Kristi Kan, Food Science and Chemistry ‘18, was awarded the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Mondelēz International Evan Turek Internship and Scholarship. This award gave her the opportunity to intern for twelve weeks at Mondelēz International’s technical center located in East Hanover, NJ. In addition, she received subsidized housing and was able to travel to Las Vegas to attend IFT17, an annual Food Science conference and food expo.
“I got to meet a lot of food science professionals, attend workshops, and try foods made with the newest and latest processing techniques! The highlight was being invited to the Food Packaging, Food Engineering, and Nonthermal Processing Social at IFT17, where I got to meet former colleagues of the late Evan Turek. I was inspired by their stories of his technical rigor and dedication to mentorship,” she said.
Kristi is the second Terp to receive this award; Kelsey Kanyuck ‘14 was the recipient three years ago. Kristi applied for the program in September, interviewed in January, and was notified in February.
“I was ecstatic to receive the phone call!” she exclaimed.
As part of the online application process, she wrote four short essays, filled out an application, and submitted her resume. While at Mondelēz over the summer, she worked as a research and development intern for Halls North America.
“It was a really cool experience. I made new flavors for the Halls pipeline and learned a lot about cough drops, flavor trends, and the FDA over-the-counter drug monograph. While I was assigned to the Halls brand, I still got to learn about Mondelez International’s other brands. I met the scientists and engineers behind Sour Patch Kids, Ritz, and Belvita!” she said.
And as to what Halls flavors Kristi made? “I can’t tell you that until they come out on store shelves!” she laughed.
