Two University of Cincinnati students are living the dream of many a football enthusiast by taking part in an internship with the Cincinnati Bengals during their training camp. Tori Bonno and Megan Christian, who are enrolled in the Accelerated Dietitian Nutritionist program at UC's College of Allied Health Sciences, recently completed a month-long stint with the NFL team, gaining invaluable experience in their field of study.
The program they're a part of is a combined bachelor's and master's degree course designed to expedite the process of becoming a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). Under the supervision of the dietetic and athletic training staff, they didn’t just stand on the sidelines. Instead, they actively contributed to the players' nutritional needs by providing snacks and stocking up the team's fuel station—a hub for healthy grab-and-go options to keep the athletes in peak condition.
"Having two students interning with the Bengals is a remarkable opportunity for UC and its dietetics program," John Pantel, the assistant professor and director of clinical education for dietetics at UC, told UC News. This experience not only enhances the students' resumes but also bridges the gap between academic instructions and real-world practice, offering them a taste of what it's like to work in the fast-paced world of professional sports nutrition.
It seems that it's not just about refueling the players but also about learning the ropes of dietetics in a dynamic environment. "It’s not a gas station. It’s a fuel station," Christian stated with a chuckle to UC News. The emphasis at the fuel station is on a balance of nutrients, with snacks that are strategically selected to provide carbohydrates, proteins, and electrolytes—anything but the standard vending machine fare.
This hands-on learning opportunity is a clear win-win: the Bengals get the fresh perspectives and latest nutritional strategies that Bonno and Christian bring to the table, and in turn, the students score practical experience that could very well kickstart their careers in the ultra-competitive field of sports nutrition.
