{"id":226949,"date":"2026-03-04T09:45:17","date_gmt":"2026-03-04T14:45:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/?p=226949"},"modified":"2026-03-05T14:28:27","modified_gmt":"2026-03-05T19:28:27","slug":"from-study-hall-to-dining-hall-one-graduates-journey-to-a-career-in-nutrition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/2026\/03\/04\/from-study-hall-to-dining-hall-one-graduates-journey-to-a-career-in-nutrition\/","title":{"rendered":"From Study Hall to Dining Hall: One Graduate\u2019s Journey to a Career in Food and Nutrition"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Through this photo essay \u2013 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/category\/montclair-life\/\"><b><i>part of an ongoing series<\/i><\/b><\/a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> \u2013 we highlight how Montclair students, faculty and staff embody the <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/president\/mission-statement\/\"><b><i>University\u2019s mission<\/i><\/b><\/a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> in the classroom, on campus and beyond \u2013 empowering a diverse community by providing broad access to rigorous learning, advancing research and creativity, and forming partnerships for the common good.<\/span><\/i><\/em><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/montclairstateuniversity.smugmug.com\/University-News\/091025-Oscaterin-Bautista\/Oscaterin-Bautista\"><b>Photography by Mike Peters<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Sheridan Van Biert works as a registered dietitian for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/dining-services\/\">Gourmet Dining Services<\/a> at Sam\u2019s Place, the same dining hall where she grabbed meals between classes as a ÌÇÐÄvlog student.<\/p>\n<p>Van Biert did her dietetic internship with Gourmet Dining Services, Montclair\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/dining-services\/2024\/06\/27\/montclair-state-university-and-gourmet-dining-celebrate-multiple-wins-at-the-nacufs-loyal-e-horton-dining-awards\/\">award-winning dining service provider<\/a>, while studying <a href=\"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/academics\/programs\/bs-nutrition-and-food-science\/\">Food and Nutrition Science<\/a> in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/cchl\/\">College for Community Health,<\/a>\u00a0resulting in her campus career. Her preceptors during her internship are now her colleagues.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMontclair\u2019s undergraduate and graduate nutrition program helped me prepare for my current role by applying what I learned in the classroom into real-life practice,\u201d says Van Biert &#8217;22, &#8217;24 MA. \u201cFrom situational group lesson plans and cooking classes as a student to everything in between, it came naturally when I started using these skills for teaching kitchens that we, as dietitians, host for students, as well as presentations we tailor for our athletes.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Path to Success:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Degrees: BS (&#8217;22) &amp; MA (&#8217;24) in Nutrition and Food Science.<\/li>\n<li>Program Perk: Combined BS\/MS track for faster career entry.<\/li>\n<li>Real-World Experience: 1,000+ hours of dietetic internship.<\/li>\n<li>Current Role: Campus RD for Gourmet Dining.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure class=\"responsive-image-holder wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mlt-responsive-image\" data-original-image=\"\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/11\/010824_0293_Commencement-LAROSA.jpg\" src=\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/11\/010824_0293_Commencement-LAROSA.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">During 2024 Commencement surrounded by fellow Nutrition and Food Science graduates, little did Van Biert (then Wheeler) know that she would transition from student to grad to working professional at ÌÇÐÄvlog.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Student Connection<\/h2>\n<p>\u201cBeing a part of Montclair for so many years I feel is a big advantage when it comes to relating and connecting with the campus community,\u201d Van Biert says. \u201cIt\u2019s a valuable aspect to have when providing outpatient counseling to students or chatting with them in the dining halls and around campus.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Gourmet\u2019s Director of Dining and Wellness Jennifer Bostedo, RDN, Van Biert\u2019s supervisor, echoes those benefits, noting that Montclair\u2019s Food and Nutrition Science program well prepared her for the position. \u201cHiring a Montclair grad gives us the benefit of a rigorously, well-trained professional who has an intimate knowledge of the campus culture. It allows us to tailor food and beverage offerings to meet the needs of today&#8217;s students better.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Montclair\u2019s Nutrition Program continues to contribute to Van Biert\u2019s career success. \u201cHaving built a strong sense of adaptability has been invaluable in my current role, as each workday varies significantly and involves juggling multiple diverse responsibilities.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure class=\"responsive-image-holder wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mlt-responsive-image\" data-original-image=\"\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/11\/102825_55653_Sheridan-Wheeler_MP.jpg\" src=\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/11\/102825_55653_Sheridan-Wheeler_MP.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\" alt=\"Sheridan Wheeler points as she talks with a student.\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Van Biert\u00a0assists a student with meal options, helping them navigate nutritious choices at Sam\u2019s Place, where she also offers one-one-one <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DFY9zYbNd6C\/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==\">nutrition counseling<\/a> to Montclair students, faculty and staff.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<blockquote><p>I understand the students&#8217; perspective, as well as the food service perspective. I always like to think back to what I was excited about coming into the dining hall. It&#8217;s kind of a full circle moment.\u201d ~ Sheridan Van Biert<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h2>Paying It Forward<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"responsive-image-holder wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mlt-responsive-image\" data-original-image=\"\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/11\/102825_59771_Sheridan-Wheeler_MP.jpg\" src=\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/11\/102825_59771_Sheridan-Wheeler_MP.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\" alt=\"Wheeler listens as dietetic intern Paige Dellosso reviews a slideshow on nutrition.\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">In another full-circle moment, Van Biert mentors current dietetic intern and graduate student Paige Dellosso.