Gabrielle Madore '26, Nutritional Sciences and World Languages, German
Gabrielle Madore '26, from Newmarket, NH, is a Nutrition: Nutritional Sciences and World Languages, German dual major in the College of Life Sciences and Agriculture. Gabrielle shared her experience balancing a busy workload at UNH, including two majors, a cognate, clubs, and on-campus work and research.
Why did you choose UNH?
I chose UNH for a multitude of reasons, not only is the school located in the lovely town of Durham and surrounded by the beach and mountains but the welcoming energy at UNH made it clear this place could be my new home. I knew UNH offered extensive and personal opportunities in the field of science and healthcare, and was certain it would be the perfect stepping stone in my future career.
What's something about UNH that most people don't know?
While UNH may be a large state school in New Hampshire, there's a comforting, small community vibe that is special to UNH. Class sizes are relatively small which provides great opportunities to connect with your peers and professors. Additionally, there are so many smaller communities within UNH to discover through your major, clubs, and on campus jobs. Also, I didn't know until I came to UNH that there are paths to become a dual major and even pick up a cognate and lots of lovely professors to help with the process. I never thought before UNH that I could manage two majors, a cognate, clubs, and on-campus work and research but UNH works hard to make the most of everyone's time.
What advice would you give your freshman self?
If I could give a piece of advice to my freshman self it would be to not be afraid to transfer schools and move back closer to home! I'm so thankful I made the decision to transfer to UNH after my freshman year in Florida. Also, I would tell myself to be proactive about getting involved. Get involved early and often, talk to new people, join the club, go to the professor's office hour—anything that seems scary in your head is not nearly as frightening once you do it and it's so rewarding afterwards to build a new connection.
What's your favorite course you've taken at UNH? OR What course are you most excited to take?
My favorite class I've taken at UNH is NUTR 560 - Introduction to Research in Nutrition with Jesse Stabile Morrell. She is a wonderful professor and pushes her students to believe in themselves as much as she believes in us. In this class I was able to further my nutrition knowledge and learn more about applications in one of the most under researched populations in nutrition: the college-aged/young adult population! This information in this course was extremely relevant to my own life and exposed me to the world of research. It gave me the opportunity to conduct research for the College Health and Nutrition Assessment Survey (CHANAS) as well as learn about inputting and redacting data.
What’s your major (if decided) and why did you choose it?
I chose Nutritional Sciences as my major thanks to the recommendation of , COLSA pre-professional health programs advisor. I went into her office one day feeling stuck, knowing I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare but unsure exactly what role I wanted to have and which undergraduate major would best set me up for success. It was then that she informed me about Nutritional Sciences where I would and was able to gain all necessary prerequisites for many graduate health care programs, participate in research, and take numerous classes on nutrition. Nutrition is a huge part of my life, I come from a family that's very conscious about what they put in their bodies and learning the science behind it has allowed me to make better decisions for myself as well as help guide others in their own decisions. It's a science relevant to everyone and after my first nutrition course at UNH I knew I had made the right decision.
Are there any faculty or staff members who have made you feel particularly supported and encouraged at UNH? If yes, please tell us about them.
Gretchen Arnold has been instrumental in my experience at UNH. I first met her at my first advising meeting as a new Nutritional Sciences student and she brought me in with open arms, willing to work with me as a transfer student and someone new to the major. She never made me feel behind and instead encouraged me to push myself in classes and take courses that were relevant to my career goals. It was in one of these early meetings that I learned about her heightened knowledge in nutrition for children with special needs. We quickly bonded over this topic as I told stories about my younger sister who is undiagnosed with special needs. It was clear caring for children with different abilities was something we both cared so deeply about. Since then, I often find myself in her office just chatting, whether it be about class material, career advice, or whatever is on my mind, Professor Arnold is always there to listen and provide a helping hand. I've had the privilege of taking NUTR 401, NUTR 476, and NUTR 740 with her, and each class has shown me a whole different world within nutrition.
Where have you found a sense of community at UNH?
I've found my community at UNH with Alpha Phi Omega, a co-ed service fraternity on campus. It was within this organization that I made valuable friendships, served on the executive board in various roles and gained leadership skills, all while performing acts of community service around campus and in our local area. It's a great feeling to give back to the community that has given me a new home.
Additionally, I've found a community as an indoor cycling instructor at the Hamel Recreation Center. I've been able to create a positive space to share my love for exercise and design and teach classes for UNH students. I believe that having a supportive and welcoming workout environment is crucial in our success and it's been amazing to create that space at UNH while connecting with other instructors, HRC employees, and of course most importantly, the wonderful people that come to my classes.
Reflecting on your time at UNH, what's an experience that stands out to you?
