Anne Taylor was nominated as Volunteer of the Week for helping to organise the Chemistry of Cooking lecture at Harper Adams and her continued involvement in Ecotrophelia.
How does it feel to be recognised as Volunteer of the week?
Rather lovely. Although the work will happen anyway occasional recognition is very nice, especially when accompanied by a very relevant gift for an academic. The first thing I did was to take my mug and make a cup of tea!
Why is it important to be a member of a body like IFST?
Networking, sharing and CPD are key activities for academics and although I still have many food industry colleagues to call upon, IFST membership gives a platform from which much of this requirement can spring. The value to students of a body like the IFST working in food science, technology and related subjects is equally significant so demonstrating good practice to our students by being an IFST member is also important.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about studying food science?
I would tell them to go for it! It will lead to exciting new knowledge and a meaningful future where career prospects are excellent. Food science is incredibly relevant over a wide range of careers and an integral part of a really challenging and fast paced industry.
What do you think your students have gained from participating in Ecotrophelia?
Goodness, so much. Most definitely confidence and a sense that they can contribute to their chosen industry in a meaningful way. Learning how to function as a team and perform (or not) under real and prolonged pressure. The whole process emulates the progression and conclusion of a business project and then tests students against the best in Europe. It provides an excellent training ground where students learn a lot about a process, develop their communication skills and learn a lot more about themselves in areas that even 4 years academic study may not be able address.
Tell us something about yourself that not many people know.
I love houses and particularly interior design. I have an interior design qualification which I have put to use whilst living in a converted hotel in Somerset and in my current home which used to be a school and Doctor’s surgery!