2024 Food Science Seniors
Four years of Giant Leaps
Members of the 2024 Food Science senior class have made giant leaps both inside and outside of the classroom. While balancing the challenging course load of a food science student, these individuals have served in multiple leadership positions, secured competitive internships and jobs, and have made lifelong connections. Although these seniors have Food Science in common, each of them has experiences that makes their time at Purdue unique. Click on a senior to learn more about their Purdue Food Science experience and the giant leaps they have made so far.
Contact Us
Department of Food Science
foodsci@purdue.edu
745 Agriculture Mall Drive
West Lafayette, IN 47907
765-494-8256
2024 Food Science Seniors
Grace Alleman
Grace Alleman exhibits dedication and leadership through her involvement as the Fermentation Club president, a club which she co-founded. After she graduates in May, Grace's next stop is graduate school at University of Hawaii at Manoa. Aloha, Grace!
Kara Benbow
Kara has made quite the splash at Purdue while serving as the president of the Purdue Crew team. Kara also conducts pea protein edible film research in Dr. Kokini's lab and works in the pilot plant. After graduation, Kara will launch her career with PepsiCo as an Associate Food Scientist at their headquarters location in Plano, Texas.
Melissa Marie Suarez Escala
Melissa has an aptitude for research related to Foods for Health, which led her to study food science. Melissa enjoys watching and playing football, and she was a member of Dr. Applegate's intramural flag football team that won the championship this year.
Malerie Kleiman
Malerie is a member of Shoemaker Cooperative and had the opportunity to study abroad in France last summer. After graduation, Malerie will begin her career with Nestle Purina in Davenport, Iowa as a Quality Management Development Associate.
Ryan Lee
Food science senior Ryan Lee is a foodie with a passion for creating delicious things. During his time at Purdue, Ryan's culinary creativity has blended with his food science knowledge to create a fusion of skills that he hopes will fuel his future career.
Taylor Main
Food Science senior Taylor Main is no stranger to ambition. From serving as the Directing Co-chair and President of Purdue Old Masters, to presenting her undergraduate research at national conferences, Taylor has shined bright, but she is just getting started. Long term, Taylor plans to attend medical school and become a rural physician.
Barbara MONTEMAYOR MARTINEZ
Barbara's passion for baking and chemistry ignited her journey into food science, where she found the perfect blend of her interests. Barbara's internship with The Hershey Company opened doors for her career, as she plans to continue working for Hershey as an R&D scientist after graduation. In her free time, Barbara can be found running through campus with her friends and spending time with her Purdue pup, Mocha.
Alexandra Neikirk
Alexandra Neikirk had her share of "cool" experiences during her time at Purdue. While working as the Student Lead for FEMI, Alexandra was instrumental in the development of Boiler Chips ice cream last summer. She also spent a semester studying abroad in Milan, Italy, where she fell in love with the culture and cheesemaking process.
Kassandra Julian
Despite being unsure of her future career path when she came to Purdue, Kassandra Julian quickly discovered her passion for food science. Since joining the department, Kassandra has established herself as an integral member of the FEMI team and a leader in the Food Science and Boiler Bakers Clubs. After graduation, Kassandra will be working with Campbells Soup Company at their Pepperidge Farm Plant as an Associate Supply Chain Analyst.
Fernanda Pedroza-Altamirano
Fernanda is a food science senior minoring in French and Portuguese. During her time at Purdue, Fernanda has served as the Food Science Club president, interned with Cargill and PepsiCo, and served as a Resident Assistant (RA) in Owen Hall. After graduation in May, Fernanda will work with PepsiCo in their R&D Headquarters in Valhalla, NY.
Ryan Stachler
Ryan is a Boilermaker sports fan who is minoring in Fermentation. Ryan says he appreciates the connections that he has made with industry and alumni because of Purdue Food Science. After graduation, Ryan hopes to pursue a career in quality assurance.