- Independently utilize various analytical instruments, including rheometer, differential scanning calorimeter, colorimeter, texture analyzer, and polarized light microscopy, to collect and analyze data for the project- Manage, mentor, and train assigned assistant on specific tasks, equipment usage, and project goals and objectives

- Offer professional development opportunities to Food and Nutritional Sciences students through industry exposure- Coordinate and host monthly staff meetings and club events- Engage with the club Advisors, President, and Vice President, to continuously improve the organization

- Project title: “Use of Avocado Oil Oleogels as an Effective Saturated Fat Substitute in Chicken Sausage,” focusing on retaining key sensory properties and consumer preferences while enhancing nutritional value, product quality, and physicochemical profile- Completed coursework within the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences to promote scholarly development, independent research, and project proposal writing- Presented scientific findings annually to a senior faculty body

- Assisted two graduate students in designing and executing experiments, including rheological, texture, and sensory analyses - Aided in tracking, analyzing, and interpreting shelf stability and chemical composition of two graduate students samples throughout the samples' shelf life - Participated in weekly lab meetings to discuss research group goals and objectives

- Organize and facilitate conference technical sessions with industry experts and fellow student members- Coordinate, plan, and host events for the AOCS Student Common Interest Group to enhance student member engagement- Participate in broader AOCS events, engaging in professional development and networking opportunities

- Present undergraduate research project at local, regional, and national symposiums and conferences- Connect with the Colloid and Surface Chemistry division to collaborate with fellow students and professionals on lipid chemistry- Receive various scholarships and funding opportunities

- Collaborate with North Carolina extension agents on strategic outreach initiatives- Engage in targeted professional development and networking opportunities- Advisor: Shengmin Sang, Ph.D.

- Led a reformulation project utilizing a novel product optimization method to enhance consumer engagement and increase profitability for a product in the Gatorade Performance Portfolio- Collaborated with two long-term research groups to design and implement innovative flavor and sweetener systems- Conceptualized and executed Descriptive Analysis, CATA, and Marketing Insights sensory evaluation studies to enhance the product development process- Worked in conjunction with the Gatorade business unit to outline specific strategies, goals, and objectives for the overall project

- Facilitated a project to reduce ingredient costs and simplify formulations for a Kretschmar branded product- Developed a packaging engineering project to ensure Kretschmar branded products comply with updated food safety requirements- Collaborated with the Ingredient Discovery and Application long-term research group to explore ingredient profiles, assess their characteristics, examine applications, and identify opportunities for innovation- Visited the company's manufacturing facility to conduct a commercial trial run for a Kretschmar branded product- Partnered with co-interns to design and conduct a triangle study for a product within the Better For You portfolio

- Investigated macronutritional deficiencies among minority individuals in the North Carolina foster care system- Developed a strategy to support nutritionists in addressing emerging macronutritional concerns within minority populations- Established and launched an annual Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training program for my department