and as a person.”

Now a senior in the Department of Nutrition, Turetgen reflects on how her choice to become an Aggie has shaped her path toward becoming a dietitian capable of helping people achieve the nutritional goals needed for their unique lifestyles.

The science behind the spoons

Turetgen’s interest in nutrition began at an early age, sparked not by dietary trends or culinary adventures, but by a personal struggle. As a child, she wrestled with her relationship with food until a dietitian offered her a fresh perspective.

“She taught me how to properly fuel my body, and it truly changed my life,” Turetgen said. “That experience made me want to help others the same way she helped me.”

Turetgen’s decision to pursue dietetics was solidified in high school, anchored by her devotion to holistic health and wellness. At Texas A&M, she discovered a challenging, science-driven nutrition program that wouldn’t merely hand her facts and figures — it would push her to apply them in real-world scenarios.

From advanced physiology to the complexities of nutrient metabolism, she dove headfirst into the program, discovering how quickly classroom theory could turn into practical skills — and how much she wanted to use those skills to help others thrive.

“It was a shock at first,” she said. “I thought I was prepared, but college is a whole new ball game. The program is tough, but it’s taught me how to be a better student and thinker.”

Faculty members like Karen Beathard, Ph.D., instructional professor and Didactic Program director for the Department of Nutrition, guided her and further accelerated her growth.

“Dr. Beathard is constantly sending us opportunities — whether it’s internships, leadership roles or networking events. It’s overwhelming in the best way,” Turetgen said with a laugh.

Through these opportunities, Turetgen discovered programs like Operation Border Health Preparedness, which allowed her to join faculty and peers in providing nutrition education to underserved communities alongside medical and nursing students.  

“It was intimidating at first — I didn’t feel qualified,” she said. “But I realized I knew more than I thought. Teaching locals how to read nutrition labels or understand dietary sugars was an eye-opening experience. It was incredibly rewarding to apply what I’d learned in class to help people in real life.”

From lecture halls to the sidelines

Nutrition at Texas A&M has always meant more than memorizing formulas or lab techniques for Turetgen — it’s about making an impact beyond the classroom walls.

One of her early courses, Horizons in Nutrition and Food Sciences, introduced her to diverse career paths, including the fast-paced world of performance nutrition for athletes.

“I’d always envisioned working with eating disorders,” Turetgen said, “but hearing from professionals in sports nutrition showed me other possibilities for my future.”

As a nutrition student worker for Texas A&M’s athletic teams, Turetgen is now directly involved in translating classroom knowledge into real-world results — stocking fueling stations, assisting with pre- and post-workout meal prep, and collaborating with dietitians to keep athletes performing at their best. Football players, especially, rely on carefully calibrated meals to support training, and Turetgen quickly realized just how strategic each choice must be.

“It’s been incredible to see the science I’ve learned come to life,” she said. “At work, I’m helping athletes fuel properly so they can push harder, recover faster and stay healthier.”

Graduation this May will mark the beginning of Turetgen’s next chapter, as she plans to pursue a dietetic internship and a master’s degree — key steps on her path to becoming a registered dietitian. Turetgen credits Texas A&M’s supportive environment and rigorous academics for preparing her to excel in what comes next.

“The professors genuinely care, and the resources are endless,” she said. “It’s a place where you can grow academically, personally and professionally. Texas A&M has set me up for success in ways I couldn’t have imagined.”

To learn more about the Didactic Program in Dietetics that has shaped Turetgen’s future, visit the Texas A&M Department of Nutrition.