Meet the Outstanding food science students of 2024

Each year, the Department of Food Science and Technology and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences recognize students for their outstanding service, leadership, engagement, personal growth and development, and academics. This provides an opportunity to celebrate students' accomplishments for the year, particularly those in the Class of 2024 their final week before commencement. Without further ado, meet this year's recipients of the department's Outstanding Student Awards and learn what drove them to become food scientists, what's next for them after graduation, their fondest Hokie memories, and more. 

Join the department in cheering on graduates of the Class of 2024 at commencement. A full schedule of events, including livestreams for each ceremony, can be found at commencement.vt.edu. 

Outstanding Senior: Natalie Lucidi (Class of '24)

Hometown: Herndon, VA

What are your plans after graduation?

I will be working as a medical assistant at Virginia Spine Assistant to gain patient care experience for PA school. 

What made you want to study food science?

I was super interested in science in high school, so I knew I wanted to pick a STEM major for college. I wasn't quite sure what I wanted to do, but I liked how FST could prepare me with pre-health classes while also providing new and exciting career opportunities in the food industry.

What was your best moment in FST?

I've enjoyed winning this award and the many scholarships the department has provided me with. Additionally, because our major is relatively small, I have gotten super close with my classmates.

Tell us about a mentor or mentors who influenced you?

My older sister is my mentor. She went to Virginia Tech and was a huge reason why I chose to follow my dreams of attending school here and pursuing medicine in the future.

What does being named Outstanding Senior mean to you?

I love how all of my hard work is shown off! To apply to PA school, you have to obtain a high GPA, leadership experience, clinical hours, and volunteer time. Excelling academically in FST was no easy feat on top of balancing my future endeavors and social life, but I am glad I made it happen and that it is being recognized now!

Outstanding Senior: Troy Walker (Class of '24)

Hometown: Manassas, VA

What are your plans after graduation?

I'm currently pursuing a career in the biotechnology industry and considering returning to Virginia Tech to begin a graduate program in biochemistry or chemistry in 2025.

What made you want to study food science?

I have always had a strong interest in both nutrition and chemistry, with food science seeming like a natural merging of those two interests. I initially heard of food science through a podcast with a guest who worked in food product development.

What was your best moment in FST?

Meeting undergraduate students from Korea while helping run laboratory activities for a sustainability camp this past summer. It was a great experience to learn about their culture while helping teach them about plant proteins!

Tell us about a mentor or mentors who influenced you?

I’ve had nothing but positive experiences with my professors, but two who stick out are Dr. Haibo Huang, who served as my undergraduate research advisor, and Dr. Kristopher Hite, who taught three of my biochemistry courses. I have learned a plethora of invaluable skills working under Dr. Huang and the graduate students in our lab group. Comparatively, Dr. Hite fostered an incredible classroom environment, pushing me to connect with course material in a way no other professor has.

What does being named Outstanding Senior mean to you?

It's an honor to be recognized as an outstanding senior among so many outstanding and intelligent individuals!

Outstanding Club Leadership: Molli Coleman (Class of '24)

Hometown: Harrisonburg, VA

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I will be working at Danone North America in Mt. Crawford, VA as a Process Engineer. 

What made you want to study food science?

I wanted to study food science after competing on my high school’s FFA food science team. On that team I was able to learn about food science and even come to Virginia Tech and get to compete against other schools. My team ended up winning that competition and then got to compete at the FFA National Convention. Through that competition, my interest in food science was sparked and I knew that I wanted to come to Virginia Tech and study food science. 

What was your best moment in FST?

The best moment as an FST major was winning the department's 2023 Research Poster Competition. At this competition I was able to see how the research I was doing and all of the knowledge I was gaining from classes were combined. 

Tell us about a mentor or mentors who influenced you?

All of the professors in the department that I had and worked with greatly influenced me as a student. They were able to give me great life advice as well as teach me so much more about food science as a whole. 

What does being recognized for Outstanding Club Leadership mean to you?

