A Cheese-Lover’s Journey to Food Science:
Karla Solis Salazar, originally from the quaint town of Coronado in San Jose, Costa Rica, never thought she’d find her life’s calling in food science. Despite her town being famous for its dairy industry and her father’s involvement in local agriculture, it wasn’t until her undergraduate studies in clinical microbiology at the University of Costa Rica that she discovered her zeal for food science and food safety.
Breaking New Ground in Texas:
Fast forward to today, and Solis Salazar is a doctoral candidate at the Department of Food Science and Technology in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. “I saw the complex relationships between microorganisms and the food we consume. That was my eureka moment; I realized we can prevent foodborne illnesses through proper hygiene and manufacturing practices,” she exclaimed.
Microbes, Greens, and the Future of Food:
Her groundbreaking research focuses on isolating beneficial microorganisms from spinach that can inhibit the growth of dangerous foodborne pathogens. The end goal? To make our salads safer and reduce the number of foodborne illnesses, thus revolutionizing the food industry.
A Lifelong Passion for Research:
“Research never ends,” Salazar confides. “As soon as you answer one question, many others appear. The quest for knowledge is a never-ending cycle, and that’s what keeps my passion alive.”
Mentorship and Academic Growth:
Salazar credits her growth to mentors both in Costa Rica and Texas, including Dr. Alejandro Castillo and Dr. Gary Acuff. The guidance of these distinguished researchers in food microbiology and food safety has been invaluable. She further gains teaching experience and expands her career horizons by participating in food safety programs and even becoming a trainer in some.
The Road Ahead:
After graduation, Salazar aims to return to Costa Rica and contribute to academia, specifically in the Department of Food Microbiology at the University of Costa Rica. She also intends to work on Extension activities to promote good agricultural practices among small-scale producers.
Words of Wisdom:
For those interested in a similar academic trajectory, Salazar suggests: “Get involved in research early on and look for free training and certificates. These not only beef up your resume but also give you practical skills that you won’t acquire in the classroom.”
