Finding a passion in sensory science: How undergraduate research shaped Alyssa Hawkins' career path
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EmailWhat began as interests in food and chemistry led MSU senior Alyssa Hawkins to sensory science. Research, leadership and hands-on experiences helped her discover a field and career path she never knew existed.
When Alyssa Hawkins arrived at Michigan State University from Upper Marlboro, Maryland, she knew two things: she loved food and she loved chemistry.
Like many incoming students, Hawkins associated food science primarily with careers in food safety, quality assurance and regulatory agencies. It wasn't until she arrived at MSU that she discovered sensory science, a field that would ultimately shape her future.
Today, as a senior majoring in food science with a concentration in food technology, Hawkins has found her passion through undergraduate research and leadership opportunities that helped her discover a career she never knew existed.
"I always wanted to go to culinary school," she said. "I grew up baking, using an Easy-Bake Oven and collecting cookbooks. Then I took chemistry in high school and realized I loved understanding what things are made of and how they work. Food science ended up being the perfect combination of those interests."
Finding a new path
Through coursework and laboratory experiences, Hawkins explored food science from multiple perspectives, including microbiology, chemistry, product development and sensory evaluation.
One opportunity, in particular, introduced Hawkins to a side of food science she never expected and ultimately helped her discover where she belonged.
As part of the Honors College's Professorial Assistantship Program, Hawkins joined the Sensory Evaluation Laboratory led by Emily Mayhew, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, during her first year at MSU.
The lab explores how people perceive food and how consumer insights can help answer research questions and inform product decisions. The opportunity immediately sparked Hawkins’ curiosity.
"I had never thought about food science in that way before. It opened my eyes to a side of the field I didn't know existed,” she said. “Coming into college, I thought food science was mostly quality assurance, food safety or working for agencies like the FDA or USDA. The experiences I've had at MSU showed me there are so many possibilities. That's really how I found my passion for sensory science."
Building experience and confidence
Since then, Hawkins has helped conduct sensory research studies, develop surveys, organize testing sessions and analyze research data. As an undergraduate researcher, she has also helped lead research projects from planning through presentation, sharing findings at MSU's University Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum.
Beyond technical skills, the experience helped Hawkins develop confidence as a leader and collaborator by taking ownership of projects alongside faculty and graduate students. That experience has been exceptionally impactful for Hawkins.
"You're not just doing someone else's work," she said. "Your perspective is valued, and you're part of the decision-making process."
Outside the classroom and laboratory, Hawkins further explored the possibilities within food science through the Food Science Club and Product Development Club. These experiences broadened her understanding of the industry while helping her develop skills in product formulation, design and commercialization, build connections with industry professionals and take on leadership opportunities.
Those connections ultimately led to a sensory and consumer science internship with McCormick & Company, where she now applies the research and sensory skills she developed at MSU in an industry setting.
Looking ahead
After graduation, Hawkins hopes to begin her career in sensory and consumer science within the food industry before advancing into a scientist role. Long-term, she hopes to pursue additional education in nutrition or dietetics to deepen her understanding of how food can improve health and well-being.
Looking back, Hawkins says discovering a path she never expected has been one of the most meaningful outcomes of her MSU experience.
"My development as a person is what stands out the most," she said. "I've met so many people, taken opportunities I never thought I'd be comfortable pursuing and learned so much about myself. MSU really supports students in finding what they're passionate about."
For students just beginning their college journey, Hawkins offers one piece of advice:
"Take every opportunity you can," she said. "Even if it's only once, try it. You'll always take something valuable away from the experience, whether it's a new skill, a new connection or a better understanding of what you want to do."
