Celeste E. Miller
Department of Food Science and Technology
Food Science and Technology
New Franklin, OH
2023 Distinguished Senior Award Recognition Reception Program (.pdf)
2023 Distinguished Senior Award Recipient Reception Poster (.pdf)
With her longtime interest in food, health, and the science behind product development, Celeste Miller’s choice to study food science at CFAES made perfect sense. The community and experiences she found in the Department of Food Science and Technology reinforced her decision, and her sense of belonging only increased as she became more involved with her major. As a first-year student, Celeste joined the Kellogg-Moser Food Security and Sustainability Living-Learning Community, a CFAES administered thematic learning community focused on sustainable food production, nutrition, and wellness. Celeste shared a dorm with a group of likeminded scholars while working together toward preventing food waste on campus and advocating for better education around issues of waste and sustainability.
Her research experiences taught Celeste some of the most valuable lessons of her undergraduate career. First as a Research Assistant in the department’s labs, then as an Undergraduate Research Intern, Celeste explored various aspects of dairy research and learned microbiology, cellular biology, instrumental analysis, and more in the process. She sharpened her scientific writing and presentation skills, completing her own research project, which has contributed valuable insights to the discipline. Working closely with graduate students, Celeste thrived in the supportive atmosphere, reflecting, “everyone was very encouraging and always willing to help and teach. Even when everyone is busy, they still made time to critique and help me learn.” Celeste received funding for her research from CFAES, the Department of Food Science and Technology, and the FoodS.U.R.E. program. Celeste feels that her accomplishments in the lab are her greatest success as an undergraduate.
As a member of the Citation Needed executive board, Celeste has been active in advocating for more effective communication in the fields of food production, science, and agriculture. She has represented the club and department at special events such as
the Hall of Distinction Ceremony. Through her membership in KNOW Food Waste, she participated in a composting program and advocated for reducing and repurposing both personal and research-driven food waste on campus.
Celeste would like to recognize Food Science PhD candidate Erica Kosmerl as her mentor. Celeste shares, “She always puts time for me in her busy schedule. She always trusts me to run experiments in the lab or work with her samples even when she is not present. She always puts so much time and effort into critiquing my work because she wants me to improve to be the best I can be. She has written letters of recommendation for me and encouraged me to work hard. She is a wonderful leader, teacher, and supporter. Without her guidance my experience with research would not have been comparable. I cannot put into words how grateful I am for all she has done for me. I truly look up to her; she is an amazing role model and example.”
After graduation, Celeste plans to attend graduate school to further her education. She is considering both food science and nutrition science programs.
Service, involvement, and accolades: Citation Needed, executive board | KNOW Food Waste | Kellogg-Moser Learning Community