Health and Human Services News

Dietetics student takes on new challenges overseas

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From sharpening her Spanish language skills to volunteering and visiting Machu Picchu, Missouri State University junior Kate Hayes recently embarked on a transformative study abroad experience in Peru.  

This three-week trip was made possible by a study away scholarship from The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest, most selective and most prestigious all-discipline honor society. 

During her time in Peru, Hayes, a double major in nutrition and dietetics and Spanish, not only enriched her academic pursuits, but also immersed herself in the local culture. This adventure fostered personal growth and resilience, equipping her with a global perspective and a renewed passion for her studies.  

To learn more about study abroad opportunities, visit the office of education abroad.

Immersed in learning and cultural exploration   

Hayes seized the opportunity to enhance her language skills and explore Latin American culture firsthand. Based in Cusco, she took intensive Spanish language courses taught by native speakers. The small class size allowed Hayes to deepen her understanding of grammar and conversational fluency.   

“The classes were my favorite part, which sounds kind of nerdy, but it was different because everyone was there to learn and hungry to get all this new information,” said Hayes, who is from Raymore, Missouri. 

Beyond the classroom, she actively engaged with the local community through volunteer work. She initially taught English then transitioned to manual labor. This was a surprise that highlighted the dynamic nature of international experiences.   

Hayes embraced the experiences, recognizing them as opportunities for personal and cultural discovery.   

Seeing Machu Picchu in real life 

A highlight of Hayes’ adventure was the five-day trek to Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The trip included a strenuous yet exhilarating journey through the Andes Mountains. This experience offered breathtaking views and insights into Incan culture and spirituality.   

“We hiked the Salkantay Trek, which was a 50-mile hike from our starting point all the way to Machu Picchu,” Hayes said. “We even hiked through the Amazon rainforest, which was crazy to think about.” 

Personal growth and future goals   

Reflecting on her experience, Hayes noted personal growth in her overall confidence, Spanish language skills and cultural awareness.   

“The study abroad trip deepened my academic knowledge and fueled my passion for global engagement and cross-cultural understanding,” Hayes said.   

After she completes her bachelor’s degree, she wants to attend graduate school. In the future, she hopes to integrate her passion for nutrition and Spanish into a career path. She sees potential in being a translator, dietitian for a sports team or a role bridging health care and cultural exchange.   

Learn more about nutrition and dietetics

Faculty member honored as PFLAG Advocate of the Year

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Dr. Shurita Thomas-Tate’s commitment to support fair education has earned her the Kathryn J. Munzinger Advocate of the Year Award from Parent, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) Springfield/SWMO.  

This award recognizes her tireless efforts to promote access for members of the LGBTQ+ community in the Springfield Public Schools (SPS) District.  

“As a SPS board member, I’ve been vocally advocating for access, equity and basic human rights for our LGBTQ+ students, teachers and families in the district,” said Thomas-Tate, a Missouri State University associate professor of communication sciences and disorders. 

“I believe PFLAG gives this award annually, but this was the first time I was nominated and won.” 

Advocacy amid challenges 

Thomas-Tate’s work has been significant in light of local and statewide challenges to LGBTQ+ rights.  

“We serve the public, all of the public, not some of the public,” she said. “My advocacy is for every student — not some students, not the students who meet this criteria or that criteria, but for every student.”  

Continuing the fight 

Thomas-Tate plans to continue her advocacy work through various initiatives. She encourages others to speak up for those who cannot.  

“Advocacy means speaking up. It doesn’t have to be antagonistic; it’s speaking up and saying, ‘Hey, see this group, see these people, hear their voices,’” she said.  

Thomas-Tate’s nonprofit, Ujima Language and Literacy, embodies this philosophy by supporting children’s literacy and fostering community connections. She founded the organization in 2015. 

“Ujima is a Swahili word,” Thomas-Tate said. “It means collective work and responsibility. And it’s about ‘you help me, I help you and together we can help each other.’” 

