Interns and Graduate Students - Carolina Hunger Initiative

Interns and Students

Much of our work couldn’t happen without the students from UNC-Chapel Hill and beyond who join our team as interns, youth ambassadors, and child nutritionists to work on nutrition education materials, cooking programs with kids, and more.

Learn about some of our recent intern team members below. If you’re interested in being a part of the team, contact Jessica Soldavini.

Spring 2022

Claire Blackman

Degree Program: Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

Hometown: Pfafftown, NC

Projects: Cooking Matters for Kids

Why I chose to get involved with CHI: I chose to get involved with CHI because CHI actively works to provide nutrition education and healthy meals, and I love that I am able to contribute by sharing my interest in nutrition with kids in a fun and engaging way.

Fun fact: I have been to 40 of the 50 states!

Elizabeth Giering

Degree Program: Master of Public Health in Nutrition

Hometown: Irvine, CA

Projects: Cooking Matters at Home, Harvest of the Month, social media

Why I chose to get involved with CHI: I applied to an MPH program because at the time, I wanted a career in public health nutrition, specifically involving nutrition education. While my career goals have changed, my passion for nutrition education and addressing food access disparities hasn’t. CHI gives me a wonderful opportunity to pursue my passions while helping others.

Fun fact: I was a competitive figure skater for most of my life. I still ice skate, and hope to compete again soon!

Keerti Kalluru

Degree Program: Bachelor of Science in Public Health Nutrition and Bachelor of Arts in Human Development and Family Studies

Hometown: Cary, NC

Projects: Cooking Matters for Kids, Cooking Matters at Home, project on nutrition education resources for adolescents, Project Dash

Why I chose to get involved with CHI: I chose to get involved with CHI through my HDFS internship because I wanted to get experience working with children and families while learning more about community-based nutrition programs!

Fun fact: I lived in India for 7 years

Jennie Norka

Degree Program: Master of Public Health in Nutrition

Hometown: Chicago, IL

Projects: Cooking Matters at Home, Cooking Matters for Kids, PORCH Fresh

Why I chose to get involved with CHI: I was excited to join CHI to work with and teach community members of all ages about nutrition and enhance their ability to access nutritious food and eat healthy meals!

Fun fact: I like to say I have three pets: my cat, my dog, and my three-year-old sourdough starter!

Albert Pan

Degree Program: Bachelor of Science in Public Health — Nutrition

Hometown: Crestwood, KY

Projects: School lunch debt policy research

Why I chose to get involved with CHI: I wanted to positively impact school meals and learn more about school lunch policies.

Delaine Perez

Program: Master of Public Health — Registered Dietitian Program

Hometown: Fort Myers, FL

Projects: Harvest of the Month, Nutrition Education Resources, Social Media

Why I chose to get involved with CHI: I chose CHI because of the incredible work they do to connect children to nutritious meals and provide nutrition education to families and their children.

Fun fact: My all-time favorite food is tacos. I love how versatile they can be.

Hundley Rhyne

Degree Program: Bachelor of Arts in Human Development and Family Studies

Hometown: Lincolnton, NC

Projects: Nutrition education resources

Why I chose to get involved with CHI: As a future high school math teacher, I wanted to expand my knowledge on CHI and learn about the resources available in the communities around us.

Fun fact: I am a North Carolina Teaching Fellow!