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Jenna A. Fryer

Jenna Fryer  Head Shot Jenna A. Fryer 

North Syracuse, NY
Food Science and Technology
Department of Food Science and Technology

 

2020 Distinguished Senior Award Celebration Program (.pdf)

2020 Distinguished Senior Award Recipient Showcase Poster (.pdf)

Jenna Fryer has certainly taken full advantage of internship opportunities, completing five internships during her undergraduate program. She served as a Product Development Intern at New Hope Mills in Auburn, New York; worked as an Intern with the Northeast Dairy Suppliers Association based in Syracuse, New York; interned with Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida through their Disney College Program; worked at the Orrville, Ohio location of The J.M. Smucker Company contributing as a Pet Products Research Intern; and functioned as a Sensory and Consumer Products Insights Intern in Barrington, Illinois with PepsiCo. She highlighted several beneficial experiences of her internships: the ability to view all steps of product development, from ideation through launch; interacting with farmers and processors to gain insight into the food industry; learning all the intricacies of the product development process; gaining understanding of the regulatory and policy side of the food industry; and conducting consumer preference research.

Deriving her greatest sense of accomplishment from completing her undergraduate research project, Jenna described that being able to run a study from ideation through the reporting of results was extremely fulfilling. She said that being able to look in-depth at human perceptions, sense of smell, and the impact senses have on food and food choices was a rewarding experience, and one that revealed her passion for sensory science.

Noting that her most enjoyable experience of her undergraduate career was winning the regional and placing second at the Institute of Food Technologists College Bowl National Competition, Jenna enjoyed seeing her hard work and studying pay off during her three years as a team member. Additionally, she said the camaraderie and excitement of being on the stage at the finals in New Orleans was one of the most rewarding and thrilling feelings she has ever had.

Jenna has received the following honors during her undergraduate career: Dean’s List | Jill A. Pfister Outstanding First Year Student Award | Honors Program | National Buckeye Scholarship | Ohio State Maximus Scholarship | OVIFT Research Forum Finalist | Phi Tau Sigma Food Science Honor Society member.

After graduation Jenna plans to attend graduate school to continue studying food science with a research focus in sensory science.

Naming Dr. Christopher Simons as her primary mentor, Jenna said, “When I came to Ohio State as a bright-eyed freshman, with little to no relevant coursework under my belt, Dr. Simons allowed me to join his lab, and has continued to mentor me ever since. He has given me the opportunity to conduct research both under a graduate student as well as my own independent project.” She appreciates Dr. Simons’ open-door approach, where he has provided guidance and the resources necessary to be successful all while fostering independent thinking. She explained that the lab that Dr. Simons has created at Ohio State is an inspiring and collaborative environment that has provided her with experiences and professional connections to carry with her as she moves on to the next phase of her academic career. Jenna credits him with contributing to the truly great experience she has had at Ohio State.

Jenna Fryer - Press Release