David Opiri, a senior at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, always had a passion for food and nutrition. Growing up in Kenya, he witnessed the challenges of malnutrition in his home country. “Kenya is beautiful, but it faces some tough issues, like malnutrition,” he explained. His family instilled in him the importance of good nutrition. He became an athlete and realized that what we eat significantly affects our performance.
Opiri chose to study nutrition and food science because he loves the idea of solving real-life food problems. He sees this field as versatile, offering a range of career opportunities. “Wherever there’s food, there are issues to tackle,” he said. At UAPB, students can combine science with health in a hands-on learning environment. Graduates can choose from various paths like becoming dietitians, food scientists, or working in public health.
In a world increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence, Opiri believes that the human touch remains vital in nutrition and food science. Whether students prefer working in labs or directly with people, this field offers something for everyone.
Opiri has a lot of praise for UAPB’s supportive environment. “The program teaches students to deal with real-world problems like food insecurity and chronic diseases,” he said. The blend of classroom learning and community outreach is designed to equip students with both knowledge and purpose.
Under the mentorship of Suzzette Shaw Goldmon, an associate professor at UAPB, Opiri expanded his horizons. Goldmon invited him to join a National Science Foundation-funded project called Food Positive. This initiative aims to develop community-based nutrition education programs to enhance food security and health. Through this project, Opiri discovered the obstacles face by local communities in accessing nutritious food and how professionals can help.
“Working with the campus food pantry and teaching cooking classes really opened my eyes,” he shared. The cooking classes were tailored to different populations, making the learning process engaging. Opiri also had the chance to showcase his research on food security challenges among college students at a national conference, gaining valuable feedback and networking opportunities.
This summer, he participated in a research program at Tuskegee University, studying blueberries and their impact on blood pressure. “It was exciting to learn about natural remedies and how certain foods can help combat health issues,” he said.
As graduation approaches, Opiri is setting his sights on furthering his education and building a career as a nutritionist or food scientist. He dreams of returning to Kenya to work with organizations addressing food insecurity.
Reflecting on his journey, Opiri expresses gratitude for the faculty who have supported him. “Their guidance has been invaluable for both my academic and personal growth,” he said.
His involvement in campus organizations, like UAPB Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences, and serving as senior class president, showcases his leadership. Tomekia White, who oversees the 1890 Scholarship Program, commended Opiri for his dedication and as a model for younger students.
In a world where food challenges are ever-present, Opiri is determined to make a difference, proving that a passion for nutrition can lead to a meaningful career.
For more information on the importance of nutrition in health, you can explore resources from the World Health Organization.
