The Profession
Food scientists design and create healthy and appealing foods. Food scientist work behind the scenes to ensure the food products we buy are safe and of high quality. Others work in research and development of foods to limit food-related problems such as salmonella or shelf life of food.
Self-Assessment
Students who wish to be food scientist should be interested in learning how food is processed before it reaches the table. Have strong math, science and research interests. Students have to be very detail oriented and like to work in labs or test kitchens.
Exploring Options
New health risk such as bioterriorism opens a new avenue for food scientist. There is a need for increased research and new regulations on food safety precautions. Food scientist can work in a variety of jobs including product development, quality control, research, and nutrition educator.