Food Science Senior Spotlight - fernanda pedroza-altamirano

Fernanda Pedroza-Altamirano headshot

Hometowns: Lima, Peru; La Paz, Bolivia

Major: Food Science

Minors: French and Portuguese

Why did you choose Purdue Food Science: Purdue has one of the best Food Science programs in the U.S.

Favorite memory of your time at Purdue: Hanging out at my friend Piero's apartment, going to the gym with my gym buddies, cookouts with my friends, study sessions with my residents.

Fernanda Pedroza-Altamirano with friends

What activities or organizations did you participate in while at Purdue?: Owen Hall Resident Assistant (RA) ('22-'24), Food Science Club President ('22-'23), Pilot Plant Crew Member ('21-'24), FEMI Member ('23-'24), Food Science Envoy ('21-'22)

Favorite Purdue event: Grand Prix

Favorite spot on campus: Purdue Memorial Union

Favorite club/organization: Food Science Club

Fernanda Pedroza-Altamirano with Food Science Club

Favorite Purdue Tradition: Grand Prix

Places you have been as a Purdue student: I had 2 internships during my time at Purdue. The first one was with Cargill FSQR in Lake Odessa, Michigan. My second internship was with PepsiCo R&D in Valhalla, New York.

Favorite class: Portuguese Level VI (PTGS 302) because it helped me improve my Portuguese exponentially in a fun and engaging way! 

What made your Purdue experience great?: My friends and classmates! I love the people I've met here at Purdue.

Fernanda Pedroza-Altamirano with a friend in front of Purdue banner

Favorite thing about Purdue Food Science and/or the College of Agriculture: I love the diversity in the Food Science department.

Favorite professor or staff member: Mike Caffee and Carolina Alvim Ferreira

Biggest accomplishments at Purdue: Being Food Science Club president ('22-'23), IFTSA 2022 SMART Snacks Group Finalist, Outstanding Food Science freshman ('20-'21)

Advice for underclassmen: Your social life is just as important as your academic life. Take some time to nurture your friendships and take care of yourself.

Fernanda Pedroza-Altamirano in a snow cave

Future plans after graduation: I will be working with PepsiCo in their R&D Headquarters in Valhalla, NY.

Long term career goals: I hope to land a position that has a lot of travel opportunities!

Biggest takeaway from your time at Purdue: Learn how to rely on your support systems when needed, and learn how to be a reliable support system for others.