Two NC students will be behind an Instagram takeover for the Canadian Institute of Food Science and Technology for three days, starting March 21.
Chevelle Clarke and Emili Dabovic, who are in their first year of NC’s Culinary Innovation and Food Technology program, have volunteered for the Canadian Institute of Food Science and Technology (CIFST)’s Instagram Takeover.
An initiative by the CIFST student committee, CIFST’s Instagram Takeover gives food science students from different institutions across Canada an opportunity to collaborate with CIFST by hosting virtual tours through CIFST’s Instagram story.
“Our goal with this program is to not only increase CIFST’s current student members engagement and network but also provide prospective food science students with more information on various food science programs at different schools,” said Navneet Navneet, CIFST, Chair of Student Engagement. “This would enhance CIFST’s reach among students across Canada as well as would provide an exposure to the schools within Canada.”
The participating NC students plan to highlight science-focused programs within NC’s Culinary, Tourism, and Beverage Studies division.
“Volunteering with sector organizations is an important way to catalyze leadership for our students,” said Amy Proulx, Ph.D., Professor and Academic Program Coordinator of NC’s Culinary Innovation and Food Technology program, and former President of CIFST (2021-2022).
“I am very glad that Emili and Chevell are building their professional network through volunteering and collaboration with students across the country.”
Proulx noted that, as one of the oldest sector organizations supporting food science in Canada, volunteers are integral to the work done by the organization. Prior to her leadership involvement with CIFST, Proulx was a long-time volunteer. Her volunteer commitment to CIFST continues through a food safety column that she writes for Food in Canada.
For Clarke and Dabovic, volunteering to participate in CIFT’s social media takeover was a way to be more involved in the program and in the industry, and an opportunity to interact with other students and administrators outside of their program.
“The goal of the Instagram Takeover is to highlight the College through the eyes of a student. Personally, being at Niagara College has been a really fulfilling experience thus far and with this initiative it is a good way to prove the authenticity of the program and what it truly offers,” said Clarke. “Most importantly, our passion for food science may ignite the passion for others to pursue similar career path, which is beneficial for the continuation of the program in the years to come.”
Dabovic noted that the initiative offered for them, as , as international students – she is from Montenegro and Clarke is from Jamaica – an opportunity to showcase their skills and to be seen and recognized; it was also an interesting way for them to get involved with the food industry.
“Being able to promote and highlight the amazing sides of the industry, its innovative and scientific characteristics, is something that I’m looking forward to. I’ve learned so much since I started this incredible journey; in school, but the majority came from people that I met and connect with,” said Dabovic. “I’ve been taught so much and I’m incredibly grateful for it … I think Instagram takeover is a great way of networking and expanding those lifelong connections.
“This experience is something that Chevell and I will value and be proud of.”
Follow
Follow NC’s social media CIFST takeover on Instagram at @cifst_icsta March 21, 23.
Culinary Innovation and Food Technology is a three-year advanced diploma program based at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
