Gráinne Ní Eidhin

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Human Nutrition

Sligo

Name: Gráinne Ní Eidhin
ATU Qualification: Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Human Nutrition
Year of Graduation: 2021
Current Job Title: Community Food and Nutrition Worker
Organisation Name: Knockanrawley Resource Centre
Employment Location: Knockanrawley Resource Centre, Knockanrawley, Tipperary Town, Co. Tipperary, E34 D832.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what led you to choose your course:

I’ve always had a deep appreciation for food and its role in our lives, thanks to being raised in a household where healthy eating was a priority. My mom introduced me to the benefits of wholesome, nutritious meals from an early age, which sparked my interest in understanding how food impacts our health and well-being. While I wasn’t certain at first about what path to pursue in college, being good at science in school and my passion for food made nutrition the perfect fit. It’s a field that allows me to combine my scientific skills with my desire to promote healthy living and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

What about the course did you particularly enjoy?

I enjoyed the small class sizes during my course. Coming from a small rural school with less than 20 students in my Leaving Cert class, I was initially worried about adjusting to college life. However, having a first-year college class that was only about 30 students made the transition much smoother for me. It created an environment where I felt comfortable asking questions and building friendships. This setting was especially beneficial during our practical lab sessions, where there was more opportunities for one-on-one guidance.
Another aspect I loved was the variety in how we learned. The combination of engaging lectures and hands-on practical sessions made the course dynamic and interactive. The practical sessions reinforced what we learned in lectures and helped me see the real-world applications of nutrition science. This balance kept me motivated and excited about the material, making my overall learning experience truly enjoyable and rewarding.

What is the best thing about the course that new applicants should know?

New applicants should also know that this course doesn’t just focus on theoretical knowledge. It emphasises practical skills that are highly relevant in the real world, such as understanding the science behind food, developing dietary plans, creating new food products, and learning about public health initiatives. From the very beginning, you’ll have the chance to apply what you’re learning in real-world contexts, whether through practical lab sessions, case studies, or projects that mirror challenges faced in the field of nutrition. Whether you’re passionate about promoting healthy eating, working in the food industry, pursuing research, or even branching into areas like sports nutrition or policy development, this course equips you with the tools and knowledge to explore a wide range of career opportunities.

Any favourite modules during your time studying?

Public Health Nutrition was my absolute favourite module throughout the course. It provided a fascinating insight into the role of nutrition in improving the health of entire communities and populations. One of the aspects I particularly enjoyed was studying real-life public health initiatives aimed at promoting healthy eating. We explored programs like school-based nutrition campaigns, community outreach projects, and government-led interventions to tackle issues such as obesity and malnutrition. This module inspired me to consider a career focused on community health rather than clinical or lab-based work. It was key in shaping my further education choices and guiding me toward my current career path, where I’m able to contribute to meaningful changes in public health.
I also really enjoyed complementary modules like Health Psychology and Determinants of Health, which deepened my understanding of the social, psychological, and environmental factors influencing health behaviours. These modules tied in perfectly with Public Health Nutrition, giving me a well-rounded view of how to approach health promotion from multiple angles.

What key skills did you learn while studying at ATU that have influenced your career?

One of the most important skills I developed was the ability to translate complex scientific concepts into practical, real-world applications. This has been invaluable in helping me communicate effectively with diverse audiences, whether it’s clients, colleagues, or community groups.
I also honed my research and analytical skills, particularly through assignments and lab work that required gathering, interpreting, and presenting data. This has been essential in my career, enabling me to evaluate evidence-based practices and make informed decisions in my role.
Teamwork and collaboration were also major aspects of my learning experience. Group projects taught me how to work effectively with others, listen to different perspectives, and manage tasks within a team—skills that are crucial in any professional environment.

Can you share some details of your career path to date?

I graduated from my undergraduate degree in June 2021, after finishing my placement with the Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine Department in St Vincent’s University Hospital. In September of the same year, I began my Masters in Public Health in University College Cork. I followed the Health Promotion Pathway of this course. After graduating from my masters, I found it difficult to find a community based nutrition role, therefore, I took up an administrative role in health care and shadowed a Health Promotion and Improvement Officer in my spare time to gain experience working with the community and becoming familiar with Health Promotion practices in Ireland. During this time, I also volunteered with an Irish Health Promotion organisation to continue to engage with Health Promotion outside the workplace and to network. About a year after graduating, I began in my current role as a Community Food and Nutrition Worker in Tipperary.

What does your current role involve?

As a Community Food and Nutrition Worker, my role aims to provide capacity for the Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme to improve community health and wellbeing in the South Tipperary area by addressing the issues of poor diet and food poverty.
I organise and facilitate nutrition focused courses and one-off sessions for a range of community groups and populations. For example, I recently designed and facilitated a 6-week course with Traveller women which used nutrition education and healthy cooking as a vehicle for literacy education. I worked with an ETB Literacy Tutor and we worked with the women, learning about healthy eating and cooking healthy meals while aiming to improve their literacy skills through recipe reading, measuring ingredients, and more. As part of this project, I applied for funding, designed the content for the 6 week course utilising the Healthy Ireland healthy eating guidelines, collaborated with a large educational organisational to acquire support for the literacy part of the course, recruited participants by doing outreach in the community, purchased resources for the course, facilitated the 6 sessions, collected post course feedback to assess the effectiveness of the course, and reported to my internal management team and to the funders. I also support the local food bank for those in need of nutritional support. I also work with local community organisations with the aim of making systematic change in South Tipperary to reduce food insecurity, which is definitely the most challenging part of the role.

What advice would you share with our current students considering a career in your field?

My advice for current students considering a career in community nutrition is to focus on building both technical knowledge and interpersonal skills. Nutrition isn’t just about understanding food science—it’s about connecting with people, understanding their challenges, and empowering them to make healthier choices. Take every opportunity to engage in internships, volunteer programs, or community projects. These hands-on experiences are invaluable for building your confidence and understanding the diverse needs of different populations.
Stay open to lifelong learning, as this field is constantly evolving. Keep up with the latest research and best practices, and don’t be afraid to seek mentorship from experienced professionals. Most importantly, approach your work with empathy and passion. Community nutrition is about making a real difference in people’s lives, and your genuine care can have a lasting impact.

What did you like best about studying at ATU?

I appreciated ATU’s emphasis on practical, hands-on learning and its strong connection to industry. The opportunities for internships, placements, and real-world projects prepared me well for my career. I also liked the vibrant campus life at ATU. From clubs and societies to cultural events, there was always something exciting happening that allowed me to balance academics and fun.

What advice would you give a first-year student starting in ATU Sligo?

Be open to exploring new areas of interest. Even if you’re unsure about your career path at the start, trust the process—the variety in the course will help you discover what you’re passionate about. Use your first year to find your strengths, explore the modules, and experiment with different study techniques to see what works best for you.
Get involved in student life early on, whether that’s joining clubs, attending events, or participating in group projects. It’s a great way to meet new people, make friends, and build a sense of belonging.
Lastly, don’t underestimate the importance of balance. While academics are important, remember to take care of yourself, enjoy your time, and make memories. College is about more than just studying—it’s about personal growth, building relationships, and finding your path.