The College of Applied Science and Technology (CAST) at Illinois State University is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. This series, CAST 50×50, is designed to highlight 50 faculty, staff, students, alumni, and organizations within CAST that make the college special. These notable people will tell you that every day in CAST is a great day to be a Redbird!

Today we are excited to feature two time CAST alumna, Carly Klaus, MS, RD, LDN, from the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences.

What was your major, minor, and when did you graduate from Illinois State University?

I graduated in August 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in Family and Consumer Sciences—Food, Nutrition, and Dietetics and a minor in business administration. I continued at Illinois State University in the Family and Consumer Sciences Dietetic Internship where I graduated in May 2014 with my master’s degree.

Tell us about your career and how you got to where you are today.

Currently, I am one of the community dietitians at UnityPoint Health Peoria. No one day is the same with my job, which I love. My responsibilities include lifestyle coaching for employees and their spouses, counseling outpatients, teaching our weight management program, “WellPower,” counseling students at Manual High School, conducting food demonstrations, acting as one of the preceptors for the Bradley University and Illinois State University Dietetic Internships, and much more!

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I enjoy playing volleyball, watching bad reality TV shows (as my husband calls them), going on weekend trips, and spending time with friends and family!

Your family is asked to describe you, what will they say?

Outgoing, caring, honest, organized, and timely. My friends and family know I hate being late!

Advice for current students?

Make a great impression with everyone you meet. Your connections are extremely important when looking for jobs. I am very lucky to work with the team of dietitians that I completed my food service and clinical rotation with during my dietetic internship.

Think you know someone who should be featured? Contact us!