During my time at UNH, I've had the opportunity to be a student and leader in Peer Led Team Learning (PLTL) sessions. As a student, I enrolled for PLTL in both anatomy and physiology and organic chemistry not quite sure what I would get out of it thinking it would just be a study group within the class. Not only was I wrong about it being a study group but I was so impressed by the impact it had on me that I became a PLTL leader myself for General Chemistry (CHEM 403 + 404). As a PLTL leader, I've learned about pedagogy and metacognition in my own education and how to teach other students about it too. Thanks to Dr. Bauer in the chemistry department, I've strengthened my skills in designing chemistry content through challenging practice problems and promoting critical thinking all while facilitating a collaborative learning session where I prioritize teamwork. This is an experience unique to UNH and I'm so grateful for the opportunity to be exposed to this framework.
What's a UNH tradition you love?
Throwing a dead fish on the ice for the first goal at hockey games!
Tell us about an impactful hands-on learning experience you've had at UNH.
Studying abroad in Berlin, Germany at the Freie Universität Berlin was the most impactful hands-on learning experience I've had at UNH. This opportunity was provided to me through the Languages, Literatures and Cultures (LLC) department in COLA. I never thought having a German major alongside the hard work of Nutritional Sciences was possible, let alone finding time to study abroad. Thanks to the hard work of Dr. Vannette this opportunity was more than possible and living in Berlin with my friends for the summer not only advanced my German speaking skills but I was able to take classes that would transfer to my German major at UNH. Living abroad enhanced my global view and cultural awareness all while building long-lasting memories in a foreign country.
What's your favorite spot in Durham?
College Woods! It's a beautiful place all year round for going on bike rides, runs, or just for a walk with friends. All the trails are well marked and maintained and I love seeing all the dogs, including my own!
What are your aspirations for the future? How is your time at UNH helping you get there?
My current long-term goal is to become a Family Nurse Practitioner and my time at UNH has not only given me great educational opportunities through challenging course work and completing prerequisite courses but its proximity to large healthcare centers has been monumental. Throughout my time at UNH I've been able to work at both Portsmouth Hospital and Wentworth Douglass Hospital in different healthcare roles, giving me more experience in the field. I've also had the opportunity to volunteer through UNH Red Cross Club and help out at blood drives here on campus. Most importantly, I will be continuing my education at UNH and taking the next step in my career through starting the Direct Entry Masters of Nursing Program at UNH in Fall of 2026. I'm eager to begin this new chapter and am grateful to be staying here at UNH.
Have you taken part in any undergraduate research opportunities? If yes, tell us about it.
Yes, as mentioned before I participated under Jesse Stabile Morrell in the College Health and Nutrition Assessment Survey. It was through this research that I conducted anthropometric, biochemical, and fitness assessments of student participants and input their survey data for further analysis. It was impactful to participate in a long-term research project and collect data to better understand the health behaviors of college-aged adults.
Tell us about a part of your college experience that wasn't what you thought it was going to be.
I didn't think I would have the opportunity to connect with staff and faculty like I have at UNH. I knew college was all about meeting new friends but didn't realize the impact connections with professors could make on my educational and personal life. I already mentioned some of the influential names of professors who have made my time at UNH incredible and I could never thank them enough for their efforts each and every day.
Additionally, I began taking spin classes my freshman year of college and fell in love with the supportive environment and an influential instructor who created a welcoming space for everyone. One day I took a leap and signed up for an indoor cycling group fitness instructor certification course offered through UNH. I took the class and applied for a job at the HRC and immediately knew this was a role I was meant to be in. Each week I have fun creating new playlists alongside challenging workouts to improve endurance and strength in class participants. I love being able to educate and provide support in an inclusive environment with the focus on creating a welcoming work out space for everyone. I never thought my college experience would lead to this but the role has been monumental in shaping my leadership skills, ability to lead a room, and I've been able to see an improvement in my presentation skills within classes at UNH.
Have you received any scholarships during your time at UNH? If yes, which ones, and what have you been able to do or accomplish at UNH because of them?
Trustees' Scholarship - I've been able to better financially plan my undergraduate tuition as well as set me up for better financial success in continuing on to my Masters at UNH. The peace of mind that comes with a scholarship like this has given me more space and time to focus on my academics and apply myself at UNH through some of the roles mentioned like working at hospitals, volunteering through APO and Red Cross Club, participating in nutrition research and working as a PLTL and spin instructor.
Most of the scholarships at UNH are funded by alumni -- Wildcats just like you -- who want to help out the next generation. If you could say anything to those alumni creating scholarships as a way to show your gratitude, what would you say?
From the depth of my heart, thank you. Thank you for funding wonderful scholarships to provide opportunities to Wildcats like myself in achieving their educational, career, and personal goals. I hope to one day also be in a position where I can give back to younger Wildcats and I'm certain that UNH will set me up for that success; but for now, thank you, I feel extremely fortunate to benefit from a scholarship at UNH and wouldn't have been as successful in my time at UNH without it.