This award means a lot to me, as I have worked so hard over the past couple of years to help grow the Food Science Club as well as expand my knowledge about food science.

Outstanding First-Year Graduate Student: Madhvi Singh

Hometown: New Delhi, India

What are your plans after graduation?

After completing my Ph.D. in food science where my research is dedicated to enhancing the sustainability of Mid-Atlantic agricultural systems through the development of high-protein and stress-tolerant faba beans, I am eager to contribute to the field of sustainable food solutions. My passion for alternative, protein-rich plant-based foods motivates me to leverage my expertise in meaningful ways.

I plan to pursue a postdoctoral position that focuses on pioneering protein extraction methods and their practical applications. My goal is to develop processes that are not only efficient but also scalable, potentially revolutionizing the alternative meat industry and reducing the environmental impact of food production.

Looking to the future, I am excited about the possibilities within academia and government organizations. I intend to utilize my skills to influence food policy and engage in educational initiatives. By joining teams that focus on plant-based nutrition and technology, I can help shape policies that support sustainability and public health. This path will enable me to continue making impactful contributions to the food science field, focusing on creating sustainable and consumer-friendly food solutions.

What made you want to study food science?

My passion for food science was deeply rooted in personal interest and keen observation. Growing up in a community with strong agricultural connections, I was always intrigued by the transformative processes that turn raw ingredients into consumable foods. This sparked a curiosity about the impact of food on health and environmental sustainability, leading me to delve more deeply into the subject.

During my undergraduate studies, I was particularly captivated by the complexities of food chemistry and processing. Learning about food science's crucial role in addressing global challenges such as nutrition, food security, and environmental sustainability further cemented my commitment to the field. This dedication prompted me to pursue a master's degree and eventually a Ph.D. in food science. The chance to contribute to the development of healthier and more sustainable food solutions greatly motivated me. Ultimately, my decision to study food science was driven by a desire to enhance how food is produced and consumed, aiming to have a significant impact on public health, food security, and environmental protection.

What was your best moment in FST?

Reflecting on my first year in the food science and technology program at Virginia Tech, the standout moment has undoubtedly been mentoring undergraduate students. This experience was not just an exercise in academic guidance but a profoundly fulfilling journey that allowed me to see these students successfully apply complex concepts in food science. It was a privilege to contribute to their academic development and witness their growth firsthand.

My role as a teaching assistant also significantly enriched this experience. It sharpened my teaching and classroom management skills and enhanced my ability to engage effectively with students. Additionally, the workshops and lectures I participated in provided me with cutting-edge insights into current research and trends within the field, which further enriched my academic and teaching endeavors.

The support and mentorship from Drs. Sean O'Keefe and Renata Carneiro has been instrumental in these achievements. Their encouragement and guidance in expanding my research capabilities and enhancing my scientific writing skills, as well as motivating me to pursue scholarships and grants, have been invaluable.

Altogether, these experiences have made my first year at Virginia Tech incredibly rewarding and have laid a strong foundation for my future in FST.

Tell us about a mentor or mentors who influenced you?

My journey has been profoundly influenced by a remarkable group of mentors, each of whom has uniquely contributed to my personal and professional growth. Dr. Sean O'Keefe from the Department of Food Science at Virginia Tech has consistently encouraged me to think creatively and explore beyond conventional boundaries. His innovative approach has opened new avenues in my research, continually inspiring me to push the limits of what is possible.

Dr. Renata Carneiro, a research assistant professor in the Department of Food Science and Technology at Virginia Tech, has been instrumental in refining my writing skills. Her meticulous attention to detail and deep understanding of narrative structure have greatly enhanced my ability to communicate complex scientific concepts with clarity.

Professor Pam Ismail, professor and founder and director of the Plant Protein Innovation Center at the University of Minnesota, has instilled in me the virtues of discipline and resilience. Her guidance on maintaining steadfastness in the face of challenges has been invaluable, especially during demanding projects. Her perseverance is a constant reminder of the importance of persistence in achieving long-term goals.

