Quadarius Whitson

Alumni Office, Nutritional Sciences

College showed Whitson how powerful education and service can be in changing lives

Major/year graduated

M.S., Nutritional Sciences, 2024

Current occupation/location

Program Associate, Culinary Nutrition & Food Safety, Cooperative Extension Service, Little Rock, Arkansas

What do you love about your current role?

I love that my current role allows me to blend my passion for food, nutrition, and education in meaningful ways. I get to design engaging programs and resources that make food science approachable while helping others build practical skills for healthier habits and safer practices. The variety of work — balancing community outreach, teaching, and creative projects — keeps each day exciting and fulfilling. Most importantly, I enjoy knowing that the work I do has a direct impact on improving health, food knowledge, and overall well-being in the communities I serve.

How did your time at FACS help prepare you for your life or career?:

My experience in the FACS program was instrumental in shaping the professional I am today. The coursework built a strong foundation in nutrition and food science, while opportunities to engage in research allowed me to apply that knowledge in meaningful ways. I also gained a deep appreciation for evidence-based practices, which continue to guide my approach to teaching and program development. Collaborating with faculty members as well as with peers helped me strengthen my communication and leadership skills and further fueled my passion for helping others improve their health and understanding of food.

Who was your favorite or most memorable faculty member and why?

My all-time favorite faculty member has to be my graduate advisor and mentor, Dr. Alison Berg. From the very beginning of my time at UGA, she showed me incredible compassion and support, always believing in me even when I doubted myself. At the same time, she challenged me to push my limits in coursework and research, helping me grow in ways I never imagined. I have honestly never met anyone who is so brilliantly intelligent while also being so genuinely kind and approachable. Dr. Berg, I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve taught me — not just about nutrition and research, but about life, balance, and navigating the ups and downs of adulthood. You’ve truly made a lasting impact on me, and I am so grateful to have had you as a mentor.

What does being a FACS grad mean to you?

Being a FACS grad is so much more than a milestone — it’s a reminder of how much I’ve grown, learned, and found purpose in the work I do. It represents the foundation I built in nutrition and food science, the lessons I learned about the importance of evidence-based practice, and the experiences that showed me how powerful education and service can be in changing lives. It also connects me to a community of people who share a passion for making a real difference. For me, being a FACS grad means carrying forward that passion every day in the way I teach, serve, and inspire others to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.