Healthy cooking: Jessica Cartwright plans to make a difference with Trine degree

Jessica Cartwright hopes to teach more people how to cook using healthy foods.

The leader of the teaching kitchen at Cameron Health, she recently earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration from Trine University and was honored with the Excellence in Social Sciences Award for the Class of 2026 in the College of Graduate and Professional Studies.

She also was named the Overall Outstanding Student for CGPS.

“I am looking forward to expanding the teaching kitchen program as we continue to focus on making healthy food accessible and enjoyable,” she said. “My goal is to turn knowledge into everyday habits that support better health and wellness.”

Familiar institution

An Angola, Indiana, resident, Jessica was familiar with Trine and knew a degree would help her further her career.

“I also felt that it would give me better insight into the needs of my community when it came to starting a teaching kitchen,” she said.

She enjoyed the program’s online format because it allowed her to continue to work full-time while finishing her classes. She also enjoyed meeting people from around the world and reading different perspectives on healthcare issues.

“The best part was taking what I learned in class and using it at my place of work,” she commented. “It gave me a much better understanding of healthcare from different perspectives while helping me bridge my culinary background with my goal of being part of a teaching kitchen.”

She plans to earn a Master of Science in Nutrition and continue to grow the teaching kitchen. She encourages anyone wanting to advance their career in healthcare to look at Trine’s program.

“The classes are so practical, especially for those who are already working in healthcare,” she said. “It gives you the tools you need to help make a difference in your community.”