Jackie Newell is a 2015 graduate of the Illinois PSM Food Science and Human Nutrition program. She earned her undergraduate degree in Chemistry from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. Jackie’s internship was with Schreiber Foods, where she worked as a research and development intern in the processed cheese group. She is now a Senior Scientist at Beachbody in El Segundo, California, where she works in Operations Quality. She states, “the hardest part of my job as a scientist is juggling big picture initiatives with day-to-day product maintenance activities. The PSM business coursework helped me prepare for my role because I have a foundational understanding of project management and supply chain processes.” She also credits the program for teaching her how to relate to people that come from different backgrounds, whether that be a difference of major or culture.
Madeline (Koch) Meyer is a 2014 graduate of the Illinois PSM Food Science & Human Nutrition program. She earned her undergraduate degree in Integrative Biology at the University of Illinois. Madeline’s internship was with Abbott Laboratories in regulatory affairs, working with a new medical device. She now is a Manager, Regulatory Affairs for ICU Medical, a medical technology company. Madeline encourages students to “take advantage of resources on campus; the career fairs, open houses, and career centers are great ways to learn about opportunities and meet potential employers."
Vicky Baraldi is a 2017 graduate of the Illinois PSM's Food Science and Human Nutrition program. As an undergraduate at Universidad Iberoamericana, Vicky’s passion was in Food Product Development; however, she knew if she wanted to advance in her career, she would need exposure to business concepts as well as additional scientific training. She says “The Illinois PSM is versatile and did not have a thesis requirement, which was appealing to me because research requires you to narrow your focus. Being super specialized in the corporate world isn’t always very valuable.” After graduation, Vicky landed her dream job in Product Development at RXBAR, where she developed both new formulas and changes to existing products. Recently, she was promoted to Wellbeing and Regulatory Business Partner for the Kellogg Company.
To current and incoming students, she advises “Be open, even if you’re introverted. I learned this on the first day of class. If everyone is in the mindset to open up, participate, and engage, you get so much more out of it.”
Albert Pangestan was in the inaugural cohort of Illinois PSM students, earning an M.S. degree in Food Science and Human Nutrition in 2010. He completed his Illinois PSM internship at The Dannon Company in Texas. During his internship, Albert decided that business, especially finance, was a better career option for him. Albert advises all current and potential students to “find an internship that mimics what you want to do, and do it early. The experience might change your future goals.” Upon graduation, Albert began working as an associate at PT Principia Management Group, a private equity investment firm. He has since taken an Associate Director position at Istana Group, one of the largest property developers in Indonesia.
