Career discussion guide

Discussion questions

1. Professionals in this field may develop or improve existing food products. They may also discover new food sources, improve preservation techniques, or ensure that laws governing food safety are followed. Overall, food scientists are interested in the creation of nutritious food for a wide range of consumers. What interests and skills do you have that fit a career in animal science?

2. There are many ways to get involved in food science, even before you graduate. You could join a school club, contact one of the GrowNextGen Industry Leaders, or help coordinate a field trip. Brainstorm several “next steps”, including courses you might take at your high school or career tech center.

3. Science and Math are essential in food science. Make one connection between math or science you have learned, and food science. For example, you may have learned about the chemical changes that occur when you bake foods, or endothermic/exothermic reactions such as those involved in making ice cream? How could this knowledge help you create or enhance food items currently on the market?

Problem solving

Each career path contains unique problems to solve. Below are a sampling of real-world challenges that food scientists may encounter.

1. When a company updates the packaging of a food item, customers can complain of the food tasting differently. Why is this? What research can be done to confirm the taste difference, and to find the reason for it?

2. There can be inconsistent cooking throughout industrial ovens used to make food stuffs. Some items may be overcooked, while some are not cooked enough to meet safety standards. What can be done to ensure that each food item is identically cooked?

3. How can food scientists design products that balance fresh ingredients (needing to be refrigerated) versus shelf stable ingredients?