Cultivating Careers in Alternative Proteins Podcast

Ching Zin is a Food Safety Specialist at UPSIDE Foods, one of the most prominent startups in the cultivated meat space. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science from UC Davis. Ching has extensive experience in product development and food safety through working in various food-related organizations. Her advice is to take time to figure out what you want and who you are, build self-confidence, be relentless towards your goals, and be bold in exploring and learning.Below are links to the resources discussed in this episode:UC Davis Cultivated Meat ConsortiumWin Food MyanmarCalifornia Spice BasketA La Carte ConnectionsUPSIDE Foods Careers pageChing’s LinkedInFollow this podcast on Instagram and never miss an episode. 

Erin Zhang, former Business Development Executive at Green Monday, discusses her journey and work in the alternative protein industry. Topics include promoting sustainable living through a plant-based diet, building relationships in the industry, hiring and growth at Green Monday, and encouraging involvement in the alternative protein field.

Panagiotis Vlachogiannis, Junior Specialist in Cell Nutrition at Nutreco discusses exploring business opportunities for Nutreco as a cell feed supplier, recommendations for standing out to companies in the alternative protein industry, the importance of understanding consumer needs and concerns, and the exciting aspects of working in the sustainable food production space.

Maille O'Donnell is the Corporate Engagement Coordinator at the Good Food Institute, where she works to increase market share of alternative proteins by creating compelling website, newsletter, and event content and supports the team in engaging directly with food industry stakeholders. She holds a B.S. in Environmental Science and Policy from the University of Maryland, College Park. Before coming to GFI, Maille held various internships in the animal welfare and sustainability space, including at the ASPCA and with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In this episode, she offers advice on writing resumes, cover letters, and connecting with others in the alternative protein space.Below are links to the resources discussed in this episode:- Maille’s vegan resource blog- Sign up to GFI’s newsletters- GFI’s “Anticipating 2030 Production Requirements” presentation slide deck and video - Careers at GFI page (Corporate Engagement Executive Assistant position)- GFI’s Alternative Protein Career Portal- Join the GFIdeas Community- GFI’s Alt Protein Project- 80,000 Hours- Cal Newport’s Deep Work and Digital Minimalism- GFI Careers Call agenda (sign up here)- Maille’s LinkedIn and TwitterFollow this podcast on Instagram and never miss an episode. 

Erika Pilpré is a student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Prior to starting her undergraduate studies, she interned at Climax Foods in a Sensory and Data Science role. She is also an organizer of Cell Ag @ MIT, a student group spreading awareness about the alternative protein industry and cellular agriculture research. Her advice is to read as much as you can about the industry and to not be afraid to cold email companies in this space.Here are links to the books I mentioned, Technically Food by Larissa Zimberoff and The Fate of Food by Amanda Little, as well as Climax Foods’ job postings. Also, NotCo is another plant-based company using A.I.

Julia Gil N. Martin, a food science intern at Hoxton Farms, shares her journey in alternative proteins and her passion for animal welfare and the environment. She discusses her work at Hoxton Farms, focusing on cultivated fat research and making animal-free products appealing. She offers advice on finding strengths and pursuing impactful opportunities in the alternative protein space.

Nicole Cheng shares her experience trying to find a job in the alternative protein field right after graduating from university to eventually becoming an Associate Process Development Engineer at Perfect Day. She explains how learning as much as you can about the companies in the alternative protein industry can help you to get a job and how you should not be afraid to pursue your dreams.Also, here is a link to the GFI alternative protein company database.

Sophia Retchin is the first student on the podcast. She tells how she was able to intern at multiple alternative protein companies and organizations during her studies including Improved Nature, The Good Food Institute, Aleph Farms, Peace of Meat, and MeaTech. She also started the Chapel Hill Alt. Protein Project. Her advice is to reach out to different organizations in this field and offer to do volunteer work or a side project for them as well as express your passion.

Andrew Sayles shares his journey about how he eventually was able to land his current job as a Business Operations Manager at Mission Barns. He tells how he carefully followed the alternative protein industry and developed his skills while patiently waiting for the right time for the industry to require someone with his skills. His advice to immerse yourself in this industry and reaching out to others is a fantastic way to get started in this field. Also, here is a link to the Cambridge University Alt. Protein Society Alternative Protein Fundamentals Programme where I first met Andrew.

This episode is an introduction to the Cultivating Careers in Alternative Proteins Podcast and provides context and background information about the podcast.Here is a link to the Career Guide for Ending Factory Farming, which this podcasts serves as an extension to.