Food Protection Trends - November/December 2024 - 467

OUR EXPERIENCES
By the Recipients of the IAFP 2024 Student Travel Scholarship Award
UNJI KIM | Kookmin University, Seoul, South Korea
Participating in the conference with
the support of the Student Travel
Scholarship (sponsored by the Korea
Association of Food Protection) was an
incredible honor. I felt a deep sense of
gratitude not only for the opportunity
itself but also for the diverse experiences
the conference offered.
One highlight was the mentoring
program, where my mentor, Helen Taylor,
played a crucial role in guiding me through the event. Her support in helping
me connect with other professionals and engage in various activities
broadened my understanding of food safety from multiple perspectives.
SHENMIAO (IVY) LI | McGill University, Montreal, Canada
I am deeply honored and immensely
grateful to have received the 2024
Student Travel Scholarship. Attending
IAFP's Annual Meeting has always been
an inspiring experience, but this year
was particularly special as it marked my
first time attending as a Student Travel
Scholarship recipient. The highlight of my
experience was undoubtedly receiving
the plaque on stage - a moment filled
with pride and joy.
Throughout the event, I had the opportunity to engage with professionals
from various sectors within food safety, which was both inspiring and
educational. The mentorship program allowed me to connect with Dr. Vik
Dutta, who provided invaluable advice on how to maximize the benefits
of the IAFP Annual Meeting and offered guidance on planning my career
trajectory. He patiently answered my questions about learning from peers,
academia, and industry professionals.
In the Exhibit Hall, I interacted with exhibitors from a wide range of
fields. These conversations, particularly with technicians and sales
representatives, were incredibly informative. They provided helpful insights
on technical aspects of the products I use in my research, as well as advice
on ordering and obtaining support.
I attended numerous talks, technical sessions, and symposia, which
sparked countless new ideas. I was particularly inspired by the potential
applications of my research in real-world scenarios. For instance, during
the technical session on General Microbiology, Meat, Poultry, and Eggs,
and Microbial Food Spoilage, speakers from government and industry
discussed the challenges faced by meat and poultry processing facilities,
including the persistence of multi-species biofilms - topics closely related
to my research.
The poster sessions were a treasure trove of brilliant research and
innovative ideas. I gained a wealth of knowledge and discovered new
technologies that could enhance both my research and the broader field
of food safety. I had the pleasure of engaging with many outstanding
presenters, discussing their work, and exploring potential collaborations.
Presenting my Ph.D. research on the risks posed by dormant bacteria in the
agri-food system was a privilege, and I thoroughly enjoyed the insightful
discussions that followed with those interested in my work. We exchanged
experiences in overcoming experimental challenges and shared technical
tips to improve results.
I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the IAFP Foundation for providing
this incredible opportunity. I look forward to applying the knowledge
and connections I gained from this conference to my professional journey
and eagerly anticipate participating in future IAFP Annual Meetings.
Additionally, the daily poster sessions provided invaluable insights into
the latest global research trends. Through these sessions, I gained a
deeper understanding of the current research interests, key objectives,
and challenges faced by others in the field. I also learned about innovative
experimental methods that could be integrated into my own research. This
exposure not only expanded my knowledge, but also sparked new ideas for
advancing my work.
I am truly thankful to all those who helped expand my perspective through
this event, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to IAFP and everyone involved
for this invaluable opportunity. I look forward to the chance to participate
again in the future.
SHPRESA MUSA | Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
Attending IAFP 2024 in Long Beach was
an enriching experience that offered a
unique blend of professional development
and networking opportunities.
The diverse range of sessions and
workshops provided insights into the
latest research and advancements in
food safety, allowing me to broaden my
knowledge and stay current with industry
trends. Engaging with experts and
peers from around the world not only expanded my professional network
but also inspired new ideas and collaborations that I look forward to
pursuing in my career.
Volunteering at the Foundation Booth was a rewarding aspect of my participation
in the conference. It allowed me to actively contribute to the event's
success while gaining a deeper understanding of the Foundation's mission
and initiatives. Interacting with attendees at the booth provided a valuable
platform to share information about the Foundation's work, fostering a
greater sense of community and support among participants.
Overall, the IAFP Annual Meeting was an invaluable experience that
reinforced my commitment to the field of food safety. The knowledge and
connections gained during the conference will undoubtedly influence my
future endeavors and professional growth. IAFP is like a reunion where I get
to meet all my friends worldwide. I am thankful for the chance to be part of
such a dynamic and impactful event, and I look forward to continuing my
involvement with IAFP and contributing to its mission in the years to come.
November/December Food Protection Trends 467
Food Protection Trends - November/December 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Food Protection Trends - November/December 2024
