J. AOAC. Intl in the Community
The Journal of AOAC INTERNATIONAL encourages students and early career researchers to publish their research with them and is committed to working and supporting emerging researchers to promote their work.
Janvi Patel is a graduate student at the University of Massachusetts, where she has distinguished herself through her exceptional academic achievements and research prowess. Recently, Janvi co-authored a paper that explores the relationship between the structural characteristics of plant proteins and their functional properties using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. In the interview below, Janvi shares her reflections on her writing and research journey so far.
Reflections on My Writing and Research Journey
My journey in food science has been driven by curiosity and a deep desire to bridge the gap between research and industry applications. Working at Rich Products Corporation on plant-based protein replacers provided firsthand exposure to the complexities of ingredient functionality and formulation challenges. One of the biggest revelations was the variability in raw materials, which significantly impacted product performance. Ensuring consistency required extensive functionality testing, and this experience underscored the importance of precise analytical methods in food science.
This realization inspired me to write about the critical role of ingredient characterization and data-driven approaches in improving food innovation. Writing the article was both a challenging and rewarding experience. Translating complex scientific findings into a clear, engaging narrative required balancing technical accuracy with accessibility. I was fortunate to receive valuable feedback from Dr. Lili He, the AOAC publishing team, and Jennifer Diatz, who helped refine my arguments and improve the clarity of my work. Their insights highlighted the importance of effective scientific communication, which is a skill I continue to develop.
Seeing my work published for the first time was an incredibly fulfilling moment. It reinforced my belief in the power of knowledge-sharing and collaborative research. The process also taught me resilience—navigating revisions, responding to critiques, and ensuring that every claim was backed by solid evidence was a learning curve. However, these challenges only strengthened my ability to critically analyze data, communicate effectively, and persist through the iterative process of scientific writing.
Moving forward, I hope to build on this experience by continuing to explore alternative proteins, sustainability, and precision fermentation. I also want to contribute more to industry discussions, mentor aspiring researchers, and collaborate on projects that push the boundaries of food science innovation. To those looking to publish their work, I’d say—start writing, seek feedback, and don’t be afraid of revisions. The process may be demanding, but the impact of sharing your knowledge is worth it.
