Congratulations FST SU23 Graduates!
Our 2023 summer semester FST graduates have been given an opportunity to share with us some of their favorite memories of their time at Ohio State in this special edition newsletter. Many also took the opportunity to give a shoutout to those that supported them, befriended them, and helped make the journey one to remember.
Congratulations to all the students from the Department of Food Science and Technology who have graduated this semester. We are proud of all that you have accomplished and hope that you will stay connected. Come back to visit and be sure to meet up with us as we continue to engage in various professional food science forums around the world. Just remember, you are a #BuckeyeForLife
Be sure to also check out the SU23 Graduate Photo Album
Undergraduate Students
Will Spencer - [Food Science and Technology]
Graduate Students
Jennifer Jordan – My favorite memory at OSU was visiting Cork, Ireland and presenting my research at the Food Structure and Functionality Symposium. I loved connecting with the global community and meeting my peers. Thank you to Dr. Vodovotz for your guidance and mentorship these past two years. I want to thank my lab, committee members, friends, and family for their support. Jennifer received a master’s degree and was advised by Dr. Yael Vodovotz.
Rahul Kamath –My favorite memories at Ohio State include eating ice-cream in the snow, working on experiments in the dairy pilot-plant, talking to lab-mates and going to conferences! I am really grateful to my advisor, my peers and my friends for their constant encouragement and motivation in my master's journey. Rahul received a master’s degree and was advised by Dr. Dennis Heldman.
Jessica Laemont – My favorite memories of Ohio State include the Thanksgiving dinner with the department and going to a home football game. I want to thank my advisor, family, friends, and my dog for supporting me throughout my time at Ohio State. Jessica Laemont received a master’s degree and was advised by Dr. Sheryl; Barringer.
Sanjana Sawant – My favorite memories at OSU involve taking walks around the mirror lake, playing badminton at the RPAC and reading on the 11th Floor of the Thompson library. Within the department, I made fun memories with my lab mates in the lab office and will really miss departmental events, especially the ice cream social. I want to thank all my friends and colleagues at Ohio State who made my time here so memorable; as well as my friends and family back home, your support means the world to me! Sanjana received a master’s degree and was co-advised by Dr. Valente Alvarez and Dr. Dennis Heldman.
Terrence Dent – My favorite thing about OSU FST was the unity between grad students, a group of people who chose to go the extra mile to further their education. OSU has a vibrant energy that made me excited to come to campus and grow alongside my peers. I also love the city of Columbus and am grateful for the diverse and supportive population that helped me evolve as a person outside of my education. Terrence received a PhD and was advised by Dr. Farnaz Maleky.
Fan He – Fan received a PhD and was advised by Dr. Jiyoung Lee.
Jennifer Janovick – Favorite memory: Some of my favorite memories while at Ohio State were the celebrations for friends right after they defended a thesis or dissertation. It was so amazing and joyous to be able to take a moment to celebrate them and their achievements. I’ll also never forget the many happy hours, themed 5K runs, breakfast clubs, and lunch breaks with friends. Jennifer received a PhD and was advised by Dr. Emmanuel Hatzakis.
Howard Park – During my time at Ohio State, I had some truly memorable experiences. The standout moment was watching the exhilarating OSU vs Maryland football game live at the Ohio State Stadium. Additionally, I thoroughly enjoyed a trip to the Tulip Festival in Michigan with my lab mates. My heartfelt thanks to all my colleagues for these shared memories. Howard received his PhD and was advised by Dr. Bala Balasubramaniam.
Abigail Sommer – My favorite memory was being a part of OSU's college bowl team in 2019 and going to the national competition in New Orleans. Shout out to Fenfen and Allison, my FoodSURE partners, Kenzie, Jenny, Maria, and Tim for being running buddies and all the awesome undergrads and high school studies I had the pleasure of working with. Abigail received her PhD and was advised by Dr. Yael Vodovotz.
Siyu Yao – My favorite memories at Ohio State were the departmental Thanksgiving lunch and the lab gathering parties. I am so thankful for my advisor, friends, colleagues, and all the rest of the people that I met in Parker these years. All the memories are great treasures for me. Siyu received a PhD and was advised by Dr. Luis Rodriguez-Saona.
