Q: When, why and how did you become involved in AMSA?
A: My AMSA membership began during my junior year of undergraduate. Dr.Thu Dinh was my boss working in the lab and pushed me to pursue leadership conferences and the reciprocal meat conference, which jumpstarted my appreciation for AMSA.

Q: Why are you pursuing a career in meat science?
A: Like many others, my college career started as a pre-veterinary student. Through meat science research and AMSA, I realized my passion for meat science. Continuing to learn how our food is produced and the different factors that affect meat quality drive my passion and I appreciate this career that provides a constant flow of information and learning every day.

Q: How has your involvement with AMSA influenced your education and career path?
A: AMSA has been a huge contributor to my career and has helped me establish my career goals through industry networking and many other opportunities that are offered. AMSA truly connects students who spend many hours in the classroom to industry professionals and faculty from universities I would never have had the opportunity of engaging with otherwise. I am thankful for the knowledge I have gained of career paths within meat science through AMSA in addition to knowledge of behind-the-scenes creation of meat products that you can't find information on otherwise.

Q: What is your dream job?
A: My dream job is research and development, I have always been a fan of project-based jobs and being presented with problems to resolve.

Q: Who has been the most influential person in your career?
A: Dr.Thu Dinh has been an amazing influence on my life and career. I am so thankful I had a person that could recognize qualities in myself that I didn't even know I had. The amount of encouragement from Dr.Dinh although seemingly overwhelming at first, has helped me tremendously, many achievements I have accomplished are attributed to him. Although many say your master's advisor can't be your mentor, they haven't met Dr.Dinh and seen the impact he has on students lives and the drive he reveals in students to set goals and see their full potential.

Q: What is one item you cannot live without?
A: Outside of school and work, my favorite thing to do is cook with friends and family.

Q: What is your favorite thing(s) to do outside of school and work?
A: One item I could not live without is steak.

Q: If you could plan a vacation to anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: If I could plan a vacation to anywhere in the world I would go to the Grand Tetons in Wyoming.