Degrees from UNL:
Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Technology (2019)
Job Title:
FSQR Supervisor,Cargill
What food science industry are you currently working in, what is your job title, and what are some of your daily responsibilities in this role?
I am currently in Rhode Island working for Cargill as a Food Safety, Quality, and Regulatory (FSQR) Supervisor. I have been in this position for the past 6 months. In this role, I ensure food safety and quality on the production floor, especially dealing with foreign objects. Before my current role, I was working as an Operations Supervisor at the same Cargill plant in Rhode Island for just over a year. I helped start up this brand-new plant by suggesting the best equipment and practices for the safety of the food produced there.
What activities were you involved in while at UNL?
I was in a fraternity where several of my food science friends were part of. I was also in the Food Science Club for four years and held several leadership positions: undergrad liaison, president, and IFT area meeting chair. Additionally, I was one of the Food Science Department Undergraduate Student Ambassadors during my junior and senior years.
How did your undergraduate experience at UNL prepare you for your current role?
My senior year at UNL I took a food safety and quality assurance course, where I learned about HACCP regulations in the food industry. This course was a solid foundation for when I started my first job after graduation because I was already familiar with HACCP at that point. In addition, the experience I gained working in the Food Processing Center helped me understand the processing capabilities of different pieces of equipment on a production floor.
I am currently in Rhode Island working for Cargill as a Food Safety, Quality, and Regulatory (FSQR) Supervisor. I have been in this position for the past 6 months. In this role, I ensure food safety and quality on the production floor, especially dealing with foreign objects. Before my current role, I was working as an Operations Supervisor at the same Cargill plant in Rhode Island for just over a year. I helped start up this brand-new plant by suggesting the best equipment and practices for the safety of the food produced there.
What activities were you involved in while at UNL?
I was in a fraternity where several of my food science friends were part of. I was also in the Food Science Club for four years and held several leadership positions: undergrad liaison, president, and IFT area meeting chair. Additionally, I was one of the Food Science Department Undergraduate Student Ambassadors during my junior and senior years.
How did your undergraduate experience at UNL prepare you for your current role?
My senior year at UNL I took a food safety and quality assurance course, where I learned about HACCP regulations in the food industry. This course was a solid foundation for when I started my first job after graduation because I was already familiar with HACCP at that point. In addition, the experience I gained working in the Food Processing Center helped me understand the processing capabilities of different pieces of equipment on a production floor.
What advice would you give to current UNL FDST students?
First and foremost, having at least one internship before you graduate is a must to gain crucial experience. I would also advise to not be afraid to go far away from home for a job…this is essential for your professional and personal growth at the beginning of your career. I moved from Texas to Nebraska and then to Rhode Island, and I have grown a lot being out of my comfort zone and away from family. Finally, plant experience is invaluable and gives you so much insight that you will remember for future roles. Plant experience also gives you a fast track to manager/supervisor roles.