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In our first English/Spanish bilingual episode we talk international science communication with agronomist Dr. Dr. Maria Luz "Malu" Zapiola. Malu is equally comfortable giving lectures in university classroom or (out standing) in the middle of a wheat field.

Note: We switch from English to Spanish at 20:20.

Dr. Maria Luz "Malu" Zapiola earned her Master's in Crop Science and Genetics, as well as her Doctorate in Agronomy and Crop Science at Oregon State University. She has worked as an agronomist for companies including Barenbrug Palaversich and Monsanto industry, focusing on forage trials and crop protection. She has also worked as a professor at the Catholic University of Argentina, where she taught courses on crop protection and biotechnology, and directed a molecular biology lab. She now works at Argenbio, conducting "train the trainer" programs and managing the Infoalimentos website, which is designed to combat misinformation and promote sustainable, science-based decision making. She hosts the Presentaciones Fructiferas podcasts, which focuses on improving science communication, the topic of this podcast.

Got a questions for us? Email us at wolfingdownfoodscience@gmail.com
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Dr. Fernanda Santos’ route to food science was not direct. But one thing is for sure, she has found a home in food science at NC State University. Dr. Santos teaches 13 classes at NC State, one of which is a project-based class for seniors in food science and bioprocessing. Through collaboration with faculty and industry, she is giving students real-world experience. We are excited to hear about her path to food science and her newest collaboration with WDFS!

We have rebranded Wolfing Down Food Science!

You may have heard a new voice (and some new tunes, thanks Keith!) in the intro and outro on the podcast. We welcome Stella Gosek to the team as student producer and the voice in the theme music! Stay tuned to our Instagram and LinkedIn to meet Stella and other students, without whom, none of the WDFS brand would be possible.

Exciting offerings can be found in our blog, launching October 10, 2025 and our Youtube channel. You can stay in touch with us and all our happenings through Instagram, LinkedIn and Linktree.

Got a questions for us? Email us at wolfingdownfoodscience@gmail.com
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Food waste. It’s been called the world’s dumbest problem. Did you know that about a third of the food grown on farms is wasted, meaning it never gets to a factory, a grocery store, or to a consumer? This is not because farmers are wasteful. Far from it. It's because it's sometimes hard to harvest all the food that's been produced, especially if it's underground (think sweet potatoes). Food waste is not just an economic problem, although it can drive up food cost. It is food that is not feeding a hungry world. Dr. Lisa Johnson joins us to discuss her work on food waste and loss. Lisa's research focuses on the critical challenge of food loss at the farm level and how to reduce.

For more information, check out Lisa’s website: https://lisakjohnson.com/

Got a questions for us? Email us at wolfingdownfoodscience@gmail.com
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Chief Warrant Officer 5* Terrence Ward is a year 2016 alumnus of the Food, Bioprocessing, and Nutrition Sciences Department at NC State University. Terrence discovered his interest in Food Science during his service in the US Army. Today, as part of his continuing Army career, he audits food processing facilities around the US and around the world to assure that the food produced and sold is safe for the US Armed Forces. He uses his extensive experience to train other food safety officers about auditing. In this episode, we talk with Terrence about his food science journey, his world travels, as well as the joys and challenges of a career as a food auditor.

*Terrence was recently promoted from CW4 (his rank in the recorded episode) to CW5. Congratulations, Terrence!

Got a questions for us? Email us at wolfingdownfoodscience@gmail.com
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Dr. Arnie Sair has worked for General Mills, Signature Brands and now, Bunge. Throughout his career one thing has held constant, his focus on food safety and quality. As a Ph.D. recipient at NC State University, an outstanding alumni award winner, and who started out as a high school student working at McDonalds, Arnie has great insight into the food industry. Join us as we talk about carrying on the legacy of being a 3rd generation, Ph.D. food scientist (which makes him a bit of a unicorn in our book!) to what a large agribusiness like Bunge does in the world of food.

Got a questions for us? Email us at wolfingdownfoodscience@gmail.com
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We all love a good story, and Dr. Leann Jaykus, a professor emeritus at NC State University, has some good ones to tell. As a virologist she has unique insights into food safety. We talk to Leann about cruise ship food safety, norovirus, coronavirus, vomit machines, and, oh yes, mentoring on this episode.

Got a questions for us? Email us at wolfingdownfoodscience@gmail.com
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After graduating from NC State, Mandy Taylor spent time in product development for a variety of food companies. Her years of experience gave her the knowledge and desire to foster career growth in others by managing the summer intern program in research and development at Mars Wrigley. We talk to Mandy about her time in product development and what she sees as the most challenging and rewarding parts of working with and fostering new food scientists. And we have a good laugh about whether dogs and cats are the best pets!

Got a questions for us? Email us at wolfingdownfoodscience@gmail.com
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Our world is complicated! Yifat Rogers started Yaniv Consulting to help people and businesses cut through the tough problems and find practical solutions. Yifat is a PhD food scientist and engineer who has worked in the food industry for 15+ years. Her experience and desire to help people prompted her shift to consulting. She has started her very own podcast called Success Your Own Way where guests discuss what success looks like for them with insights on how to achieve your own success.

Success Your Own Way podcast

Yaniv Consulting

Got a questions for us? Email us at wolfingdownfoodscience@gmail.com
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