Food Science Senior Spotlight - Ashley Mohammed
Hometown: Glendale Heights, Illinois
Major: Food Science
Minors: Chemistry and Fermentation
Why did you choose Purdue Food Science: The reputation of Purdue Food Science in the food industry is unmatched, and department has close relationships within the industry.
Favorite club/organization: College Bowl is my favorite club to be a part of because it has allowed me to exchange fun food science facts with my teammates, who have become more like friends to me. I have also been fortunate enough to meet students in other years that I would not have met otherwise.
Favorite class: FS 530 Food Ingredient Technology - This class was my favorite because it applied the knowledge from several previous classes in a way that better prepared me for a career in R&D, which is what I would like to do after graduation.
Biggest accomplishments at Purdue: Being nominated as the outstanding junior in the department and making it to the final round of the 2025 IFTSA MARS Product Development Competition.
What other activities or organizations did you participate in while at Purdue?: This past year, I have been the secretary for Food Science Club and have been a member since freshman year. I am also in Higher Dance Ground Company and participated in various product development competitions offered through the department, including IFTSA Mars for the past 2 years. I am also a Food Science Envoy, a FEMI student contributor and an undergraduate researcher in Dr. Reddivari's lab.
Favorite spot on campus: The Wine Library in Nelson Hall
Places you have been as a Purdue student: Being the captain of our department's IFTSA College Bowl team has allowed me to visit other campuses for trivia competitions, including Ohio State University and University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign.
Favorite thing about Purdue Food Science and/or the College of Agriculture: My favorite thing about Purdue Food Science is the department's impacts worldwide through various food safety initiatives.
What made your Purdue experience great?: Being in a close-knit department where I knew I always had the support I needed through academic advisors, professors and other students.
Future plans after graduation: After graduation, I would like to work in either R&D or product development.
Long term career goals: Eventually, I am interested in pursuing a graduate degree after working in industry for some time.
Advice for underclassmen: Don't be discouraged if something that does not go as hoped or as planned. The right opportunity will come when the time is right.
Biggest takeaway from your time at Purdue: My biggest takeaway has been to always be willing to step outside of your comfort zone, whether by trying something new or meeting new people. Embracing this my freshman year transformed me into the person I am today and makes me appreciate how far I've come.