Sabrina Sales Martinez, MS, PhD, RDN

Associate Professor, Dietetics and Nutrition

Florida International University

What has had the greatest impact on your career path in nutrition?

My early love of food and science sparked my initial interest in a career in nutrition. With my parents working in restaurants, I often spent time there after school and was always involved in food preparation at home. Science was my favorite subject throughout my early school years, and I took additional science-related courses whenever possible. In college, learning the research process made me realize I wanted a career focused on research rather than a clinical path. I was captivated by the ability to ask questions and design studies that not only answered those questions but also uncovered new ones.  During my graduate studies, the mentoring I received made a difference in my decision to pursue a doctoral degree and continue my career path in academia. Great mentors have the ability to unlock your highest self.