Sofia Faugno
Fourth Year Student
Food, Nutrition & Health Program (Dietetics Major)
University of British Columbia
UBC’s Food, Nutrition, and Health program equips future leaders to drive change and shape a healthier, more sustainable world.
The University of British Columbia (UBC) has a lauded reputation, consistently being ranked among the top public universities in the world. Since 1915, UBC has been opening doors of opportunity for people with the curiosity, drive, and vision to shape a better world.
UBC’s Food, Nutrition, and Health program is ideal for students who want to make a mark on the world by engaging with the entire continuum of food — from its production and processing to its marketing, consumption, and impact on community and individual health. The program empowers future leaders to pursue impactful, rewarding careers by building their knowledge and real-world skills via hands-on learning and connections with industry professionals. Whether students wish to earn a professional designation, build a foundation for medical or graduate studies, or work within global food markets, the Food, Nutrition, and Health program opens up a realm of possibilities.
Turning a passion into a career
“Nutrition has been an interest of mine since childhood, but it wasn’t until high school that I realized I could turn my passion into a career,” says Sofia Faugno, a fourth-year student in the Food, Nutrition, and Health program majoring in Dietetics.
“When I came across this program, it felt like the perfect fit. I knew it would provide me with the perfect mix of academics, extracurricular opportunities, and campus life.”
The Faculty of Land and Food Systems (LFS), which includes the Food, Nutrition, and Health program as well as Applied Biology, Global Resource Systems, and Food and Resource Economics, offers a close-knit community experience with access to the extensive resources of a large university.
“I instantly felt the warm, positive energy from the Faculty of LFS on my first day at UBC,” says Faugno. “And walking down the halls, I always see at least one student, professor, or staff member who I’ve interacted with. Being able to see those familiar faces contributes to a sense of belonging.”
Learning to build a network
Besides its tight-knit community, UBC’s Food, Nutrition, and Health program stands apart for its dedication to hands-on learning and career development. Building career skills is a personal journey for each student, driven by their unique interests and goals.
“The Faculty of LFS has provided me with ample opportunities to grow both personally and professionally,” says Faugno. From serving on the LFS Undergraduate Society (a student government) to supporting faculty marketing projects in UBC’s Work Learn program (which provides students the opportunity to work part-time while maintaining a flexible schedule for academics) to embarking on a clinical Dietetics placement in the diabetes and cardiology departments at Vancouver General Hospital, Faugno has gained invaluable skills and experience.
“One of the most rewarding aspects has been the chance to connect with industry professionals and like-minded peers, building a network that not only inspires me but will support me through my career journey,” she says.
Connect your interest in health and nutrition and building sustainable food systems to a program in UBC’s Faculty of Land and Food Systems.
