Dr. Kathrina Prelack graduated from Syracuse University with a dual degree in nutrition science and general dietetics. Shortly after, she completed her dietetic internship at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. She worked at MGH as a clinical dietitian for a few years, before becoming the Director of Clinical Nutrition at Shriners Hospitals for Children in Boston. While there, she earned my doctoral degree in human nutrition from Tufts University. Her work was primarily in the areas of pediatric critical care, body composition analysis, and energy and protein metabolism. She continues to conduct research at Shriners and provide clinical oversight to the care of patients there. She is dedicated to helping students develop their clinical nutrition and counseling skills with a focus on an evidence based, culturally competent, provision of care. Since coming to Simmons University, she has been particularly interested in simulation as a teaching modality. Through simulation, her students engage in interprofessional education, motivational interviewing, telehealth counseling, and nutrition focused physical exam. She developed a simulation lab to foster empathy and understanding of older and/or differently abled individuals.
Education
- PhD, Tufts University
- Dietetic Internship — Massachusetts General Hospital
- BA, Nutrition Science and Dietetics, from Syracuse University
License/Certification
- Licensed Register Dietitian
Area of Expertise
- Clinical Nutrition
- Pediatrics
- Critical Care
- Energy and Protein Metabolism
Courses
- NUTR 390 Senior Seminar
- NUTR 334 Medical Nutrition Therapy
- NUTR 434 Advanced Medical Nutrition Therapy
- NUTR 331 Practice of Clinical Dietetics
Community Engagement
Dr. Kathrina Prelack actively contributes to her profession and the community through participation in numerous task forces, workshops and committee membership both at the national and international level.
Research/Special Projects
- Nutrition Support Strategies in Pediatric Burn Patients
- Improving Cultural Awareness and Competency in Dietetic Students Caring for Aging Patients and Individuals with Different Abilities through Stimulation
Publications/Presentations
Kane K and Prelack K, eds. Advanced Medical Nutrition Therapy; 1st Ed., 2018. Jones and Bartlett, Burlington MA. Total pages:811 (peer reviewed).
Zozula J, Smizer P, Prelack K. Telehealth in Dietetic Practice: Current Use and Considerations for Future Applications. Topics in Clinical Nutrition. 36(2):137-146, April/June 2021.
Pojednic R, Gale D, McFarland M, Prelack K. Physicians’ Perceptions of the Registered Dietitian are Evolving: Where Do We Stand Now? Topics in Clinical Nutrition. 36(3):213-223, July/September 2021.
Costello M, Prelack K, Atinaja-Fallor-J, Huddles J, Adley S, Doolin J. Student experiences of interprofessional simulation: Findings from a qualitative study. Interprof Care 2018;32(1):95-97.
Prelack K, Yu, Y, Dylewski M, Lydon, ML, Keaney TJ, Sheridan RL. Measures of Total Energy Expenditure and Its Components Using the Doubly Labeled Water Method in Rehabilitating Burn Children. JPEN 2017;41(3):470-480.
Costello M, Atinaja-Faller J, Huddleston J, Prelack K. Simulation as an Effective Strategy for Interprofessional Education. Clinical Simulation in Nursing 2017;13 (12):624-627.
Prelack K, Yu YM, Sheridan RL. Nutrition and metabolism in the rehabilitative phase of recovery in burn children: a review of clinical and research findings in a specialty pediatric burn hospital. Burns and Trauma 2015;3(7):1-9.
Professional Affiliations & Memberships
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, member
- American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, member
Awards
- 2020 Outstanding Dietetics Educator — Massachusetts Dietetic Association
Shout-outs from Students and Alums
Jasmin Dieb ’24DIP Celebrates Nutrition as Portal to Healing, Family, and Love
To honor National Nutrition Month this March, we spoke with Jasmin Dieb ’24DIP, a certificate student in the Nutrition and Dietetics Internship Program. Dieb discussed her passion for nutrition and how food forms health, community, and love.
Heather Zeman '19MS Empowers People with Intuitive Eating and Sports Nutrition
Tell me about the kind of work that you do. I wear a few hats, which I love. My primary role is nutrition counseling at an interdisciplinary practice called Back Bay Health, where I empower athletes and active adults to...
Contributing to a Healthier Community: Brittany Barrett '18C Finds Passion in Nutrition
Congratulations to Brittany Barrett '18C, named Outstanding Student from the Colorado Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics! We spoke with Brittany about her passion for nutrition and how Simmons prepared her for her professional journey.