Anabela Silva, 23, is currently working as a R&D food product developer at PepsiCo company, in United Kingdom (UK).
Her first steps in science were taken at the University of Aveiro, enrolling in a BSc in biochemistry, followed by a MSc with a focus in new food product development. Succeeding this, she did an internship at PepsiCo (UK) and more recently was hired by the company to continue in the area of research and development of new food products.
THE INTERVIEW:
What was your dream profession as a child?
When I was young, I had a lot of dream professions (like singer, dancer, accountant or housewife), but when I was finishing my bachelor in Biochemistry, I decided that I wanted to be an innovator researcher!
What was your academic background and how important was it for your present/future?
Academic learnings are very important, but unlike most of my college’s friends, I always had an abroad spectrum and knowledge, that allowed me to tackle any problems we had in hand more quickly.
If you could go back, what would you change in your career and academic life?
I don't think so. It would have been nice to know where I would be; maybe I could have done more extracurricular classes more related to specific topics to day-to-day activities.
Briefly, what does your research work consist of, and why did you choose this area?
I've always been the girl in the family with the scientific curiosity, as well as a passion for food (it’s in my roots!), so I knew I had to work with something related to it. R&D is the best of both worlds (food and science)!
You got the commitment, the discovery, the process and the production of samples but in the “present” (or in a close future). It’s amazing and proud moment to see a product (that has your sweat and tears, non-literally) hitting the shelfs.
In your opinion, what is the most stimulating thing in research VS the biggest challenges / difficulties in research? Did you ever imagine being where you are?
To be honest, I never imagine to be where I am today, special in time like this, but when you see a door opened you have to go and get it. There have been a lot of compromises and stones in the road but most times that is what it takes to get to where you want to be (even if you never imagined being there).
What advice would you give to people who are thinking about going to study Biotechnology (or another area of science), to those who are studying, and to recent graduates?
Science isn't just being in research or a professor, it can be so much more. Science, specially biotechnology and biochemistry, will give you the foundation and understanding to apply in almost everything. So just because you have a degree in biotech doesn't mean your job description will be biotechnologist, you decide what you want to do and be.
We are grateful to Anabela Silva for sharing her testimonial.
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