Inspired to focus on food waste prevention
She already had a bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies from studying part time at a UK university. Now she wanted to complement that with a master’s degree. Despoina Chioti, from the Greek capitol of Athens, found the perfect program in Sweden. The Master Program in Food and Meal Science has enabled her to deepen her knowledge of her favourite topic, food waste prevention, while still tending for her teenage children.
The Master Program in Food and Meal Science has enabled Despoina to deepen her knowledge of her favourite topic, food waste prevention.
Why did you choose the Master Program in Food and Meal Science?
– I chose this program for various reasons. First, it provides the flexibility to study part-time, which is very important for me as I work full time and also have two teenage kids. Secondly, distance learning was an important factor for the same reasons. I cannot attend a physical class. Last, the English language was equally important as I do not speak Swedish.
Why did you consider studies at Kristianstad University?
– Swedish universities provide high quality studies, are well organised, and the subjects cover current issues.
What is your experience of online education and distance learning?
– My bachelor’s degree from the UK was distance learning as well. This master program, in food and meal science, is very well organised. The material provided is relevant and really helpful. The video lectures too.
While studying this master program, I became particularly interested in food waste prevention and I’m planning to focus on that for my thesis.
Can you tell us about your work placement?
– I work with the National Technical University of Athens, mainly as administrator for the European and private funded research projects. I also participate ad-hoc to the research procedure. I am mainly interested in environment protection issues. While studying this master program, I became particularly interested in food waste prevention and I’m planning to focus on that for my thesis.
The program is really motivating and, besides providing new knowledge, it inspired me to do research myself.
What is the best thing from your studies so far?
– The program is really motivating and, besides providing new knowledge, it inspired me to do research myself, in a subject I did not know much about.
Do you have future plans for your career?
– I am seriously thinking about taking my thesis a little bit further, but my plans are not made up yet.
I highly recommend the program to anyone who is interested in sustainable food and meals.
Any tip for future students?
– I highly recommend the program to anyone who is interested in sustainable food and meals. It offers flexibility and you can study different aspects of the program. The teachers are very helpful and supportive. The material is very up to date with the latest research. I’m very happy that I was accepted to this program. I have learned a lot and I’m really enjoying my studies so far.