Scholar Profile

Voted Most Likely To:
Maintain relationships and communicate effectively

Graduated:
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Class of 2016

Currently Working As:
Associate Research & Development Scientist, Specifications – Business Development, The Kraft Heinz Company

What do you love about your job?
People always have to eat, therefore there are always new challenges to improve food quality and safety! The food industry is a diverse environment that provides cross-functional opportunities at The Kraft Heinz Company. I began my career in Regulatory Affairs, then transitioned into Technical Services, and have just started a new position in Business Development. There are a plethora of opportunities to learn, all in branches of the food industry without being in a plant or laboratory.

What has been the most exciting part of your career so far?

What would you tell yourself at age 18?
I would challenge my 18-year-old self to participate in more pre-collegiate programs such as conducting research, learning about different branches of STEM, and taking in-person or online general education courses at the local community college to be better prepared for college. By taking general education courses at the local community college, this would allow me to either pick up an additional major related to STEM or study abroad expanding my STEM knowledge outside of the United States.

How has ACS Scholars impacted your life and career?
The American Chemical Society Scholars Program aided in my development of a strong passion for the STEM field especially in the Food Science and Human Nutrition field. ACS provided a great representation of minorities who are current Scholars and Alumni in the program that are making great impacts to the STEM industry as food scientists, doctors, engineers, teachers, IT consultants, actuaries, and so much more. I have much support from ACS and a strong drive to make an impact in the STEM field.