FST-KNUST ALUMNUS, PHILIP YEBOAH, WINS $1500 FL IFT FUTURE STAR SCHOLARSHIP
Philip began his bachelor’s degree at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), pursuing a BSc in Food Science and Technology (FST). At KNUST-FST, he made significant contributions to the department by taking on various roles, including both the President and Vice President of the students' association (Association of Food Science and Technology Students, AFSTS-KNUST). Philip worked as a Teaching/Research Assistant in the FST department under Professors Ibok Oduro and Ellis during his one-year national service, after which he had the opportunity to pursue his master’s degree in food and nutritional sciences at North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University.
As a dedicated food microbiology enthusiast, he worked in the food microbiology laboratory under Dr. Salam Ibrahim, a prominent food microbiology researcher. Throughout this journey, he engaged in several projects and was active in various activities and organizations. Philip’s master’s research focused on developing a novel growth medium for cultivating Lactobacillus bulgaricus, a well- regarded probiotic for fermentation and gut health. As an active individual, he participates in numerous activities beyond academics. He has been involved in various extracurricular pursuits.
He is a member of several professional associations, including the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), the American Society of Microbiology (ASM), the American Chemical Society (ACS), the International Association for Food Protection (IAFP), the American Society of Baking (ASB), among others. He has attended and presented his research at several conferences, including IFT
(Chicago), ASM (North Carolina), the Professional and Agricultural Worker’s Conference (Alabama), the American Chemical Society Conference (Durham), the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists (California), and the American Association for the Advancement of Science Making and Innovation (AAAS) Conference, Washington, D.C., etc. Philip’s accolades include securing 1st place with his team at the American Association for the Advancement of Science Making and Innovation Showcase Conference Pitch Competition held in Washington, D.C., in 2022. He also received the Dean’s Award of Excellence at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Student Showcase of Excellence Awards at North Carolina ACT State University in 2022.
In 2023, Philip was selected as one of the Outstanding Graduate Students in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences at North Carolina ACT State University. He also won the Gamma Sigma Delta Award of Excellence for being the best graduate poster presenter at NC ACT State University. He also placed 2nd in the Black Wealth Summit 2022 Conference HBCU Business Case Pitch Competition held in Maryland.
Currently, Philip is pursuing his PhD in Food Science at the University of Florida (one of his dream schools), where he is researching microbial food safety. Upon admission to the University, he was awarded the Dean’s Prestigious Graduate Fellowship Award through the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) at the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Florida, in 2024. Recently, he attended the Florida branch conference of the Institute of Food Technologists (Florida IFT), where he received the FL IFT FUTURE STAR SCHOLARSHIP. Philip has participated in this association since he started his master’s program as one of the active members. This $1,500 award was granted to Philip by the Florida IFT to support his PhD education. He also volunteered at this conference, which allowed him to connect with fellow professionals from various industries, contribute to the success of this inspiring event, and network with individuals who share a passion for advancing the field of food science.
Philip aspires to become an astute researcher in food microbiology and contribute to microbial food safety research to ensure food safety, quality, and security. He is also passionate about mentoring young students to help them achieve their academic goals. Connect with him on LinkedIn.
