In case you missed it, on Monday, November 14th the OSU Department of Food Science and Technology was graced with a Discussion About Food Science and Social Media Communication by none other than The Black Food Scientist, Brittany Towers! As a food scientist, a certified culinary scientist and an OSU alumna with a background in both biology and of course, food science, Brittany informed us on how she utilizes social media to communicate her expertise. From “pickling” to “MSGs” Brittany creates “Science in 60 Seconds” videos all from her own home. On platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, she addresses topics and questions everyday people can use in their daily life.
Blossoming during the quarantine of 2021, Brittany long saw a need for underrepresented groups to be exposed to the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), as they may not know the places, opportunities, or careers that are out there for them in STEM due to a lack of representation. When kids or young people don’t see individuals who look like them represented (in media) within STEM fields, it can make its way out of their realm of what is possible, beginning in their youth. Luckily, through Brittany’s engagement and experiences with the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization in Chicago, she has learned the importance of this. And within such spaces, has been able to open the door of possibility through her visibility and platform as The Black Food Scientist. In this small yet big way, Brittany has been able to bring the fun and relevance of food science to people, especially the minds of youth within underrepresented groups. By making it into something that isn’t out of reach in their eyes but worth exploring and learning more about!
Although Brittany does go by the name, The Black Food Scientist, her intended audience is indeed everyone! The name intentionally allows underrepresented groups to know that they are a part of that “everyone” and a path in STEM is possible for them. And Brittany herself, whether it be her authenticity, fluidity, simplicity or enthusiasm in bringing what she knows and loves about both food science and cooking to the awareness of the general public, visually supports the reality of that possibility.
CFI regularly engages undergraduate and graduate students in its work, both through funded and unfunded opportunities, such as student practicums and internships. If you are interested in learning more about Practicum and Internship Opportunities available with CFI, please email CFI@osu.edu. CFI has opportunities for you to be a part of whether you're a veterinary medicine student, a public affairs student or simply curious about what a future in food safety could look like for you! Check out our plethora of food safety course offerings for undergraduate and graduate students at OSU. For graduate students, our newly named FDSCTE 7727 Current Topics in Food Safety course is a great place to start! And if you're not a student, we have Continuing Education Courses just for you, resulting in certification or Professional CEUs. Not to mention, our well received virtual Food Safety Culture Design Workshop taking place on Thursday, January 19, 2023! Click HERE for registration details.