UNAIR NEWS – Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) continues to produce accomplished graduates who excel across diverse fields. Among them is Mochammad Rizal S Gz MS RD, an alumnus of the Faculty of Public Health (FKM), currently pursuing advanced studies at Cornell University. Rizal, who graduated in 2018, has built an impressive career in sports nutrition, including roles with the East Java

National Sports Committee (KONI) and Indonesia’s National Football Team.

Reflecting on his professional journey, Rizal attributes much of his success to the education he received at UNAIR. His undergraduate thesis, which focused on sports nutrition for adolescent football players, highlighted his deep interest in the field. “My thesis explored sports nutrition, and my advisor encouraged me to publish the findings in an international journal,” he shared.

This research paved the way for Rizal to serve as the nutritionist for Indonesia’s National Football Team. He credits academic guidance and hands-on experience as vital foundations for his growth. “Through this opportunity, I applied my knowledge while broadening my perspective and refining my skills in managing the nutritional needs of national-level athletes,” Rizal explained.

During his time with the national football team, Rizal gained extensive experience and was entrusted with managing athletes’ nutrition in collaboration with world-class coaches and medical teams. His contributions played a critical role in optimizing the team’s performance at an elite level.

Rizal’s dedication to sports nutrition earned him a leadership role as Head of Fitness Nutrition in the Indonesia Sport Nutritionist Association. In this position, he has been instrumental in designing education and training initiatives to enhance the skills of nutrition professionals, particularly in sports and fitness.

Pursuing advanced education at Cornell University

Driven by a passion for knowledge and global impact, Rizal decided to continue his education at Cornell University. “The more knowledge I gain, the greater my desire to share it with others,” he said. At Cornell, Rizal is not only deepening his academic knowledge but also participating in cutting-edge research with organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO).

Rizal’s primary research goals include advancing sports nutrition and technology, particularly through the application of artificial intelligence for nutritional monitoring and targeted interventions. “I hope this research can have a far-reaching impact, especially in enhancing athlete performance and fostering innovation in nutrition,” he expressed.

Rizal also envisions establishing a research and education center in Indonesia dedicated to nutrition and fitness. He also plans to expand his digital education platforms, @rizalnutritionist and @fitnote.id, aiming to provide practical, science-based nutritional information to a broader audience.

“My goal is to make nutrition information accessible and easy to understand, offering practical tips and guidance for health and fitness. This is not just for athletes but for anyone striving for a healthier lifestyle,” Rizal concluded.

Author: Yulia Rohmawati

Source : https://unair.ac.id/en/from-national-team-nutritionist-to-cornell-university-scholar-rizals-inspiring-journey/