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Dr. Arnie Sair is a third generation Ph.D. food scientist, a returning guest to WDFS, and Head of Global Quality & Food Safety at Bunge. Arnie returns to WDFS with a new endeavor: the Core Ready™ leadership program. Core Ready is focused on building the soft skills and leadership habits students need to thrive in the workforce from day one using the FORM TUF ABS™ approach. In this episode, Arnie explains what each letter of FORM TUF ABS™ means and how each skill benefits early career advancement. With a career path that has allowed him to grow as a leader and facilitate that growth in others, he is uniquely positioned to offer success to those just entering the workforce, as well as those looking to add new skill sets.

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Join us as we sit down with Dr. Chris Daubert, who brings a wealth of experience from every corner of the Food Science world.

Currently serving as Vice Chancellor and Dean of the College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources at the University of Missouri Columbia, Dr. Daubert shares his unique career path—from his roots in agricultural engineering and becoming a recognized expert in rheology (the study of flow), to his pivotal roles as Department Head at NC State (2010-2017) and most recently, President of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT).

Join us as we explore the evolution of his leadership style, the crucial differences between leading a department versus an entire university college, the major challenges facing food science leadership today, and his top advice for students interested in leading the next generation. Don't miss this insightful look into the forces shaping the future of food!

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April Hix Morrison is an alumna of our department and has, for the last 17 years, served as our professional Academic Advisor across all three of our Food, Bioprocessing, and Nutrition Science majors. A big part of April’s job is helping students’ thrive at NC State. To aid in this, NC State University, and many others, have implemented Clifton Strengths assessments to help students discover and develop their greatest talents. April became a Clifton Strengths coach this year to enhance her ability to support students.

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Dr. Katie McKee is an Associate Professor and Leadership Educator in the Department of Agricultural and Human Sciences at NC State University. Her work focuses on transformative leadership and its application to solving complex challenges to enable communities to thrive. Her research and extension efforts, including the Agents for Change program, a center on developing leadership capacity among youth, college students, and professionals to address "big, messy challenges" in their communities, with a strong emphasis on the common good in agriculture and education.

Learn more about Dr. Katherine McKee and her work.

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