Why did you choose your program, and how does your program contribute to your career goals?
Back in high school, I was taking a lot of science classes where my teachers would use a lot of engineering or health care examples. Unfortunately, I never really clicked with those examples, and it was really frustrating for me. However, at the time, I started getting really into cooking and started learning about how to apply the concepts I was learning in science class to cooking. From there, I learned that food science was actually a whole subject that I could learn about, and it took off from there. I also decided to study agricultural economics due to my liking for economics and a curiosity about applied economics. Since then, I haven't looked back!
Post-graduation, I will be working as a rotational associate in research and development at a major international food corporation. This is a position I would not have been able to obtain without my degree and experience in Food Science. In addition, my second major in Agricultural Economics and certificate in Distillation Studies make me a more competitive applicant and widen my breadth of experiences and skills.
Have you completed an internship, job or been involved with a club that has been especially meaningful to you?
In Spring 2024, I studied abroad in Seoul, South Korea, for the whole semester! I studied at Korea University, one of the most prestigious institutions in South Korea, and took classes in Applied Econometrics, Korean Global Economics, Organizational Theories, International Finance, and Food Chemistry. I'm incredibly grateful for that opportunity to travel and experience living abroad for a whole four months. I learned so much about Korean history and culture and global economics. Not to mention all the friends I made from around the world that I still keep up with today. This was an experience that I couldn't have had outside of our college. I got a scholarship from my department to study abroad, and my advisors were also extremely helpful in making sure I could still graduate within 4 years. I would highly recommend studying abroad, especially if you can for a whole semester. Being able to live abroad and study for a whole semester as a young adult is such a unique experience that you really can't have outside of college.
Considering all you have learned in your area of study, is there a common misconception or something you wish everyone knew about the subject?
Food science is a very misunderstood subject! We study the applied science of food preservation, processing and safety, which involves a lot of chemistry and microbiology. We are not chefs and do not study the culinary arts, nor are we dietitians and study how food is digested. For example, we study how bread rises and the relationship between gluten molecules and water activity in the dough that creates the crumb structure in bread. Or even learning about the different lipid analysis techniques required to understand oxidation levels in oil. Students who study food science often go into either safety and quality control, research and development, sales and marketing, or manufacturing in the food industry. There's a plethora of careers in different areas of food for students to explore. At UK, we have a track program where students can pick either Research and Development, Business or Distillation to have a specialization in.
Audrey's Top 3 Cafes in Lexington
- European Delights: This place has the best cake and pastries you will ever eat in your life. My recommendations are the tiramisu (it has a layer of chocolate in it) or the powder puff with a caramel macchiato.
- Coffee Times Coffee House: This cafe has my favorite latte ever, the iced Hollywood (or hot Hollywood if it's freezing). Awesome study spot, and it's also connected to a popular local thrift shop!
- High on Art and Coffee: Super close to campus and amazing food and drink selection. I love their copango smoothie and vanilla latte!
Special shout-out to Kentucky Native Cafe. It's a cafe connected to a floral shop with a rotating menu. Immaculate vibes.
What advice would you offer an incoming freshman in the UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment?
Try anything! Don't box yourself in. I think the biggest mistake college students make is pigeonholing themselves into one box or category and never having the push to break out of it. Students and young people often think they lack the experience or aren't smart enough or aren't senior enough to take on a research project or mentor role or a leadership position. But a lot of opportunities in our college years aren't based on qualifications as much as they're about having initiative, dedication and curiosity. Even if a program or position is outside of your major or past experiences, take a leap and try something new!