OSU nutritional sciences and dietetics alumna quickly becoming a leader in her field

Thursday, October 30, 2025

Media Contact: Christy Lang | Director, Marketing and Communications | 405-744-9740 | christy.lang@okstate.edu

After just two years into the workforce, Tina Sergi, an Oklahoma State University College of Education and Human Sciences alumna and Army captain, is making her own impact in the world of nutrition and dietetics.

Sergi chose to pursue a master’s degree in nutritional sciences at OSU after earning an undergraduate degree from the University of New Hampshire. With the guidance of faculty members and mentors at OSU, Sergi quickly found herself considering a career in dietetics and nutrition alongside law enforcement.

Under advisor Dr. Jill Joyce, Sergi was part of a research team focused on improving the nutrition environment alongside the Stillwater Police Department. The team brought nutritious snacks to the department to promote healthy eating habits. The COVID-19 pandemic hit soon after, and Sergi’s thesis shifted into a systematic review of health and nutrition for law enforcement, firefighters and the military. This eventually led to an internship at Fort Carson, where she enjoyed working as a dietitian in the Army. 

“This job was awesome. All of the special operators were super receptive to nutrition, and it was mainly sports nutrition, which I really like,” Sergi said. “Every aspect of the job just seemed really interesting and fulfilling.”

After graduating from OSU in 2021 with her Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences, Sergi began her career working as a registered dietitian at Reflections Eating Disorder Treatment Center. She quickly decided to push herself for a change, realizing she would be better suited in an active-duty Army role in May 2023.

Sergi’s first assignment took her to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Washington, D.C. As an outpatient and research dietitian, she works with leading military nutrition researchers. 

“I want to provide good education so they [clients] aren’t confused about all the nutrition information that they find on social media and online,” Sergi said. “I want them to actually be able to meet their performance and health-related goals.”

While reflecting on her time at OSU, Sergi mentioned the uniquely beneficial experience she gained as a student.

“There is a lot of tactical research done at OSU, so I was really able to dip my toes into that area, which definitely helped me feel a lot more prepared to be an Army dietitian," she said. "I feel like if I went anywhere else, I wouldn’t have had the same experience.”

Sergi looks back at her time at OSU fondly, not only because of the classes she attended but also the teachers who became mentors, specifically Joyce, who co-leads the OSU Tactical Fitness and Nutrition Lab.

“Dr. Joyce has a lot of tactical experience, and she was a great resource throughout the course of my time at OSU,” Sergi said. “She is just such a great human being, and anyone is so lucky to work with her.”

Joyce speaks highly of Sergi’s character and potential as a professional.

“She is proudly putting OSU nutritional sciences on the map,” Joyce said. “We couldn’t be more impressed by and proud of her.”

Sergi said her time at OSU was fundamental to setting up her future career and that she’s thankful for the experiences she was given as a graduate student.

“You can do anything you set your mind to,” Sergi said. “I would not be where I am today if I didn’t go to OSU, push myself to join the military and listen to my mentors.”

Story By: Faith Frantz | faith.frantz@okstate.edu