Martin Kizito

Why did you decide to study a masters at the University of Leeds?

I was looking for a university that was research oriented and the University of Leeds had that, I also learnt that it was part of the Russell Group. The School of Food Science and Nutrition is ranked as one of the best schools in the area of food and nutrition research. The other reason, was the course is accredited by the Association of Nutritionists in the UK, this made me trust the university that I will get the skills and capabilities needed for me to register as a member which would make my CV rich and also be recognised internationally.

What has been the best aspect of studying on your course and at the University so far and why?

The rich lectures and practical sessions I have got during my studying. These are research-based and consider the current issues, status and developments in nutrition in the UK and internationally. We are challenged to develop diagnostic approaches, understandings and solutions to food related to complications.

Tell us about some of the exciting projects you have completed.

Two projects, one is about evaluating menus and feeding environments of children in Fast Food Outlets in relation to childhood obesity. The other was about an assessment of cooking abilities, food choice and attitudes of university students to contributing to a high BMI thus leading to high risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. All these projects exposed me to practical data collection and comparison with the available scientific research work to make a conclusion of our finding.  

What does Leeds as a city have to offer students?

Leeds city has got all kinds of things that support life ranging from transport, food, health facilities, social happenings and others. For the international students, they are also able to find most of their indigenous food items from both supermarkets and the local market. This has made my life easy and comfortable to live in Leeds.

What are your ambitions for the future?

I have developed the desire to peruse my PhD in Nutrition very soon to better my research skills and also to develop an intervention that can be used. I am planning to work with my community voluntarily and share my knowledge and skills to better the health and well-being of the population.

What experiences at Leeds do you think will help you in your future career?

The research based approach to issues in nutrition that I have been exposed to will help me a lot as I execute my work in the future. I have acquired the analytical way of doing things based on scientific research to and then make decisions. I am volunteering with an organisation called Henry and I have picked up a lot from the community interactions as transferring my theoretical knowledge into working skills.

What would you say to students coming to do the same course?

The course gives you an in-depth scientific understanding of nutrition life course, the relation between diet, human health, well-being and hands-on research and analytical skills.