Welcome to WAMDA

Spot light on a Member: Amira Pellett, PhD, RD, LDN, CCRC

Amira Pellett received her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Master of Science in Nutrition from the American University of Beirut+ADs- Beirut,
Lebanon. She was then awarded a full scholarship from the Lebanese government for her doctoral education. She completed her PhD program in Nutrition at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, MA. She then completed an internship at Children+IBk-s Hospital, Boston, MA. Later she acquired a Clinical Research Certification (CCRC) through the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP).

From Amira Pellett:

After graduation with a degree in biology, I took a research position in the nutrition department at the American University in Beirut. I realized that my nutrition knowledge was limited so I decided to take nutrition courses. After completing two courses, I decided to apply for graduate school in nutrition and was accepted. I continued to work and covered the fees for my graduate work. On completion of my Masters degree, a colleague that I worked with encouraged me to apply for a scholarship from the Lebanese government. There are 12 scholarships awarded per year. I decided to apply with no expectations of being chosen. To my surprise, I received a letter from the government indicating that I got a full scholarship to complete a doctoral program in nutrition abroad in either the United Kingdom or in the United States.

Prior to my retirement in October of 2011, I was the Pediatric Programs Manager at Baystate Medical Center. I was director of the state funded Regional Growth and Nutrition Program. The program is comprised of a multidisciplinary team to evaluate and treat infants and children under age 6 years with the diagnosis of failure to thrive. I also saw pediatric patients with a variety of nutrition related issues in nutrition clinic. This involved one on one evaluations and follow-up. I functioned as nutritionist, researcher and center coordinator for the Cystic Fibrosis Program. The CF program treated both pediatric and adults patients. I was involved in the CF Foundation data registry and mentorship program for dietitians. I also coordinated several clinical drug trials and quality improvement projects at the Baystate CF Program. I also ran the +IBw-Shapedown Weight Management Program+IB0- for children and teens for almost three years.

I enjoy doing pottery and stained glass projects, Traveling abroad, and learning about other cultures. I did volunteer work a long time ago when my daughter was a toddler. I provided service to the elderly in Amherst by doing home visits. I am married to Peter Pellett and have one daughter, Zena Bauman who resides in Phoenix, Arizona.

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Previous Spotlight on a Member: Michael Sheehan, RD LDN