Meet our Industry Person of the Week, Naailah Ali, a Project Specialist/Food Technologist at the Cocoa Research Centre, The University of the West Indies.
Q: How did you get started working in your field?
Naailah: I’ve always loved growing plants and I’m always thinking about food and where it comes from. While pursuing a BSc in Agriculture in 2004, I was able to do an internship at Cocoa Research Centre (CRC) at the University of the West Indies (The UWI). And that’s where my journey into the fascinating world of cocoa and chocolate began! During my time working at CRC, The UWI, I’ve also completed MSc and PhD degrees in Food Science and Technology, which have aided me in progressing in my chosen field.
Q: What do you love the most about your job? What are you most proud of?
Naailah: I love how fulfilling my work is, the research and outreach activities I am engaged in have tangible impacts on the lives and livelihoods of cocoa farmers across the globe. And I am grateful to be contributing to the body of cocoa-based scientific knowledge. Difficult to choose one thing I am most proud of, they are all equal- 1) I am proud of the fact that I get to do a job that I love; 2) that I have incredible colleagues who have encouraged my growth and learning; 3) I am a woman of colour in STEM; 4) I am able to inspire and support others.
Q: What advice would you give to someone considering this line of work or new to the field?
Naailah: Start from ground zero, understand all aspects of cocoa from the seed stage, the agronomy involved, the various cultivation challenges, postharvest processing and value addition, You will need a good grasp of the entire value chain. Be observant about what’s happening around you and especially in your new field of interest, be open to learning (you don’t know everything) and be self-motivated. Try to disinter the lessons in every single task, no matter how seemingly repetitive, mundane or menial (there are many such tasks in research). Set goals, remain humble and grateful, respect your colleagues and stakeholders.
Q: Can you talk about a project you recently worked on?
Naailah: A project I recently worked on was to profile cocoa fermentations across farms in Trinidad and Tobago and to connect the microbial and biochemical processes during fermentation to quality of the beans at the end. You can read more about this project at link: https://cen.acs.org/food/food-science/Scientists-probe-microscopic-secrets-behind-fine-flavor-chocolate/102/i1
Q: Anything else you would like to add?
Naailah: If you are in the position to mentor someone or give them a shot at a career, do it. The majority of us advanced in our careers because someone took a chance on us at some point. Pay it forward!
Naailah can be contacted by email at Naailah.Ali@uwi.edu
THANK YOU, NAAILAH! WE LOOK FORWARD TO KEEPING UP WITH YOU THROUGH THE #PUMPTALK COMMUNITY!
