Food Science Senior Spotlight - Leah Keesling
Hometown: Modoc, Indiana
Majors: Food Science (College of Agriculture), Nutrition Science (College of Health and Human Sciences)
Why did you choose Purdue Food Science: When I initially chose my degree, I wanted to pursue something that would meet the needs of people in a practical way when combining my interests of food, nutrition and science. While I am passionate about health and nutrition, I am also fascinated by the chemistry of how different components in food interact, as well as biology. While I enjoy lab work and understanding how things are designed, I enjoy working with people. I want to educate others about food as well as provide new resources on nutrition for various populations.
What made your Purdue experience great?: While I have loved the classes, campus and overall environment, it wouldn't be half as great without the people I have met through the whole process, some of which have become my closest friends. I have met incredible people through my classes, at work in Greyhouse coffee shop, through my church community, in the Purdue athletic department and more. I have enjoyed experiencing college alongside these people while growing in my faith in God.
Favorite Purdue Tradition: The Boilermaker Special
Favorite memory of your time at Purdue: My favorite memories have been when spending time with my friends from Purdue Christian Campus House and working as a barista at Greyhouse coffee shop.
Favorite club/organization: Purdue Christian Campus House, Purdue Athletics Track and Field
What other activities or organizations did you participate in while at Purdue?: Feed the Future Food Safety Innovation Lab Program Assistant, Mandela Washington Fellowship Student Apprentice (IPIA at Purdue), Purdue Christian Campus House (Community Group Leader, Front Desk Receptionist), ACE Food Pantry Volunteer Coordinator, International Justice Mission Run for Justice Volunteer and Advocate, Greyhouse Coffee Shop, Samaritan's Purse International Relief Global Intern Program.
Favorite Purdue event: Purdue basketball games
Favorite spot on campus: Pickett Park
Favorite social activity: Greyhouse Coffee Shop - I work as a barista here and have made some of my closest friends through this community of people.
Places you have been as a Purdue student: As an intern for the Purdue International Programs in Agriculture, I traveled to Chicago and Indianapolis. As a member of the Purdue Track and Field team, I have traveled to Wisconsin, Ohio, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky for meets. I traveled to Ecuador on a ministry trip to a children's camp in the mountains with my church at Purdue. I also participated in a Maymester study abroad to Lyon, France, where I studied the differences in nutrition and cardiac health between France and the United States. Last summer, I worked as an international projects intern for Samaritan's Purse International non-profit organization in Boone, North Carolina. The summer before I attended Purdue, I worked as a Food Lab Technician and Sensory Specialist at WiseBev in Fountain City, Indiana.
Favorite thing about Purdue Food Science and/or the College of Agriculture: I love the friendly atmosphere and hospitality of the students, professors and staff. This is true for both the Food Science program and the College of Agriculture in general. I also love that the Food Science program doesn't have too many people where it is hard to get to know classmates.
Favorite professor: Dr. Haley Oliver
Favorite class: Food Ingredient Technology (FS 530). Even though this class was only 1 credit hour, I found it interesting to learn about the role of different ingredients in foods and how they impact food quality.
Biggest accomplishments at Purdue: Learning perseverance and dedication through track and field by difficulties of injury and eventually making the hard decision to quit. Moving towards graduation with a high GPA in two challenging STEM degrees. Growing in my faith in Jesus.
Future plans after graduation: My plan is to return to Samaritan's Purse for a short term international position to work in agricultural and nutritional projects regulating food safety.
Long term career goals: I want to partner with an organization that aims to educate others on nutrition and provide new resources for those in need, fostering an environment where individuals can learn how to care for themselves. Further in the future, I hope to start or help lead a nonprofit that focuses on these same values of sustainability and increasing food availability for those who need support with food choices.
Advice for underclassmen: Don't put too much pressure on yourself and compare yourself to others. Focus on your own journey, and do the best you can with what you have.
Biggest takeaway from your time at Purdue: Try to remember the things you appreciate! There will always be difficult circumstances, people and situations, but try to focus on the things, people, moments, places and memories you enjoy - no matter how small it seems. My faith in Jesus Christ has made it possible to aim for this perspective in life.
