Laura Perdue (MPH ’12) received the Emerging Dietetics Leader Award from Minnesota Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics (MAND) in May. Perdue was selected for her volunteer leadership roles with MAND, the SPH Alumni Society Board of Directors, and her work as an extension educator at the U of M. She has served as the public policy coordinator for MAND, a member of the Legislative and Public Policy Committee for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and on the SPH Alumni Society Board of Directors. Perdue is currently the vice president of the SPH Alumni Society Board.

The Emerging Dietetics Leader Award recognizes the competence and activities of members, regardless of their age, who are at the beginning of their dietetics careers. Members who receive this honor support the promotion of optimal health and nutritional status of the public through demonstrating leadership in legislation, research, education, management, and other areas related to the profession.