Sarah Samir Modi 2025-2026 Future Leaders Scholarship Recipient
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EmailSarah Samir Modi, FSHN Food Science student, shares her experience with the program and what receiving the Future Leaders Mentoring Scholarship has meant for her undergraduate experience.
Name: Sarah Samir Modi
Major: Food Science
Why did you choose MSU FSHN for your major?
My early exposure to food production through my family’s bakery sparked a fascination with how ingredients interact and how products are developed and refined. Over time, I came to see food not just as tradition but as a science, a dynamic intersection of chemistry, technology, and innovation. I was drawn to a field that equips me to address urgent challenges facing a growing global population, from developing nutritious, affordable, and accessible meals to reimagining how we design food systems that meet diverse needs. Food Science aligns with my drive to create solutions that are both scientifically sound and socially impactful — a way to feed the future with purpose and precision.
What has been the most interesting/impactful thing you have learned during your major?
The most impactful insight I’ve gained from my major is the ability to engineer and modify food to solve real-world problems. From extending shelf life without compromising flavor to developing products that meet dietary needs while preserving texture, Food Science has shown me how innovation can meet growing demands for nutrition and accessibility. By studying the chemistry behind everyday ingredients, I’ve learned to approach food as a tool, one that can be adapted, improved, and designed to meet the needs of diverse communities.
What has receiving the Future Leaders Mentoring Scholarship meant to you?
Receiving the Future Leaders Mentoring Scholarship has been both empowering and affirming. The financial support has allowed me to focus fully on my academic and leadership goals, while Dr. Celeste Clark’s mentorship has guided my growth as an aspiring sensory scientist. This scholarship has strengthened my commitment to Food Science, inspired me to pursue my goals with greater clarity and purpose, and connected me to the broader community of food scientists and industry professionals.
What are your future plans?
My future plans include strengthening my foundation in Food Science, with a focus on sensory analysis and product development. As an undergraduate research assistant in the Sensory Science Lab, I’m gaining hands-on experience in evaluating consumer perception and translating sensory data into meaningful insights. I plan to pursue further opportunities that expand my understanding of how people experience food and how that knowledge can drive innovation in product design and development.
If there was only one thing you could share with someone considering MSU FSHN for their undergraduate experience, what would you tell them?
Here, you will find more than just a strong academic foundation; you will discover a supportive environment where faculty, mentors, and peers genuinely invest in your growth. Whether through hands-on research, leadership opportunities, or meaningful mentorship like I have received through the Future Leaders Scholarship, MSU FSHN provides the tools and connections to help you grow, lead, and make a lasting impact in the field.
