Developing Systems Thinking Competencies in Emerging Nutrition Professionals: A Case Study Across Academic,...

Area of Science:

• Nutrition and Dietetics Education
• Systems Science
• Experiential Learning

Background:

• Traditional nutrition education often lacks a holistic approach to complex food, health, and environmental systems.
• Systems thinking and transformational learning offer frameworks for integrative, adaptive, and equity-focused professional development.
• This case study addresses the need for advanced educational models for future nutrition professionals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a systems-based experiential learning pathway for nutrition students.
• To cultivate systems literacy, leadership, and cross-sector collaboration skills.
• To prepare students for the complexities of modern food systems.

Main Methods:

• A multi-year experiential learning model was implemented in a university's Department of Food Science & Nutrition.
• Nine sequential activities were co-designed using systems thinking and transformational learning principles.
• Competency development was assessed through mentorship, reflective journaling, and feedback loops.

Main Results:

• The student developed transdisciplinary collaboration, systems thinking, reflective practice, and adaptive leadership skills.
• The program influenced curricular components, student organizations, and mentoring structures, embedding systems thinking into the department.
• Strengthened partnerships facilitated knowledge exchange and demonstrated the value of systems-trained students in cross-sector alignment and innovation.

Conclusions:

• A systems-based experiential learning model, with mentorship and cross-sector engagement, prepares nutrition professionals for 21st-century food system challenges.
• Integrating systems thinking into education fosters a workforce capable of leading collaborative, evidence-informed, and equity-focused change.
• This replicable model enhances nutrition education for effective engagement within complex food, health, and environmental systems.