Name: Natalie Haag
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Major and Graduation Date: B.S., Food Science with a Minor in Culinary Science, May 2017
Favorite Class: Scientific Study of Food and Advanced Food Preparation Lab with Dr. Linda Svendsen
Title and Company: Food Scientist, Griffith Foods
Major Job/Position Responsibilities: Formulate dry seasoning blends specific to customer substrates and restrictions. Daily job consists of evaluating seasonings in finished product, sending samples to customers and ideating new seasonings. I work cross-functionally with our regulatory, analytical, purchasing, culinary and sensory team to develop flavorful, high-quality seasonings. I also support our sensory team through participating in tasting panels.
What you like most about your job/position: I enjoy working on a variety of food products, learning about innovative cuisines, trends and applications, and knowing that each day is a new experience! The greatest satisfaction my work gives me comes from seeing products I’ve worked on in the marketplace.
What advice would you give to current students pursuing a career in Agriculture and Life Sciences? Take advantage of the opportunities on campus as well as the knowledge from your professors, while still having fun. You have the rest of your life to be an adult.
March 2020