UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Xialing Zhao, a doctoral candidate in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, participated in the college's first-of-its-kind summer fellowship pairing Penn State graduate students with industry mentors to help students navigate the transition from academia to careers in industry.
Zhao, who studies energy, environmental and food economics, has gained experience, including mentorship from wholesale food distributor Sysco, through a project that leveraged her research expertise in food waste reduction.
She supported Sysco’s efforts to launch a food waste reduction initiative aimed at finding new outlets for food that is salvageable but being wasted out of Sysco's warehouse. Throughout the fellowship, she used her skills in data analysis to provide the industry team with insights critical to optimizing the new program.
“It was such a wonderful experience to work with Xialing and the Penn State team on the sustainability project, which focused on minimizing organic waste,” said Taylor Langhamer, director of national recycling and waste management at Sysco. “Xialing was instrumental in analyzing the plan and determining its viability for our business. It has been a fantastic partnership, and I am excited to see how we can continue to work with Penn State moving forward.”
Maria Spencer, assistant clinical professor and John and Patty Warehime Entrepreneur in Residence in the Department of Agricultural Economics, Sociology, and Education, said the fellowship program was launched by Laszlo Kulcsar, interim dean of the college and former head of the department, to help graduate students become highly employable and succeed in a competitive job market.
“Xialing gained experience with company financials and warehouse operations, as well as valuable data analysis and modeling experience,” Spencer said. “She was challenged not only to crunch the numbers but also to figure out what the numbers are saying and what the company can do about it.”
Zhao said that she had trouble competing for internships in the past because she did not have enough industry experience.
“I would get first but not second interviews, which was disappointing,” she said. “This Sysco fellowship has given me the real-world experience and networking opportunities I need to be competitive in the job market.”
Donna Charlton, director of culture and engagement for Sysco, said the company is fortunate to have partnered with Penn State on the company’s Recipe for Sustainability Program.
“Organic waste solutions continue to challenge the food service industry,” Charlton said. “Business-university partnerships harness current research and promote innovative perspectives, and the outcomes move us closer to true circular sustainability.”
The graduate summer fellowship is an ongoing program. Companies interested in sponsoring a fellowship may contact Spencer at mtk15@psu.edu for more information.