Ever wondered how a scoop of your favorite ice cream came to be? Reid Ball, a food science whiz and product development technician at the Guelph Food Innovation Center, joined us to stir up the flavors of his educational and professional journey. With a sprinkle of high school courses and a dash of co-op programs, Reid whipped up a career path that proves a love for science and a keen palate can lead to mouthwatering success. From laboratory analyses to scaling products for production, Reid's insights into the world of food innovation are as rich and diverse as the flavors he helps create.

As you savor this episode, you'll be treated to the inside scoop on what it's like to work at the Guelph Food Innovation Centre. Reid shares his experience crafting new ice cream flavors and explains the importance of versatility in the food industry. Our conversation churns through the value of real-world applications and reinforces the notion that food science isn't just about following recipes—it's about creating them. The excitement of flavor chemistry, the satisfaction of client feedback, and the responsibility of sustainable practices combine to create a career as fulfilling as it is flavorful.

Finally, we explore the smorgasbord of career opportunities awaiting food science graduates. Whether you're intrigued by the art of flavor chemistry or the precision of quality assurance, Reid's story illustrates the vast potential in food science careers.

An additional bonus for OFSHEEA members to go along with this episode are two lesson plans you can use with your Foods students.   Check them out here:

The first lesson  - really a 5-day mini-unit - allows students to explore careers in product development and marketing in the food industry. The goal of this lesson is for students to conduct research about innovation in food science and explore the careers and the steps involved in the creation of a new food product.
Find it here: https://ofsheea.education/download/foods-food-product-development-five-day-lesson-plan/

In the second lesson, Students will learn about the field of food science, its various career opportunities, and the importance of staying updated with food trends and sustainability. They will also gain insights into the study program at the University of Guelph and the co-op experience at the Guelph Food Innovation Centre.
Find it here: https://ofsheea.education/download/foods-careers-in-the-food-industry-lesson-plan/

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