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Today, Van Biert helps guide Montclair student dietetic interns, collaborates with her former professors on nutrition research and student wellness initiatives and ensures nutritious, delicious meals for the Montclair community. \u201cNow she and the other dietitians on campus continue the cycle as we precept future dietitians who started just like Sheridan did, right here at Montclair,\u201d says Bostedo.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>I love the connections I\u2019ve made at Montclair, the people I&#8217;ve met, the campus, the community.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<figure class=\"responsive-image-holder wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mlt-responsive-image\" data-original-image=\"\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/11\/102825_59705_Sheridan-Wheeler_MP.jpg\" src=\"\/responsive-media\/cache\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2025\/11\/102825_59705_Sheridan-Wheeler_MP.jpg.0.1x.generic.jpg\" alt=\"Wheeler shares with a student the health benefits of dark chocolate at a taste-testing table.\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">During a taste-testing event, Van Biert educates students on the nutritional benefits of dark chocolate, including its fiber and antioxidant content.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"responsive-image-holder wp-caption alignnone\"><\/figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/03\/102825_56721_Sheridan-Wheeler_MP-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" \/>Montclair alumna and registered dietitian Sheridan Van Biert swabs dining plates for allergens at Freeman Dining Hall&#8217;s LIFE (Less Ingredients Flavorful Eats) station, which is gluten- and allergen-free. &#8220;We are very cautious.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure class=\"responsive-image-holder wp-caption alignnone\"><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"responsive-image-holder wp-caption alignnone\"><\/figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/03\/102825_56283_Sheridan-Wheeler_MP-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"People seated at a table in discussion\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" \/>Meeting with colleagues at Freeman Dining Hall, Van Biert collaborates with Dining Director Jennifer Bostedo, left, and Director of Sustainability Benjamin Kalscheur, right, and catering colleagues to plan a nutritious and sustainable menu for Montclair\u2019s annual Sustainability Breakfast.<figure class=\"responsive-image-holder wp-caption alignnone\"><\/figure><br \/>\n<figure class=\"responsive-image-holder wp-caption alignnone\"><\/figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/03\/102825_58085_Sheridan-Wheeler_MP-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Woman washing hands at sink\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" \/><span style=\"font-size: 14px\">Food safety comes first<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 14px\"> \u2013 Van Biert washes her hands often to maintain top health standards in campus dining.<\/span><figure class=\"responsive-image-holder wp-caption alignnone\"><\/figure><br \/>\n<figure class=\"responsive-image-holder wp-caption alignnone\"><\/figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/03\/102825_57199_Sheridan-Wheeler_MP-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Woman adjusting pages of a book\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" \/>Van Biert\u00a0updates a front-of-house allergen recipe binder she created for students and staff, ensuring everyone has easy access to ingredient and nutrition information. \u201cI have it out there so students can see what is being served. We have a back-of-the-house one for chefs and the associates preparing the foods. The chef knows that one of those recipes is good to go because it was approved by me.\u201d<figure class=\"responsive-image-holder wp-caption alignnone\"><\/figure><br \/>\n<figure class=\"responsive-image-holder wp-caption alignnone\"><\/figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/03\/102825_57967_Sheridan-Wheeler_MP-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Two women in discussion as another person looks on\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" \/>When a student requested yogurt, Van Biert coordinated with Gourmet Dining staff, ensuring it is offered throughout the day \u2013 part of her ongoing effort to meet students\u2019 needs.<figure class=\"responsive-image-holder wp-caption alignnone\"><\/figure><br \/>\n<em>By <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/profilepages\/view_profile.php?username=martinezsy\"><em>Sylvia A Martinez<\/em><\/a>, <em>Strategic Content Producer.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/montclairstateuniversity.smugmug.com\/2025\/102825-Sheridan-Wheeler-Day-In-Life\/n-HTGV7Q\">View more photos<\/a> for a complete look at Sheridan Van Biert\u2019s day and her attention to details as a food service professional and nutrition counselor.<\/p>\n<p>Are You Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?<\/p>\n<p><strong>Want to turn your passion for wellness into a career? Explore our <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/nutrition-and-food-studies\/academic-programs\/\"><strong>Nutrition &amp; Food Science Programs<\/strong><\/a><strong>. See yourself at Montclair, <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/admissions\/visit-us\/\"><strong>Schedule a Campus Tour<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n\/\/ Output tags as a list for Google Analytics custom dimension\nwindow.MSU_TagList = [];\n<\/script>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Meet Sheridan Van Biert, whose full-circle homecoming took her from Nutrition and Food Science studies at ÌÇÐÄvlog to a registered dietitian nourishing her alma mater&#8217;s community<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":396,"featured_media":226939,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[313,492,123,575,10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-226949","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-alumni","category-college-for-community-health","category-homepage-news","category-montclair-life","category-university"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/226949","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/396"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=226949"}],"version-history":[{"count":52,"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/226949\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":227566,"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/226949\/revisions\/227566"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/226939"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=226949"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=226949"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=226949"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}