Name: Sonia Carrola
Hometown: Madison, WI
Major and Graduation Date: Food Science, May 2019
Favorite ISU class: FSHN 411: Food Ingredient Interactions and Formulations. I enjoyed learning about the functions specific ingredients have in finished product applications. These concepts were demonstrated by making food products with slightly different formulations and comparing the differences between the final products. I really liked that this class was highly applied.
Job Title & Company: Product Development Technologist at Wells Enterprises. Wells Enterprises is an ice cream and frozen desserts producer, maker of Blue Bunny, Halo Top, Bomb Pop, Blue Ribbon Classics and more.
Major Job/Position Responsibilities: As a product developer, I create formulas for ice cream products, and work through scale up and commercialization. I also enact updates to existing recipes. I work cross-functionally with many different groups- sales, sensory, project management, marketing, operations, quality assurance, engineering, procurement - to launch new products.
What you like most about your job/position? I love seeing the products I develop being sold in stores. There is a lot of variety to my job, and I enjoy that each day is different. Also, ice cream is a very fun (and tasty!) category to work in.
What advice would you give to current students pursuing a career in Agriculture and Life Sciences? Take time to learn about yourself and your interests, and build connections with peers, professors, and faculty. There are so many opportunities available – through different clubs, activities, internships, study abroad, non-required classes – to explore your passions and expand your perspective.