Class of 2023: Meet three outstanding food science students

Each year, the Department of Food Science and Technology recognizes graduating students for their outstanding service, leadership, engagement, personal growth and development, and academics. In their final week before commencement, the Class of 2023's recipients of Outstanding Senior, Outstanding Transfer Student, and Outstanding Doctoral Student share what drove them to become food scientists, what's next for them after graduation, their fond Hokie memories, and more. 

Join the department in cheering on graduates of the Class of 2023 at this spring at commencement. A full schedule of events, including livestreams for each ceremony, can be found at commencement.vt.edu.

Outstanding Senior: McKenna Helder

Hometown: Hummelstown, Pennsylvania

What are your plans after graduation?

I will be attending the University of Wisconsin - Madison to pursue a master's in food science. I will be studying the properties of ice cream and confectionery products advised under Dr. Richard Hartel.

What made you want to study food science?

I've always loved cooking and baking, so my original idea was to go to culinary school. After researching it more, I realized being a chef — working extremely long hours in a hot kitchen everyday — was not something I really wanted to do. I started searching for other careers within the food industry and stumbled upon food science. Food science was the perfect career option for me because I can still cook, bake, and experiment with my food, but I also have a very scientific background that helps me to understand why products react to the cooking processes the way that they do. 

How did participating in undergraduate research enhance your academic experience?

I began my undergraduate research journey my sophomore year by reaching out to many professors who, as a sophomore in the midst of virtual classes, did not know me well. I was fortunate enough to have Dr. Sean O'Keefe eagerly take me under his wing, teaching me many foundational food chemistry lab skills. That first experience opened my eyes to the world of research and since then, I have strived to see every area of food science research available to me. I have worked in food chemistry, processing, microbiology, sensory science, and nutrition labs. My undergraduate research experiences have significantly enhanced my learning and have confirmed my desire to continue researching at the graduate level.

Tell us about a faculty member who influenced you.

Many professors and faculty members within FST have had a significant impact on my undergraduate career. Each professor has taken the time to get to know me not only academically but also on a personal level. My advisor, Dr. Herbert Bruce, has been instrumental in the undergraduate careers of numerous students, including my own. As one of his peer mentors in the CALS first-year seminar course for the past three years, I have witnessed firsthand how much he cares for his students and how dedicated he is to ensuring their success. I am grateful to have had so many professors, faculty members, and graduate students within the college to look up to as role models over the past four years.

What does being named Outstanding Senior mean to you?

I'm extremely honored to be named the FST Outstanding Senior. As someone who contemplated switching majors after receiving my first biology exam grade freshman year, I am immensely proud of how far I have come. I credit the professors within FST for getting me to where I am today through their guidance and support, as well as allowing me to get involved in so many different aspects of the food science department. Choosing to attend Virginia Tech's food science program was undoubtedly one of the best decisions I have ever made. Aside from receiving a great education, I have forged meaningful connections with the faculty in this department, as well as been lucky enough to meet some of my best friends.

Outstanding Transfer Student: Sara Beth Davidson

Hometown: Wytheville, Virginia

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan to work in the food industry in food engineering/processing or in food product development and research.

What made you want to study food science?

I got involved in food science pretty late. Before transferring to Virginia Tech I had the opportunity to take a science of food class at my local community college my second year and immediately fell in love with it. This was a huge risk since I was originally planning on attending vet school, and I am so glad that I took it because I have developed a passion and love for food science. 

What is your favorite Hokie memory?

My favorite memory would definitely be scooping Hokie Tracks ice cream at GobblerFest this past year. It was so cool to see something that professors in our department made come to fruition. It was also really fun being an FST student to actually be some of the first people to taste it as well. 

Which hands-on educational experience made an impact on you?

The Food Producer Technical Assistance Network is the research opportunity that I have been a part of this year. There I am able to work with food producers both large and small and help them develop safe products for retail sale. I measure different parameters that the FDA looks for in regulation as well as generate the Nutrition Facts Panels that we consumers are all familiar with. This is a part of Virginia Cooperative Extension, which I had the pleasure of interning with the past two summers. 

What does being named Outstanding Transfer Student mean to you?

Being named the Outstanding Transfer Student means more than the world to me. My journey getting to Virginia Tech was a little rocky. Just two weeks before I was supposed to transfer, my father unfortunately passed away. This made the transition to Virginia Tech very complicated to the point that I considered dropping out, but with the support of my family, friends, and especially the faculty and staff in my department, I was able to persevere. Virginia Tech was always my dream college regardless of what major I was in, but FST made me feel right at home. Having fellow Hokies in my family and getting this award makes them beyond proud as well. I am so honored to have received this award and end my college career with a bang.

Outstanding Doctoral Student: Claire Murphy

Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

What are your plans after graduation?

I have accepted a position at Washington State University as an assistant professor and extension specialist within the School of Food Science. I will be working with fresh produce food safety at the Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center in Prosser, WA. 

Why did you became a Hokie?

When deciding on graduate school, the decision to become a Hokie was easy! When I first came to tour Virginia Tech, I instantly felt a sense of belonging and knew that the community would be extremely supportive during my graduate education. Five years later, I wholeheartedly believe that this was the best decision.

Tell us about a faculty member who influenced you.

I was so lucky to have a wonderful advisor during my time here at Virginia Tech: Dr. Laura Strawn. She provided me with numerous opportunities to learn new skills and support my goals during graduate school. I am so thankful for the time and effort Laura put into helping me grow both as an academic and as a person. 

What made you want to study food science?

I have always enjoyed science and public health and knew I wanted to work in a field that was on the proactive side of public health. I was drawn to food science, specifically food safety, because it allows me to conduct work that will have a direct impact on the health and well-being of many.

What does being named Outstanding Doctoral Student mean to you?

It is truly an honor to have been selected by FST and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences as Outstanding Doctoral Student. I am so grateful for the memorable experiences and outstanding education that CALS and the Department of Food Science and Technology have provided me.