
“FSU has a unique and accredited program for my major that provides me an excellent education and incredible opportunities to gain experience in my chosen field.”
Fast Facts
- Favorite coffee spot: The Frother’s Daughter
- Football fan: Has high-fived Coach Mike Norvell
- Outdoorsy: Hiked parts of the Appalachian Trail
- Biggest fear: Spiders
- Favorite campus food: Joe Mama’s Pizza Kitchen
Kate Everett, a dietetics student at Florida State University, chose FSU because of its beautiful campus and the community that surrounds it. She got involved with the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) and received an IDEA Grant to pursue research on cardiovascular function.
Everett plays an active role in advancing nutrition education and access both on campus and in the local community. At FSU, she collaborates with sports dietitians to support the nutritional needs of Division I student-athletes. Beyond campus, she engages in community-based research focused on improving food security, working with local food pantries to better align available resources with the dietary needs of families.
Through these efforts, Everett bridges academic knowledge with real-world impact, demonstrating a deep commitment to public health and service.
Why did you choose Florida State University?
FSU reflects an environment that fosters growth in students both academically and personally. When the time came, FSU ended up being the best decision for my future. From the moment you step foot onto FSU’s campus, you get an overwhelming sense of the community that has been built here. The uplifting energy combined with the beauty of the campus truly supports an energizing and positive daily experience. Additionally, the dietetic program at FSU is an accredited program, providing engaging professors, supportive staff as well as numerous opportunities to gain experience in my chosen field.
What academic achievements have you accomplished at FSU?
My biggest academic accomplishment outside of classes has been the research I have been doing on campus. I was a part of the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program for the 2024-2025 school year. I had the privilege of joining Assistant Professor Andrea Lobene’s nutrition-based lab from the Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, where I completed a secondary analysis of sodium density and its relation to cardiovascular disease risk. I applied for an IDEA Grant and was honored to receive funding to complete a research project this summer.
My research project involved designing and implementing a controlled feeding study to test a novel dietary sodium reduction intervention strategy against the current sodium recommendations for improving cardiovascular health. Unlike current guidelines that recommend a fixed sodium limit for all individuals, our novel approach indexes sodium intake to calorie consumption, tailoring recommendations to individual energy needs. The goal of this work is to support the development of more practical, personal sodium intake guidelines that are still effective at mitigating cardiovascular disease risk. I will be presenting this research at the 2025 President’s Showcase of Undergraduate Research Excellence. After this summer study has completed, I will be continuing future studies in Professor Lobene’s lab during the remainder of my time here at FSU.
How do you serve the FSU community?
I have become involved in a few things that help to serve the FSU community. One is the Fuel Bar. I volunteer under our sports dietitians to help give the FSU Division I student athletes their pre- and post-workout nutrition. I also help with practices, games and other miscellaneous things surrounding athletic nutrition. Volunteering here has been so fun and has given me a chance to gain knowledge about the sports nutrition side of my field, while also helping both the dietitians and athletes on campus.
I also had the privilege to work with the University of Florida on a research project involving local Tallahassee food pantries. My role is to go to food pantries and identify what food items are desired by families with young children and compare that with current available inventory. This project has given me valuable community nutrition experience while also serving the Tallahassee community.
Another way I contribute to the FSU community is by serving as a University Ambassador. In this role, my main responsibility is to provide tours of FSU. Through this position I have been able to foster and build community while interacting with future students.