Guelph Grad Q&A: Paulina Morelli
Grad Changed Course to Follow Passion for Nutrition
Paulina Morelli graduated from the University of Guelph’s Applied Human Nutrition program in 2025.
Although she loved food since childhood, her passion really started as an undergrad at TMU when she began cooking for herself. Paulina would go on to complete her BA and even began working in marketing, but she felt unfulfilled and remained curious about food, nutrition and health.
Eventually, Paulina decided to make a change and pursue nutrition full time. When it came time to apply, there was only one choice for her, U of G.
She credits the professors in the Applied Human Nutrition program not only for their expertise but for helping her build the confidence to pursue dietetics. Paulina Morelli is now completing her dietetic internship through U of G’s Master of Applied Nutrition program while working as a food lab coordinator and teaching assistant.
Continue reading to learn more about Paulina’s journey and what she has planned next.
Interview with Paulina Morelli
Tell us about yourself and why you chose to study Applied Human Nutrition at the University of Guelph?
I’m sure my love for food started at an early age (probably after taking some cake decorating classes at 14 and thinking I was Cake Boss) but it truly developed in my early 20s when I was completing my BA at TMU and cooking for myself for the first time. Although I graduated and worked in marketing for a bit, it never felt right – I was unhappy and constantly drawn to learning about food, nutrition and health. Eventually, I decided to take the leap and change career paths.
My brothers had previously graduated from U of G and I’d always felt a little envious of their experience: the strong sense of community, the beautiful campus and the university’s reputation in food and nutrition sciences. When it came time to apply, there was no other university I even considered for my nutrition studies. It was always U of G from the start.
What did you like most about your program? Is there anything in particular about the courses or professors that stands out to you?
The Applied Human Nutrition faculty, hands down. I can confidently say that the professors in the BASc AHN program are among the best – and I’ve had enough university experience to know! From the start, I was an eager first-year student always wanting to learn more, and I was never turned away. I’ve yet to meet professors more kind, approachable and dedicated to student learning than those in AHN. I am so grateful for their guidance and continued mentorship. Special shoutouts to Dr Brian Lo, Dr Andrea Buccholz and Dr Justine Keathley (HHNS) for being incredible mentors through my years at U of G and inspiring teachers. If you are interested in the dietetics emphasis, you will be learning directly from experienced dietitians with diverse focus areas – it doesn’t get better than this!
In terms of courses, it’s hard to pick just one because there are so many fun and interesting ones, but my favourites were biomedical physiology, the advanced nutrition courses and food chemistry!
Did you do co-op? If yes, tell us a bit about your co-op job and your experience.
While I did not do co-op, I worked as a research assistant throughout my studies and got to apply my knowledge in meaningful ways, including publishing a few articles alongside my professors!
There are also so many hands-on nutrition and food courses within the program that you can really gain a wide variety of experiences, from a semester-long internship to a student thesis project and even restaurant management opportunity. I highly recommend trying out at least one – you learn SO much in these settings.
Where are you currently working and what is your role?
I am currently completing my dietetic internship through the Master of Applied Nutrition program here at the university. Right now, I’m working as a food lab coordinator and teaching assistant for my first placement. Later, I’ll be working alongside a dietitian in the community and then at a family health clinic gaining experience in clinical nutrition.
How did your degree and time at the University of Guelph help get you to where you are today? How do the skills and education you gained help with your current work?
One oI don’t think my nutrition knowledge and research skills would be as strong had I studied at another university. The AHN program is really strong in these areas, and it really shows in its students. The mentorship I received from my professors, combined with the many volunteer experiences available through the university’s connections helped me tremendously – not only in gaining admission into my current Master program, but also in preparing me for a successful career as a dietitian (and hopefully future PhD student!)
Also, given my special interest in food science too, I was able to take some really cool courses and attend unique events that U of G is known for. The university enabled me to combine my passion for nutrition and food science and I’ll be able apply this knowledge as a dietitian working in industry down the line!
What advice would you give someone considering the Applied Human Nutrition program or applying to the University of Guelph?
Be curious and proactively seek out experiences. Build relationships with your professors and organizations in your community – these are key in helping you to succeed in the program and beyond. I was able to do so much during my undergrad simply by reaching out – whether it was connecting with my professors after class, via emails/office hours or by just asking around for opportunities. If you’re interested in research like I was, start early on and volunteer in labs that interest you – graduate students and busy professors are always looking for help!
Bonus Questions
Where was your favourite place to eat on campus and what was your go-to food order?
Easy – Mom’s Kitchen in the University Centre. I still think about the apple butter chicken to this day and am considering stealing the recipe for myself…
In your opinion where is the best place to study on campus?
For solo studying, the private bookable rooms on the second and third floor of the library are unmatched. As a first year though, I always enjoyed the group learning centres for different courses (they saved my life during gen chem 1 and 2!)
What was your pre-exam ritual?
I actually would do little to no studying right before an exam since it helped me relax and go into the exam with a clear mind! That said, it only worked for those exams I didn’t cram for so my best piece of advice would be to always start studying earlier than you think!
What are your top 5 favourite things about U of G?
- The community and small-town vibes
- The vast number of student experiences available to us
- The campus itself! The Science Complex Waasamowin and food science buildings were my fave
- The profs
- The cows on campus