Beyond the Lab: Navigating Career Development in Food Science

Ivannova Lituma’s journey into food science began in childhood. Growing up in Ecuador, she frequently became sick after dining out and never understood why. “It wasn’t until I took microbiology and food safety courses during my undergraduate studies in Honduras that I recognized that improper food handling caused these foodborne illnesses,” she says. 

That realization fueled her desire to make food safety her career focus. “Everyone deserves to consume food without fear of becoming sick,” she adds. Now a second-year doctoral student at the School of Nutrition and Food Science at Louisiana State University, Lituma is pursuing food safety research, while also finding ways to best position herself for professional success. 

Below she shares her career development journey—including how winning IFTSA’s Graduate Research Video Competition last year launched her on a pivotal trip to the UK-based food and beverage research firm Campden BRI. Read on to learn more about her journey and get her tips for those wanting to accelerate their professional growth. 

Tell me about your research.

My research is focused on sustainable food production methods, particularly hydroponics, and the safety challenges that come with them. I develop decontamination techniques using UV-C light, natural antimicrobials, boiling water, and steam—methods that could revolutionize food safety in sustainable agriculture. One of my projects involves using pecan shell extract to coat and prime seeds against human and plant pathogens, offering a natural alternative to chemical treatments. I also work in extension initiatives to help fresh food producers learn, understand, and align to food safety standards and regulations.

The sooner students embrace career development as a dynamic, multifaceted process, the better positioned they will be. Don’t wait until graduation to get started.

What are your career aspirations? 

I would one day like to become an expert on the topic of food safety in alternative production systems, developing sustainable decontamination techniques that directly impact our food supply. I would also like to continue my work to communicate food safety research to farmers, producers, vendors, and the public. My goal is to make food safety knowledge accessible and understandable.

How did participation in the Graduate Research Video Competition aid your career development? 

The competition became a crucial career development experience. The process involved distilling complex scientific concepts into an engaging, accessible format and pushed me to refine my communication skills. Winning a spot as a finalist opened doors—allowing me to attend IFT FIRST in Chicago, where I connected with experts, companies, and fellow researchers and presented my work. I have always been passionate about video editing and food safety education. This opportunity allowed me to combine these passions to create a video showcasing my research that is accessible to the public.

As a winner of the competition, you visited Campden BRI and toured UK’s food and drink industry. What were the highlights?

Campden BRI organized a 10-day tour that allowed me to meet food scientists and others who work in my field. I visited hydroponic farms, food production facilities, and corporate food headquarters, gaining a broader perspective on how food safety intersects with industry practices. At Jones Food Co.’s indoor hydroponic facility and GrowUp Farm’s Leaf Lab in Cambridge, for example, I saw my research come to life in a commercial setting. The opportunity to share my work with experts and companies was invaluable and reinforced my passion for food safety, research, and education. Best of all, I made meaningful professional connections. Upon my return home, I was contacted by an expert I met on the tour seeking my research expertise. 

What tips would you offer food science students looking to position themselves for career success? 

Career development is a process that requires proactive engagement. Here’s what I’ve found most important:

• Find a mentor. Actively seek mentors who align with your goals. A good mentor does more than advise on research—they help students navigate career choices, identify strengths, and explore new opportunities. Whether through formal advising relationships or informal professional connections, mentorship can be a game-changer in career development.
• Gain hands-on experience. Seek opportunities beyond the classroom to gain practical skills. Internships, research projects, and industry collaborations provide real-world applications for academic knowledge. 
• Learn to communicate science. Whether through public speaking, writing, or digital media, being able to articulate your research effectively will set you apart in the job market. 
• Build a professional network. Attend industry conferences, workshops, and seminars to connect with professionals in food science. Join relevant organizations and online forums to expand your network. These interactions can lead to opportunities that coursework alone cannot provide.
• Pursue specializations. Consider specializing in areas such as food safety, nutrition, product development, or food microbiology to enhance your expertise and marketability.
• Create an online presence and individual brand. Use platforms like LinkedIn to showcase your unique skills, connect with industry professionals, and share relevant food science content. 

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that career development doesn’t happen passively. It requires effort, exploration, and stepping outside your comfort zone. The sooner students embrace career development as a dynamic, multifaceted process, the better positioned they will be. Don’t wait until graduation to get started. 

Ready to hone your skills and further your career? Learn more about the 2025 Graduate Research Video Competition and apply today! The deadline is April 15, 2025. 

For more career development resources and information, including how to craft the perfect resume, check out the April issue of Food Technology magazine.