Professor Gary A. Reineccius, Professor Emeritus at the University of Minnesota, continues to inspire with his tireless dedication to teaching and mentoring. His enthusiasm, even in his advanced years, serves as a powerful example that one's passion for making a difference doesn't diminish with age.

Together, these mentors have not only shaped my academic path but also enriched my perspective on life and work, making me a more well-rounded and thoughtful individual.

What does being recognized as Outstanding First-Year Graduate Student mean to you?

Receiving the Outstanding First-Year Graduate Student award is profoundly meaningful to me, particularly as an international student adapting to a new academic culture. This accolade serves as a powerful validation of the hard work, passion, and dedication I have invested in my studies and research. It acknowledges the long hours and sacrifices I've made in my pursuit of knowledge and personal growth.

This award not only fuels my drive to continue pushing boundaries but also inspires me to keep innovating and to contribute meaningfully to scientific research. It reinforces the idea that every challenge I face is an opportunity for growth and greater achievement. I am immensely grateful to my mentors for their invaluable wisdom, guidance, and support. Their teachings have not only provided me with a solid foundation in science but have also molded me into a thinker capable of analyzing and innovating. This recognition honors their efforts as much as my own.

Overall, this award is more than a celebration of my past achievements; it's an encouragement to persist in striving for excellence and to make a lasting impact in the scientific community.

Outstanding Graduate Student Researcher: Cyril Ayuk Etaka

Hometown: Douala, Cameroon

What are your plans after graduation?

I hope to work in a national laboratory as a researcher. Opportunities at the USDA, CDC, and FDA are mostly what I look out for. For the summer, I intend to work within the Strawn Laboratory while I continue to apply for those opportunities in government.

What made you want to study food science?

When I was doing my undergraduate studies in Cameroon, I once came across some herbs at the farmer’s market that had visible pesticide residue. I was concerned about that and started paying attention to fruits and vegetables at the farmer’s market and noticed that it was not uncommon to find residues on fresh produce commodities. Then I inquired about local authorities in charge of food safety that I could reach out to. To my surprise, there was no food safety authority at the local level. That was the beginning of my interest in food safety and since taking the “food safety route," I have never looked back.

What was your best moment in FST?

I have had lots of “best moments” at FST. For example, I recall the time when I went to the Hardywood Brewery to represent the department together with some faculty and some of my peers. It was a fun six-hour ride to Richmond and back with lots of talking and laughing, which I enjoyed. Another fun moment was visiting apple packing facilities in Virginia. I had never visited one before, and I was surprised at how big the apple-packing operations were. It was also a fun ride with Dr. Strawn and Dr. Hamilton to and from those facilities.

Tell us about a mentor or mentors who influenced you?

Dr. Strawn has been a huge influence to me. Through her, I have learned a lot of patience as it relates to carrying out research. I have also improved my problem-solving skills. With her connections, I have gotten to know and meet more people in academia, industry, and government, some of whom I have worked with closely and also learned from.

What does being recognized for Outstanding Club Leadership mean to you?

It tells me that the department values my research, and it also reminds me that hard work and dedication always pays off. I am grateful for the opportunity.

Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant: Caroline Yates

Hometown: Alexandria, VA

What are your plans after graduation?

I will be pursuing my Ph.D. in food science at Cornell University. 

What made you want to study food science?

Food science gave me the opportunity to combine my interests in microbiology, society, and understanding disease.

What was your best moment in FST?

My favorite moments from FST all involve our graduate students. Whether it was bringing in yummy treats, being chaotic in the office, or supporting each other during our research journeys, I have many favorite moments from being here at Virginia Tech.

Tell us about a mentor or mentors who influenced you?

My mentors are my mom, who continues to support and inspire me, Dr. Hinton from William and Mary, who encouraged me to pursue graduate research, and Dr. Rachel Cheng, who has mentored me through my graduate student growth, believed in my abilities, and helped shape me into the researcher I am today.

What does being recognized for Outstanding Club Leadership mean to you?

It is an exciting award because I have learned so much from my experiences as a teaching assistant. Being able to support the learning experiences of our students means a lot to me.