Tina Sassine, MPH

Tina Sassine is a dedicated advocate for nutrition and public health, with a deep-rooted passion for food that stems from her upbringing in Lebanon. Surrounded by olive trees and immersed in the tradition of olive oil making, Tina’s fascination with nutrition began at an early age. This early connection to food inspired her to pursue a Bachelor of Science in nutritional sciences from the University of Balamand in Lebanon, where she graduated at the top of her class. During her dietetics internship at Haykel Hospital in Tripoli, she worked with socioeconomically disadvantaged patients during the country’s devastating economic crisis. She witnessed firsthand the barriers to healthy living faced by vulnerable populations, which fueled her determination to pursue a career focused on public health and nutrition.

Her academic excellence and commitment to the field led her to the University of Michigan, where she is currently pursuing a Master of Public Health in nutritional sciences, specializing in dietetics. At U-M, Tina is actively involved in the Nutritional Sciences Student Association, where she promotes diversity and community support within the field. Her current research interest is centered on developing culturally sensitive dietary interventions that can be implemented in underserved communities, with a particular focus on addressing food insecurity and promoting equitable access to nutrition education. Tina’s work is driven by her vision of becoming a culturally competent registered dietitian, dedicated to making a lasting impact on the lives of those she serves.

Looking ahead, Tina aspires to use her education and experience to advocate for evidence-based policies that enhance access to nutritious foods and address the underlying causes of malnutrition, both locally and globally. Her commitment to promoting health equity and her passion for nutrition position her as a future leader in the field of public health.