Rawane Raad
A doctoral student in UGA's Department of Food Science and Technology, Rawane Raad traveled from Beirut, Lebanon, to pursue graduate studies at the UGA Center for Food Safety
Where are you from, and what brought you to UGA?
I am from Lebanon, and I did my undergraduate studies at the American University of Beirut.
American University of Beirut in Lebanon
American University of Beirut in Lebanon
I chose to attend UGA and CAES for its well-known food science and food safety program and professors. My goal was to always continue my studies in the United States and UGA was one of my main college choices.
Why did you choose your degree program?
It was difficult for me to choose one major. That is why I got interested in food science in general — because it is a multidisciplinary field covering many subjects including microbiology, engineering and chemistry.
I found myself interested mostly in food safety because this career field combines both my passion for science with giving back to the community.
What is your favorite class you have taken? Favorite instructor?
In addition to my master's degree mentor and advisor Dr. Ynes Ortega, I have met many great instructors at UGA.
Associate Professor Ynes Ortega
Associate Professor Ynes Ortega
The class that I remember most was "Food Law and Regulation," which was given by Professor Mark Harrison at the time. Dr. Harrison was getting ready for retirement. Due to the pandemic, he was asked to give a final year of courses, and that’s when I got lucky and took one of his classes.
This course taught me a lot about food safety laws and regulations. It gave me another perspective on how to approach foodborne outbreaks and their effect on the food industry.
What has been the best experience you've had so far at the college?
I have had many good experiences at the college related to community outreach, including international potluck events, meet and greets with the students and faculty, and events to celebrate staff and faculty members at the Center for Food Safety (CFS).
But so far, the best experience that I have had at CFS is the Mexico-U.S. exchange program I participated in.
Ortega and Raad visit Mexico during an exchange program with the U.S.
Ortega and Raad visit Mexico during an exchange program with the U.S.
Thanks to my advisor, I met a student from Puebla, Mexico. She visited the lab in the U.S. and got to do some work.
Later, I also traveled to Mexico and got to visit farms and fresh produce-packing facilities that export to the U.S.
That was indeed a great learning experience. I felt like I truly belonged in my field, and I realized just how much I look forward to doing more research in produce safety as well as food safety education.
Raad wears her cap and gown on the Griffin campus after earning her master's degree at UGA's Center for Food Safety.
Raad wears her cap and gown on the Griffin campus after earning her master's degree at UGA's Center for Food Safety.
Raad celebrates with other students by sharing a meal on campus at UGA-Griffin.
Raad celebrates with other students by sharing a meal on campus at UGA-Griffin.
Raad visits produce-packing facilities in Mexico during her exchange program.
Raad visits produce-packing facilities in Mexico during her exchange program.
The Griffin Student Advisory Council gathers at the campus' international potluck dinner, Taste of Nations, to share foods inspired by their native cuisines.
The Griffin Student Advisory Council gathers at the campus' international potluck dinner, Taste of Nations, to share foods inspired by their native cuisines.
Raad climbs stairs toward a scenic overlook during a waterfall hike.
Raad climbs stairs toward a scenic overlook during a waterfall hike.
What do you want to do with what you have learned here?
I will take my experiences from UGA and, hopefully, bring it to my work experience.
I am always searching for every opportunity I can get that will help me advance in the food safety field. My educational goal is to get a Ph.D. and start giving back to the community by either working in extension and/or teaching the younger generation.
But I am still determined to first increase my experiences in most, if not all, aspects of food safety and research. That is why I have decided to continue my graduate studies and pursue a doctorate in food safety at UGA.
How has your experience at UGA changed you?
This was my first time living in the U.S. I've gotten to experience the cultural differences between my country, the U.S. and several others, as UGA brings together so many international students and faculty members.
It was amazing to be exposed to so many people from different parts of the world! I learned a lot about acceptance and awareness of the differences between those people and the tools that help build a multicultural community.
What does food safety mean to you?
Food safety for me is a way to bring people together. The best way to gather individuals is through food. Being a part of providing the public with safe food and helping to control foodborne diseases is what keeps me motivated.
What do you like to do outside of class — hobbies, interests, secret talents?
I love to hike and read novels. Walking around Lake Herrick is one of my favorite ways to de-stress after a long day of classes or research.
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