Purdue Food Science Envoys
What We Do
The Purdue Food Science Envoys serve as ambassadors for our department and are often the first smiling faces that our visitors see. Envoys are carefully selected and act as liaisons for the Department of Food Science to industry executives, alumni, and prospective students. Envoys give tours of the Department's facilities, host guest speakers, and other activities that promote Purdue and the Department of Food Science. The Envoy experience allows students to gain valuable leadership skills and strengthen their network within the food industry while proudly representing Purdue Food Science.
Contact Us
Department of Food Science
foodsci@purdue.edu
745 Agriculture Mall Drive
West Lafayette, IN 47907
(765) 494-8256
Meet our Envoys
Hope Cooper
Food Science, Class of 2029
Hometown: Bloomington, IN
"I’ve always been extremely interested in the science behind everyday life, and I’m able to pursue that through the food science department at Purdue. I’m apart of the departmental clubs of Food Science, the run club and the triathlon club. I’m super excited for my future in the industry, and I look forward to continuing to make connections with all of the talented people around me. I recommend that all students make the effort to explore new experiences to truly learn what works best for them."
Ana Crane
Food Science, Chinese Studies, Class of 2027
Hometown: Alpharetta, GA
"I'm a sophomore double majoring in Food Science and Chinese Studies and minoring in Fermentation Science. I became interested in food science after a lab internship in high school. In addition to being an envoy, I am also involved in a department research lab, the Fermentation Club, and Food Science Quiz Bowl. My advice to prospective students would be to take advantage of all the opportunities Purdue offers and get involved on campus!"
Sarah Gadberry
Food Science, Class of 2027
Hometown: Fishers, IN
"I am a junior majoring in Food Science with a minor in Fermentation Science. I chose Food Science because I have always loved science and being able to combine subjects that I love such as chemistry and biology. I have been involved in the Food Science Club and on the Food Science College Bowl team. In the future, I hope to either work in R&D or quality. One piece of advice I would give is to get involved in things that interest you, whether that's being in a club or getting into a research lab."
Max Maroe
Food Science, Class of 2029
Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
"Originally I planned on being a chef, but I realized that cooking 24/7 would take the enjoyment out of food for me. As I was looking for other careers in the industry, I stumbled upon Food Science. What persuaded me to choose Food Science was the problem solving and business aspect of it. I work for myself running a sauce brand called Max’s Hot Sauce. Beyond food science, I really enjoy dancing (Boiler Breakers club) and editing videos. Some words of wisdom: make genuine connections, not just LinkedIn ones."
Claire McCaskill
Food Science, Class of 2028
Hometown: Fishers, IN
"The second I learned about a career that would combine my love of science and delicious food, I was hooked. I am a sophomore majoring in Food Science with a minor in Fermentation Science. Although I don't know my exact path, I have always had a passion for sustainability, and I yearn for the opportunity to make a difference in the world through my career. Aside from being an Envoy, I am a part of the Food Science Club, the John Martinson Honors College, Kappa Delta sorority, and a Christian organization called The Salt Company. As I continue pursuing my degree, I hope that this list continues to grow exponentially. The time spent at Purdue will shape you and change you. Let that be exciting instead of scary, and choose to say yes to every random event, club opportunity, and hangout, especially when it comes with free food."
Addie Nichols
Food Science, Class of 2029
Hometown: St. Charles, MO
"Growing up I was always told I should be an engineer because I was good at math and science. But in my heart, I knew that was not the place for me. Luckily, my mom discovered the field of food science. Specifically, food science at Purdue. Ever since then, I have been in love with the curriculum, faculty, students, and opportunities."
Chris Panzera
Food Science, Class of 2027
Hometown: Moorestown, NJ
"I chose Purdue Food Science because of their great reputation and industry connections. As someone who wanted to get into research, Purdue was always my top school as they are one of the biggest research schools in the country. Besides being an Envoy, I also work in the Food Science Sensory Lab, the Food Entrepreneurship and Manufacturing Institute (FEMI), and undergraduate research. I would advise future students to take advantage of all the opportunities they have here. This department has so many resources to take advantage of, and while it may seem scary at first, step out of your comfort zone because it will absolutely be worth it."
Sisa Propst-Zuverza
Food Science, Sustainable Food & Farming Systems, Class of 2028
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
"I am a sophomore double majoring in Food Science and Sustainable Food & Farming Systems with minors in Animal Science and Pet Food Processing. I chose to study food science due to its multifaceted nature and the field’s constant evolution. Other than being an FS Envoy, I also dance with the Baile Folklorico Club, play club field hockey, assist with undergraduate research, and of course am an active member of the Food Science Club. In the future I hope to study animal nutrition and the effects that different grazing systems have on meat quality. My biggest piece of advice for future students is to not be scared of notoriously hard classes. As long as you put the work in, you are going to be fine!"