Staying engaged 

Thomas-Tate remains active in the Springfield community. She participates in Ozarks Pridefest and facilitates Ujima’s summer camp.  

“We have an event called Ujima Language and Literacy Summer Camp, which starts in July. We’ll have students from Missouri State helping with language literacy activities with our kids,” Thomas-Tate said.  

Additionally, she is planning a book drive on campus this fall to collect diverse children’s literature. 

Acknowledging the support 

According to Thomas-Tate, receiving the Advocate of the Year award is a meaningful validation of her work.  

“I feel very honored. Unfortunately, I sometimes get negative feedback and attacks because of my support for marginalized students and groups,” she said.  

But the positive recognition from PFLAG and her community reinforces her commitment to advocacy.  

“It’s always appreciated when I get positive feedback from people who see and value what I’m doing,” Thomas-Tate said. 

Explore degrees in communication sciences and disorders

Recognizing excellence in dietetics

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For her contributions to dietetics and dedicated community service, registered dietitian Jaime Gnau received the Emerging Dietetic Leader award at the Missouri Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (MOAND) 2024 annual conference.  It took place April 12-13 in St. Louis, Missouri.   

Gnau is a clinical assistant professor of nutrition and dietetics in the department of public health and sports medicine at Missouri State University. 

A true honor 

Gnau’s journey with the MOAND began early in her career when she served as the regional director for the southwest region.  

“It was a true honor for me to receive the award,” said Gnau, who is also a Missouri State alumna. “I’m very proud of the work I’ve been able to do.” 

She is also chair of the 2025 MOAND annual conference planning committee and a member of the southwest region MOAND planning committee for continuing education events. 

Award criteria 

To receive the Emerging Dietetic Leader award, nominees must be a registered dietitian with five to 10 years of experience and show active participation in professional associations.  

Gnau’s extensive involvement and leadership roles demonstrated her qualifications for this honor. 

Persistent nomination 

The award nomination process highlighted Gnau’s impact and the admiration she earned from her peers. 

“The dietitian who nominated me kept reaching out year after year until I finally reached my five-year mark,” Gnau said. 

Overcoming challenges 

Gnau’s time as regional director from 2019-2021 coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This period demanded creativity and resilience.    

“Navigating continuing education projects and opportunities for dietitians through COVID was a significant challenge,” Gnau said.    

Her approach to maintaining engagement and professional development for dietitians in the region was crucial during these unprecedented times. 

Transition to academia 

After her term as regional director, Gnau transitioned to a full-time academic role at Missouri State.   

But her commitment to the dietetics community remained unwavering as she continued to contribute to the southwest region’s planning committee. 

A nod to Missouri State 

Gnau attributes much of her success to her role at the university.  

“My role at Missouri State helped me to get this award,” Gnau said.   

Her engagement in research, collaboration with students and colleagues and active participation in national conferences have been instrumental in her professional growth and recognition.  

Learn more about the department of public health and sports medicine

Highlights from the 28th Annual Student Research Symposium

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Thanks to the McQueary College of Health and Human Services’ 28th Annual Student Research Symposium, students and their faculty mentors got to present their scholarly work. 

The symposium on April 26, 2024, featured 69 abstracts showcasing contributions from both undergraduate and graduate students across the college. Some examples of project topics included motivation in sports, the coach-athlete relationship and body image. 

This year, there were activities, such as a selfie stand for pictures and a drawing for swag bags, resulting in 17 lucky winners receiving their prizes after the event.  

“I’m thankful for the student research symposium, which gave all 18 graduate students in my KIN 785 Psychology of Sport course a chance to present their research,” said Dr. Keith McShan, assistant professor of kinesiology. “For many of these students, it was their first time in a group research project. I felt like a proud father watching my students go from the data collection process and analysis, to presenting their results.” 

“The symposium was a great bonding experience for my graduate students and all participating MCHHS students.” 

Learn more about MCHHS