Hello! My name is Karen Bacalia and I was born and raised on the beautiful island of Guam. I was first introduced to Nutrition as a career when I was an undergraduate at the University of Guam pursuing a degree in Chemistry. I fell in love with various nutrition courses (specifically medical nutrition therapy and community nutrition) and decided that I could not simply just keep it as a side interest. Not only that, I noticed the burden that Guam faced with a high prevalence of cardiometabolic disease and limited research or culture specific aids. Thus, I became a double major in Chemistry and Human Nutrition and Food Science with a minor in Biology. In my 3rd year, I participated in my first summer research program and I knew it was something I wanted to do for my future. I learned more about nutritional biochemistry and then applied to Rutgers University for my PhD. However, as a young graduate student with growing experience, I realized my true passion was in helping underserved communities have access to proper nutrition. As much as I love being in the lab, I realized it was not as fitting for my end goal which is to help my home island in the best way that I can. My goal after obtaining my PhD and RDN is to get more experience working with different cultural groups with a focus on preventative care. I hope to utilize my nutritional biochemistry background and RDN credentials to conduct clinical trials on the AAPI population, and also become a professor at the University of Guam to inspire more locals to pursue a graduate degree related to nutrition! As of now I am a 3rd year graduate student with a new focus on community and applied nutrition at Rutgers University - New Brunswick and plan to join the RD program while finishing my PhD. In my free time I love to visit local cafes, run or swim, crochet, hang out with friends or my cats (I have 3!), and talk to my friends and family back home in Guam.