Maria Ralph Ms, Rd, Cd

Maria Ralph, MS, RD, CD has a diverse work experience in the field of nutrition and healthcare. Maria is currently serving as the Scientific Director at Lockwood, a position they assumed in January 2023. Before that, they held the roles of Senior Associate Scientific Director and Associate Scientific Director at the same company.

Prior to their current position, Maria worked at Intermountain Healthcare as the Bariatric Program Coordinator from June 2018 to May 2021. Their responsibilities included overseeing the operations of the metabolic and bariatric surgery program, serving as a nutrition subject matter expert, and leading quality improvement projects.

Maria also has experience as an Associate Instructor and Registered Dietitian/Health Coach at the University of Utah from December 2017 to May 2018. Maria previously worked as a Metabolic Dietitian at the same institution from May 2015 to December 2017, providing dietary treatment for patients with genetic metabolic disorders.

In addition, Maria worked as a Child Nutrition Specialist at the Utah State Office of Education from May 2014 to March 2015. Maria also gained experience as a Sports Nutrition Intern and Graduate Teaching Assistant at the University of Utah Athletics from July 2013 to May 2014 and September 2012 to May 2014, respectively.

Maria completed their Dietetic Internship, which included experience in foodservice management, outpatient counseling, and clinical nutrition, at the Department of Veterans Affairs in May 2013. Maria also worked as a Sales Associate at Salt Lake Running Company from September 2012 to July 2013, providing specialized knowledge and conducting biomechanical analyses for customers.

Their earliest work experience was as an Office Assistant at The University of Arizona Health Network from September 2009 to June 2012.

Maria Ralph completed their Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Nutritional Sciences with an emphasis in Dietetics from the University of Arizona in 2012. In 2014, they earned their Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Nutrition with a Sports Nutrition emphasis from the University of Utah.

Maria has obtained several certifications to further enhance their qualifications. In 2018, they became a RRCA Certified Running Coach through the Road Runners Club of America. Additionally, they are a Certified Dietitian through the State of Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. Maria is also a Certified Specialist in Pediatric Nutrition and a Registered Dietitian, both accredited by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.