Hope Plassard
Food Science, Class of 2027
Hometown: West Lafayette, IN
"My favorite hobbies growing up always involved food. I also loved all of my science classes in school, and through Purdue Food Science, I learned I could pursue both passions. I am currently a sophomore at Purdue with a major in Food Science and a minor in fermentation. I am a member of Food Science Club, Boiler Bakers, and the Ag Week TaskForce. As a member of Ag Week Taskforce, I use my passion and education in Food Science to help plan "Hammer Down Hunger", which is an event where over 65,000 meals are packed to help families combat food insecurity. I hope to join the industry in either quality or product innovation one day. A piece of advice for new students is to make friends in your major and also join clubs you are passionate about.
Audrey Richardson
Food Science, Class of 2029
Hometown: Cloverdale, IN
"Hi! I’m Audrey Richardson, a first generation student from Cloverdale, Indiana. Growing up in Indiana, Purdue always felt like home. I spent my childhood cheering on the Boilermakers, later competed on Purdue’s campus through FFA, and eventually discovered Food Science through my experiences within FFA. Those experiences showed me that Purdue was where I wanted to continue learning and ultimately inspired me to pursue a degree in Food Science. Through my FFA agriscience research project studying cyanuric acid in fruit juices, I was introduced to the science behind the foods we consume every day. That experience opened my eyes to the importance of food safety, quality, and consumer awareness, and I realized I wanted to pursue a career where I could help develop products people can trust while educating consumers about the foods they eat. It was the perfect combination of science, agriculture, and making a meaningful impact on people’s everyday lives. At Purdue, I serve as the Secretary of the Food Science Club and am involved as a YoungLife student leader. I love the collaborative environment within the Food Science department and the opportunities to learn through hands-on experiences both inside and outside the classroom. After graduation, I hope to work in product development and reformulation, creating foods that are both innovative and enjoyable while meeting consumers’ evolving needs. I’m excited to continue exploring the endless opportunities within the food industry and to represent the department that first inspired me to turn my passion into a career. If you’re considering Food Science, don’t be afraid if you don’t know exactly what you want to do yet. The department offers so many opportunities to explore different career paths, gain hands-on experience, and build meaningful relationships with faculty and fellow students. My advice is to get involved early; you never know where one opportunity might lead!"
Grace Samra
Food Science, Class of 2027
Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI
"I have always loved cooking and being in the kitchen, but as I grew up I realized I loved math and science too. It wasn't until I started applying to Purdue that I even knew food science existed, but as soon as I started looking into it I knew it was something I would love. Then God allowed me to come to Purdue and to study food science, and I have loved it ever since. In the department, I have been able to be a part of several product development competitions which have allowed me to use what I have learned in the classroom and apply it to actual products. Outside the department, I am a leader in Cru, which is a Christian ministry on campus, and I am involved in my local church. My advice to future students is to do things that are challenging and to learn and grow from them!"
Julianna Scott
Food Science, Class of 2029
Hometown: Buffalo, NY
"The realm of food science is unique because it offers a plethora of career opportunities, allowing an individual to explore their creativity while simultaneously stimulating their mind. Due to this, and my fascination for food, food science always seemed like the best fit for me. Here at Purdue, I am lucky to have access to some of the best opportunities and resources in the industry. In addition to being an envoy, I work in the Food Science Sensory Lab, play club hurling, and participate in the Food Science Club. I would encourage new students to explore Purdue and all of the opportunities that it has to offer because there is so much out there to try."
Jenna Selbert
Food Science, Class of 2029
Hometown: Eureka, MO
"Everyone always told me that you would eventually get the feel for where you were meant to be. I never believed that until Purdue was one of the last schools I was accepted to and toured. It was truly the social environment that drove me to accept my offer to Purdue Food Science! No matter which way you turned there was someone to help, guide and just listen. Nothing was ever forced. I felt supported by my peers and mentors, and that is what puts them one step above the rest. My message to prospective students is that when you are deciding where you want to be for the next four years, look to your right and left, and make sure that you can see those people, not only as your future teachers and classmates, but as people that will help you develop into a better person."
Robin Walker
Food Science, Class of 2028
Hometown: Indianapolis, IN
"The idea of being able to create new foods for everyone is what brought me to food science! While my primary focus of study is food science I am also working towards earning a minor in fermentation science. I currently work with Purdue Dining & Culinary as well as Greyhouse Coffee Co. I am a member of the Regenerative Coffee Club! I hope to make my way into coffee roasting or wine making in the future."
Sydney Woodard
Food Science, Class of 2027
Hometown: Evansville, IN
"It all starts with a dream, or in my case, a cooking show! My interest in food came at a very young age, as I was obsessed with watching cooking shows on television. As I got older and more interested in my high school chemistry classes, I also developed a love for science. Combining these two interests I found my home in the food science department at Purdue! Here at Purdue, you can find me marching and spinning a flag as a member of the Golden Silks Color Guard in the All-American Marching Band, serving my community and campus as the outreach director of Purdue Collegiate 4-H, and having fun with my peers as a member of Food Science Club. I also love to exercise my creativity by participating in Product Development Competitions! My advice for incoming students is to join clubs and activities! There are so many opportunities on Purdue's campus to meet amazing people that help make a rather large campus feel like home."