Name: Brenda Margolies
Title: R&D Project Manager
What is your background and how did you become interested in the dairy/food industry?
Coming to Cornell as a college freshman I didn’t exactly know what I wanted to study but I knew I was interested in science, health, and food. When I discovered the Food Science program I felt like it was a great fit for me to learn about all of the chemistry, microbiology, and engineering behind the food system, and I was exited to pursue a career path that would allow me to develop healthy, sustainable products.
What was your Cornell experience like? (i.e. coursework, dairy related activities, internships, jobs, etc.)
In undergrad I studied Food Science with a minor in nutrition. I was active in many IFT programs, specifically the product development competitions where I enjoyed the opportunity to innovate new products with a team.
Subsequently I pursued my M.S. in Food Science and Technology with Professor Barbano, with a minor in business. My masters thesis correlated the impact of having accurate analytical data for cheese production, to yield and financial opportunity. I enjoyed making the connection between scientific data to justify business decisions and knew I wanted to pursue future opportunities that would allow me to leverage my technical background in this way.
What is your current role in the food industry, and how does it impact the dairy industry?
Currently I am working as an R&D Project Manager at an agricultural technology start-up called Indigo Ag. Our R&D team evaluates microbes for their ability to improve crop yields through reduced inputs, better water-use efficiency, and resistance to certain environmental stressors. Our company’s mission is to improve grower profitability, environmental sustainability, and consumer health through the use of natural microbiology and digital technologies. I love working for a company that has passion around making a positive impact on the food system. One potential impact for the dairy industry in particular would be reduced crop prices and/or higher crop quality for cattle feed.
How did your Cornell training impact your career in the dairy/food industry?
As a Project Manager I work with a cross-functional team of scientists, software engineers, and product managers. My Cornell experience prepared me for this role by giving me a solid technical foundation, as well as experience in facing difficult problems, asking the right questions, and comfort with ambiguity. Cornell also gave me an appreciation for the interconnected nature of the food system, and how improvements to the agricultural industry have the potential positively effect all food industries, including the dairy industry.
