Recovering from an intensive hip surgery that left him using crutches, Brennan Rotar (NDFS ’25) found himself just wanting to exercise. And yet his body, still in the process of healing, refused to cooperate. “I couldn’t really exercise at all,” Rotar remembers, “and exercise had been my outlet for forever. All of a sudden that outlet was gone, and I felt like the only thing I had control over was my nutrition.”
Rotar’s interest in nutrition only grew when he chose to virtually attend NDFS 100: Essentials of Human Nutrition during a spring semester at BYU. The class provided Rotar with a new sense of direction, allowing him to explore the role of nutrition in his recovery. “I realized that I could help others understand the value of nutritional literacy,” Rotar explains, “just as I had experienced its benefits during a time in my life when I felt I had lost control.” Once he had fully healed, Rotar channeled his newfound passion for nutrition into pursuing a degree in dietetics, determined to help others use nutrition as a tool for healing and wellness.
Nutrition and Men’s Health
Now a senior preparing to graduate, Rotar plans to pursue a masters in dietetics at BYU in the fall. His time as an undergraduate has been enlightening, inspiring him to focus his future studies on the impact of eating disorders, particularly among men. “Growing up, I had a relative I was really close with,” Rotar shared. “He struggled with anorexia nervosa and eventually passed away from it. Since then, I’ve been very cognizant of the fact that there are limited resources available to men struggling with eating disorders.”
As the only male NDFS student in his cohort, Rotar feels a strong sense of responsibility to advocate for men struggling to maintain a healthy relationship with food. Though quick to praise the amazing work done by his female peers, he is not afraid to advocate for a broader range of care in dietetics. “Nutrition is not just a science of numbers and quantitative data,” Rotar points out. “It’s very emotion-focused because there are many factors that go into eating beyond basic nutrients. We need to see the holistic picture in order to truly understand someone’s relationship with food.” As Rotar moves forward with his graduate studies, he hopes to contribute to a broader understanding of how considering the whole person can lead to more effective and compassionate care.
The Power of Service
Not content to sequester his passion for service solely into his research and course work, Rotar has also dedicated his time to extracurricular activities that allow him to make an impact on his college community. Working as a TA has been one of the defining opportunities of his undergraduate experience. “Being a TA wasn’t just about helping students learn the material,” Rotar explains. “It was also about helping to set them up for success in the future. That’s a pattern I’ve seen reflected in the faculty here at BYU—teachers treat me like I’m a person, not just a face on Canvas, and that’s how I strive to treat the students I assist.”
Rotar also finds time to serve on the Life Sciences Belonging Council, a group that hosts activities designed to foster inclusion among STEM students. This pursuit of meaningful engagement has shaped his education along with his broader worldview. Though dedicated to achieving academic success, Rotar also strives to create positive change in the lives of others.
As Rotar reflects on his journey, he readily admits to experiencing doubt and uncertainty. “There have been moments when I’ve had to ask myself ‘Am I on the right path? Am I doing the right thing?’” he shares. “In those moments, I have felt divine reassurance.” Bolstered by this spiritual support, Rotar feels confident that while he could thrive in many different academic settings, his decision to pursue dietetics provides him with the unique opportunity to serve God and make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.
Rotar draws strength from the certainty that he is walking a path that aligns with his most essential values, and he encourages peers to do the same. “NDFS is the best!” he shares. “It’s a great way to learn about the beautiful intricacies of the bodies God has created and the nourishment He’s provided. Career options involve so many ways to serve others.” For Rotar, the journey is not just about professional success, but about living a life of service and making a lasting difference in the world.