Maya Wright

Nutritional Sciences

Love of science and personal experience with the importance of diet helped fuel Wright's passion for dietetics

Hometown

Lawrenceville

Major/Minor

Dietetics

Activities/Honors

• Graduating Cum Laude
• First Generation Graduate
• UGA Student Dietetic Association Member (2023–2026)
• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Student Member (2024–Present)
• Georgia Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Student Member (2024–Present)
• UGA ArchReady Professional Development Certificate (November 2024)
• Alpha Alpha Alpha Honor Society (Inducted 2025)
• HOPE Scholarship (2022–2026)
• Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholarship (2022–2026)
• TRIO STEM-H General Body Member (2025–Present)
• UGA Homecoming Committee Member (2025)
• CITI Program Human Subject Research Training Certificate (January 2025)

Why I chose my major

My interest in dietetics began long before I ever realized it. Growing up, science was always my favorite subject, as it was the one class that made me curious, excited and eager to learn more. At the same time, I loved watching cooking shows on the Food Network, fascinated by how food could be creative, comforting, and meaningful. I didn’t know it then, but those two passions were quietly shaping the path I would eventually take.

Everything became clearer when my sister spent years in and out of the hospital for a congenital heart condition. Sitting beside her during those stays, I saw how nutrition played a real role in her healing. It wasn’t just something on a plate, as it was part of her treatment and recovery. That experience changed the way I viewed food and sparked my desire to help others through nutrition.

When I arrived at UGA and met with my advisor during orientation, they explained what dietetics truly was. It was a field where I could combine my love for science with my love for food in a way that directly impacts people’s health. That conversation was the moment everything clicked. Dietetics wasn’t just a major that fit my interests, as it was the perfect blend of everything that had shaped me growing up. It gave me a clear direction and a sense of purpose, and I knew I had found the right path.

What I like most about FACS

What I appreciate most about FACS is the sense of belonging and support I felt from the moment I walked in during orientation. The college creates an environment where students are known, encouraged and challenged to grow. Within the classroom and beyond, my professors have pushed me to think critically, communicate with empathy and understand nutrition through a lens that values people and their lived experiences. The college emphasizes compassion, cultural awareness and evidence-based practice, which are values that have shaped the kind of future dietitian I aspire to be. 

Most influential in my journey has been my DPD coordinator, Dr. Emma Laing. From the beginning, she has been someone I could trust to guide me with honesty, clarity and genuine care. She has a way of challenging me while also making me feel supported, and her feedback has pushed me to grow in ways I didn’t expect. Whether she was helping me think through career decisions, strengthening my writing or encouraging me during stressful semesters, she consistently showed up with patience and encouragement. Her mentorship has shaped my confidence and helped me understand what it means to be a thoughtful, compassionate and evidence-driven dietitian. Having her in my corner has made my experience in FACS even more meaningful, and I am grateful for the impact she has had on both my academic and personal growth.

Post-graduation plans

After graduating in May 2026, I will continue my education as a graduate student in the M.S. in Nutritional Sciences (Community Nutrition) program at UGA. I will be completing my master’s coursework online while simultaneously completing my Dietetic Internship through Morrison Healthcare. My supervised practice hours will take place at Northside Hospital Gwinnett, allowing me to stay close to home and my support system while gaining hands-on clinical experience. Completing my graduate studies and internship at the same time will help me build a strong academic foundation while developing real-world skills in patient care.

Looking ahead, I am especially interested in specializing in eating disorders and behavioral health. This is an area I feel deeply connected to, and I hope to eventually work in settings that support individuals in rebuilding a healthy, empowered relationship with food. At the same time, I am excited for my internship rotations to expose me to a variety of clinical and community environments. I want to explore different specialties, strengthen my counseling skills and discover where I feel most called to serve as a future RDN.