Denise Duchesneau

DUS Experience

When did you enter DUS?
Freshman year
How many semesters did you spend in DUS?
Three.
Why did you choose DUS?
I was a straight "A" student in high school with many interests. There were so many opportunities for me and so many different areas of student I enjoyed. I didn't know how to decide what to do. DUS seemed like the perfect opportunity to start the process of deciding.
What resources did you use in your exploratory and decision-making process?
LA 100 and Mrs. Laura Brown, an excellent woman and mentor.
Did DUS benefit you? If so, how?
Definitely. Have my adviser, Mrs. Brown, to talk to and bounce ideas off of was very helpful. She asked questions to get me thinking about my interests and abilities. She knew the majors, minors, and courses to suggest to me to take a look at. She was invaluable.

Penn State Experience

What major(s) (and minor(s), if applicable) did you end up choosing?
Applied Nutrition (now Nutritional Sciences) with a minor in English
What year did you graduate?
1994
What extracurricular activities made a difference in your college experience?
Being a LaVie Staff Writer made a difference for me. I was good at writing and this helped me see my talents. I needed a confidence booster and got it by being "Best Writer of LaVie 1993". Various independent studies in nutrition and writing helped me combine interests in science and my love of writing. I also did work studies related to science and nutrition.
Looking back, would you have done anything differently during your time at Penn State?
I would have written for LaVie another year and possibly majored in Journalism or English to be a secondary education English teacher.

Professional Experience

What jobs have you held since graduation?
  • Secretary
  • Research and Development Technician, Better Baked Foods, Inc.
  • Registered Dietitian, County Health Department, WIC Program, Home Visits and Community Promotion
What is your current occupation?
Public Health Dietitian, State of Delaware and Registered Dietitian for a high school wellness center

Profile Last Updated: August 21, 2000