After 15 years as a scientist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Elodie Hatchi, PhD, had established an impressive career in biomedical research. Now, she is embarking on a different professional journey - one that brings her closer to patients and focuses on prevention through nutrition.

Originally from France, Elodie earned her PhD in biochemistry and cancer research from the University of Montpellier in 2009 before moving to the United States for postdoctoral research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School. She went on to become an Instructor in Medicine and a Senior Scientist, conducting research on breast cancer and collaborating on other topics as well.

But after years of studying and treating disease from a research perspective, Elodie realized her greater purpose was to help people more directly, by providing them with support for their health and help prevent diseases, especially the chronic ones.

“I spent years looking at health and disease through a microscope; now I'm using that same rigorous scientific lens to help people transform their health at the table. I felt that it was time for me to pivot into pursuing a very fulfilling path to me, where I can be closer to the patients, focusing on preventive care rather than treatment,” she says.

That path led her to Framingham State University’s Master of Science in Food and Nutrition, Coordinated Program in Dietetics. And her decision to pursue the degree has already earned national recognition: Elodie was recently selected as one of just 20 recipients of the prestigious Expanding the Reach of Dietetics Scholarship from the Commission on Dietetic Registration.

For Elodie, Framingham State stood out because of its emphasis on teaching, community and personal connection. “I was really looking for a more grounded program with a strong community,” she says. “The faculty I’ve met here are excellent and very supportive during my transition.”

Her next chapter may lead to a clinical setting combined with a private practice, and likely engagement in nutrition education for children and underserved communities to support equality and diversity. Wherever her career takes her, Elodie is bringing a wealth of scientific expertise to the field of dietetics and demonstrating that it’s never too late to discover and pursue a new way of making a difference.

MS in Food & Nutrition - Coordinated Program in Dietetics