“The CABLE program is already equipping and shaping my leadership skills which is really essential in professional career.”
Millicent Yeboah-Awudzi is currently pursuing a PhD degree in Nutrition and Food Sciences at Louisiana State University. Originally introduced to CABLE by the Cohort 2 Delegate, Chelsea Tyus, Millicent is already benefitting from the program and her experiences.
Q: What university are you attending and what are you studying?
Millicent: I’m currently pursuing a PhD degree in Nutrition and Food Sciences at Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. My area of concentration is clinical and molecular nutrition with my research focused on bioactive compounds found in dietary fiber and its effect on inflammatory biomarkers in Type 2 Diabetes.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my free time, which I barely have nowadays, I love learning to cooking new dishes, hosting friends, watching action movies, enjoying music and dancing. I usually try and catch glimpse on soccer matches when I get the chance, but jogging and running around the lake is something I enjoy doing every Saturday morning.
What attracted you to CABLE and what do you hope to gain from your experience?
I was attracted to CABLE due to the substantial influence by Chelsea Tyus, a friend and a Cohort 2 delegate. After Chelsea’s few months with CABLE, she kept saying how good the program was and how much she was learning. I saw a change in Chelsea’s professional life especially how she handled herself and the leadership role as the then chair of the IFT south central region. This is how I got to know of CABLE and developed interest. I couldn’t resist it when the opportunity presented itself, so I quickly jumped at it.
I had little knowledge of what Bioeconomy was although Chelsea had tried a few times to explain what it was. I felt I had to do more in order to contribute and represent my school well in this team. From the start of this program, my perspective about the program has changed and I can’t help but join Chelsea to say this is “really good”. I hope by the end of the program, I would be able to share and talk confidently about Bioeconomy and its importance. Additionally, the Individualized Growth Plan (IGP), has been a great guide for personal and professional growth and I hope to yearly develop an IGP.
What are your career aspirations?
After my Ph.D. degree I would like to take up another challenge by acquiring some industrial experience in the short term with either a food or nutraceutical industry. Due to my passion for international development, I would love to work with government and federal agencies on international food and health projects and consultancies. I have great passion for entrepreneurship, and in the long term I would love to establish a food incubator that can provide both technical and infrastructural support for the youth.
How do you think CABLE can help you in achieving your professional goals?
The CABLE program is already equipping and shaping my leadership skills which is really essential in professional career. My career aspiration of working with government agencies will definitely involve policies and CABLE is providing me with the opportunity to learn about policies and the importance of it. Also, I hope this platform will help expand my network and connect me to the right group of people who will be of help in achieving my professional goals. One thing I look forward to in completing my CABLE program is to have an internship opportunity. I believe with all this, my experience with CABLE will make great impact in achieving my professional goals.