Maria Nyepi
Food Science and Human Nutrition
Michigan State University

Maria Nnyepi is from Botswana. She is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition with special interest in Maternal and Child Nutrition. Maria earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Human and Environmental Science (Medical Dietetics) from the University of Missouri- Columbia and her MS in Human Nutrition from MSU. Between 1993 and 1996, Maria served as the National Coordinator of Maternal and Child Nutrition Programs for the Family Health Division, Botswana. In this capacity Maria aired radio programs on maternal and child nutrition issues for the public, facilitated in-service education programs for health workers, and worked in several policy formulation committees for the Ministry of Health.

In 1996, Maria accepted a job offer from the University of Botswana Department of Home Economics Education, where she taught nutrition courses and coordinated internship placements for Home Economics Extension students.

While at MSU, Maria had the opportunity to be a Thoman Fellow and as part of the fellowship training she volunteered at the Supplemental Food Program for Women Infant and Children. She also had the opportunity to volunteer her time to the 4-H club and Pathfinders’ and Adventure’s Clubs where she 10-12 year olds how to healthy snacks. She also volunteered at the Access 2000 Community Health Fair where she facilitated a workshop on nutrition and chronic diseases for the public. She also volunteered at Williamston Middle School, where she helped 6th and 7th graders conceptualize their social studies lessons in Southern Africa.

Her future plans are to return to the University of Botswana where she will provide leadership in the establishment of a nutrition specialization in the Department of Home Economics Education and provide services to the community.