Student Spotlight: Sabrina Incognito
Meet Sabrina from East Hanover, New Jersey. They are a junior majoring in Food Science. Sabrina has always had a passion for experimenting and making things. What really enticed them was the idea that you could take one thing and turn it into something completely different.
Inspired by their mother—a first-generation college student who, after having two kids, pursued a PhD in literacy—Sabrina wants to create something of their own, such as a new food product to showcase to consumers all around the world. Following their mother’s example, Sabrina strives to “work hard and follow my dreams, no matter how big they are.”
Sabrina started as a Chemistry major, but over time, they realized that they wanted to use chemistry in a more niche, hands-on setting. “Switching majors to Food Science was one of the best things I have ever done,” they expressed. “I love the program and all that it offers, and I truly think that I am going to get a lot from this major as I go on.”
Now in Food Science, Sabrina has really enjoyed the course Survey of Food Science (FOOD-SCI 265), taught by adjunct professor Matthew Steffens. “Professor Matt is a kind and insightful man with a plethora of experience and history working for different food companies, and his food science labs are always open to creative input—whether it be adding items that our lab groups like to our weekly projects, or choosing flavors for our ice cream lab,” Sabrina said. “I love having creative freedom within a class, and this class allows me to be as creative as I want to be!”
Outside of their studies, Sabrina is involved in the University of Massachusetts Minuteman Marching Band (UMMB). “I’m in the color guard, so I spin the flags and other pieces of equipment at halftime,” they explained. “I am also a member of the UMMB’s administrative staff, and I am one of three people in charge of maintaining the color guard’s uniforms.”
When searching for a college, Sabrina felt that the College of Natural Sciences (CNS) could provide the style of science education they were looking for: “I chose CNS because, from a very young age, I have wanted to work in a science-related field. I love hands-on work and experimentation, so I have always known I wanted to do something in the sciences. That’s why, when I applied to UMass Amherst, I instantly applied to be a part of CNS. Their Food Science program is one of the best in the United States, so I knew that as a Food Science major at the university, I would be getting a quality education that will help me learn a lot for my future.”
After they graduate, Sabrina hopes to work for a large food company, doing research and development and making new food products for consumers. “I ultimately aim to make advances in food-product development and hone skills in that field,” Sabrina said. “One day, I’d love to market and sell my own food products to put on store shelves.”