I currently as a Scientific Project Coordinator in the Food Directorate within the Health Product and Food Branch at Health Canada. The Food Directorate is responsible for assessing health risks and benefits, setting standards, policies and regulations, and providing advice and information regarding the safety and nutritional quality of food. Since starting my career as a Research Student in 2014, i have had the opportunity to work on several food files in both the Bureau of Chemical Safety and the Bureau of Nutritional Sciences in the Food Directorate. One of my current responsibilities is to use data and scientific evidences to establish policies and standards for reducing sodium in food products sold in Canada in order to promote healthy eating in Canadians. I also work as part of team that evaluates Temporary Marketing Authorization submission for Supplemented Foods (SFs) and Caffeinated Energy Drinks (CEDs) at the Food Directorate. In addition, i am an Executive Committee member of Health Canada and Public Health Agency of Canada’s Young Professional Network, where we engage public servants in career development activities and organize social events.
My future goals are…
My goal is to continue to learn and research every aspect of food science, policy and regulations in my everyday life. I want to continue to explore the world of Food Chemistry, Food Microbiology and Food Nutrition as a public servant to better improve healthy eating in Canadians. On the other hand, i also plan to establish a hair salon (which is a passion of mine) in the future, to support a healthy living.
My degree has helped me get to where I am today by…
Food Science program at Carleton University has prepared me with the foundation of being a successful food scientist by teaching the basics of all aspect of food science including food chemistry, food microbiology, packaging e.t.c.
My advice for current students is…
My advice is for students to put in enough hard work to graduate strong. Always network with fellow students, professors and mentors. Also, do not take the COOP program for granted, it has become one of the very successful ways to gain employment, especially in the government. Finally, always apply to FSWEP if you can and having some work experience before graduation really does help.
