Alumni Profiles - Meet Kate Kingsborough
Hometown: New Freedom, PA
Year of Graduation: 2010
Major: Food Science & Technology
Campus Involvement:
Marching Band, Food Science Club, College Bowl, Alpha Zeta, UDairy Creamery, Working for the UD Music Department
Current Position of Employment or Education:
Food Scientist
Describe your best Ag experience:
My best Ag experience was being part of the first team of interns to build up the UDairy creamery. I had the pleasure of working with an amazing group of people that all brought something important to the process. I am so proud of all the growth that happened while I was there and the growth that has continued. Every time I see the creamery it reminds me of all the good times I had while at UD.
Which Ag course was your favorite and why?
I loved taking food science capstone since it gave me the chance to take everything I had learned in my classes and apply it to an actual product concept. We started with an idea and over the whole semester we created our product to finally launch our product. My group made a kefir based ranch dressing, which is interesting now to look back on since I have been seeing kefir grow in the market place.
Tell us about your current position or program of study and what led you to that field.
I am currently a food scientist in research & development for AFP advanced food products llc. We work with aseptically processed foods including pudding, cheese sauce, dips, and nutritional beverages. My role is to develop new products and improve our current products to meet customer needs and maximize sensory properties over a long shelf life in various conditions.
How did your College of Ag experiences prepare you for your current job or post-graduate education?
Since aseptic processing and packaging is a relatively new technology for the food industry, my professors really taught me well to work where I am now. Also, my experiences working in the music department and UDairy creamery and being president of Alpha Zeta have taught me how to work with others and set a good example for my peers.
What advice do you have for students interested in your field?
The best thing you can do is take the theoretical knowledge that you learn about in class and apply it. Internships will be your best friend. You can get experience, apply what you know, and learn so much more. I worked with salad dressing, ice cream, and spray dried flavors before coming to AFP, an believe it or not those other projects have helped me in my current position today.
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