Allison Gonzalez is a 2022 IFMA Education Foundation scholarship recipient. She attends Texas A&M University and is studying Food Science.
Allison’s program: Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science
Allison’s story:
I changed my major from biomedical science to food science because I realized...I want to enjoy what I will do for the rest of my foreseeable life instead of chasing a career that is stressful and not what I truly want to be....becoming a food scientist and creating a healthier food supply for everyone is now my true passion.
To reach this goal, I have joined the food science club where I have met so many people who are very helpful and really embody the Aggie Spirit I have been told so much about. Furthermore, the president of the club introduced me to a food science professor who needed a student worker to work in his lab. He interviewed me, and, thankfully, I got a job as a student researcher in his Cereal Quality Lab where I was able to apply food science principles that I was taught in class.
Another activity I was in was the Texas A&M Product Development Team, where a team and I were tasked to innovate food products that were already on the market and then had a chance to enter what we created into a competition. This gave me experience in working in a team and showed me how difficult it can be to improve or create a food product that already seems to exist in the market.
How the scholarship will help Allison, in her own words:
My plans, as of now, are to go into graduate school and get my Master’s in Food Science and eventually become a food microbiologist. This path in food science was something that I never looked into before, but when I did, I knew this was a career I would love to make my goal.
The only thing stopping me was the issue of money, yet this scholarship I was honored to receive will help me get one step closer to [my] degree and career. This scholarship has alleviated some burdens I did not realize I had and I want to give a sincere thank you to you for it. It does go a long way, and I will make sure to do the scholarship justice.
About The IFMA Education Foundation
The IFMA Education Foundation promotes the next generation of foodservice leaders. The Foundation is committed to giving qualified culinary, marketing or food science students support to complete their education requirements. We accomplish our goal by providing scholarships, publications, educational programs, internships, and stipends to accredited institutions and individuals enrolled in them.
Support the IFMA Education Foundation and the future of foodservice.