Blog & Commentary

On June 7, 2025, students, researchers, educators, and food safety advocates from across the globe gathered virtually to celebrate World Food Safety Day through a one-of-a-kind Coursework Student Symposium, independently organized by the Food Microbiology Academy. With the year’s theme, “Science in Action,” the event offered an engaging, insightful, and empowering platform that showcased the power of science in showcasing various innovative ideas about food safety. This reflective piece looks back at the day’s vibrant program — from thought-provoking talks to dynamic student presentations, fun games, and a vibrant networking session that capped the event on a high note. Opening the Virtual Stage The symposium kicked off with the warm and energetic voice of our Master of Ceremonies, Krizsha Marie Mateo, who welcomed attendees to a day packed with scientific inquiry, student brilliance, and shared learning. In his Opening Remarks, Dr. Philip Button, Academy Director and an advocate for microbiological excellence, set the tone by highlighting the relevance of food safety in a rapidly evolving world. His message reminded us that science, when put into action, can empower communities, prevent illness, and protect public health. Getting into the Spirit with Interactive Games Before the academic deep dives, attendees enjoyed a spirited round of Interactive Game 1, a fast-paced food safety quiz hosted on Blooket. The competition added energy and engagement, sparking the excitement for what was to come. The Interactive Game 2, was held after the Mid-Session Break and hosted by Brenda Shen. It was done using a Mentimeter where we gathered multiple responses from the participants showing the words that relate to food safety.  Knowledge in Action: Keynote & Plenary Talks The Keynote Talk was delivered by Lasanthi Jayanada, titled “Beyond the Plate: How Science Safeguards Every Bite.” Her compelling insights explored the invisible forces at work behind every meal and stressed the importance of continued vigilance and innovation in food safety. Following this, Plenary Speaker Shyamalee Gunawickrama shared her expertise with “Dairy-Related Foodborne Illness and How Science Can Help Prevent Them,” which provide knowledge on one of the most overlooked aspects of foodborne disease prevention. Both sessions featured vibrant Q&A segments, where attendees actively participated by posing questions via chat — a testament to the curiosity and scientific enthusiasm of the audience. Student Presentations: Bright Minds in Action The heart of the symposium lay in the student abstract presentations, divided into three powerful segments. Each student brought their own perspective, innovation, and passion for food safety to the spotlight. Vinodi Paranagama (Monash University) “Interactive Learning in Food Microbiology: Prototyping Games for Education” Vinodi showcased her passion for engaging learners through gamification. She presented her project (co-leading with Elyse) prototype tools promise to transform food microbiology education and make it more interactive, accessible, and fun. Krizsha Marie Mateo (University of the Philippines Mindanao) “Understanding the Role of Peasant Science in Food Security and Safety” Krizsha elevated the importance of indigenous knowledge and peasant science, shedding light on their critical yet often undervalued role in ensuring food safety and sovereignty in rural communities. Micah Reine Bandril (Ateneo de Manila University) “Ligtas Plato Caravan: A Mobile Food Safety Education Campaign in Talavera, Nueva Ecija” Micah shared the success of a mobile advocacy initiative that brought food safety awareness to the grassroots level — a true example of science meeting community service. Frannie Shane Pineda (University of Southern Mindanao) “Food Safety Awareness and Practices among the Food Handlers and Consumers in Columbio, Sultan Kudarat” Frannie delivered a research-based presentation highlighting critical food safety gaps in rural communities, urging stakeholders to bridge the knowledge and practice divide. Niorie Kalmia Moniharapon (Monash University) “Pre-Treatment of Loligo sp. for Sauce Production Using the Endemic Natural Preservative Parinarium glaberimum (Atung) and Bromelain: A Community-Based Food Safety Approach in Rural Eastern Indonesia” Niorie blended innovation with tradition, exploring natural preservatives and local resources to enhance food safety and economic opportunity in underserved Indonesian communities. Elyse Chia (Monash University) “Play It Safe: Gamification in Food Safety Awareness” Elyse demonstrated how gamified learning tools can revolutionize how young people engage with food safety principles — her work was both playful and powerful. Dencelle Mercines (Adamson University) “Safe Plate PH: An Advocacy for Strengthening Food Safety Awareness” Dencelle delivered an advocacy-driven presentation that combined foo safety education and digital outreach. Her campaign, Safe Plate PH, is a grassroots call to make food safety a national priority. These sessions were expertly assessed by Kristy Costello and other panelists, who praised the students’ ingenuity and scientific rigor. Technical Talk: Simplifying the Complex In between student sessions, Qiuyi Wang demystified data in her talk, “Statistics Demystified,” helping participants see statistics not as a challenge, but as a tool for clarity and communication in scientific research. Spotlight on Global Challenges Two Monash University graduates led us into a global perspective on food safety through their powerful research: Brenda Shen “Probiotics and the Gut Microbiome in the Arsenal Against Foodborne Pathogens” Brenda offered a unique look into the human microbiome through a personal and scientific lens, linking gut health to broader food safety implications. Aliana Arumwidati “The Rising Threat of Antibiotic Resistance: A Global and Indonesian Perspective” Aliana presented a sobering view of antimicrobial resistance and its impact on food systems, urging the scientific community to act with urgency and global collaboration. Career Development & Mentorship Dr. Philip Button returned for a highly practical and motivating session on “Personal Branding and Your Career Success.” Attendees gained valuable tips on how to position themselves in the scientific world — from LinkedIn strategies to telling their research story with confidence. Building Bridges: The Networking Session One of the most productive moments of the symposium came during the Networking Breakout Rooms, where participants were grouped into: Ideas were exchanged, connections made, and many came out with new perspectives and even collaboration opportunities — a real highlight of the day. Celebrating Excellence The event culminated in an Awarding Ceremony honoring the sponsors, speakers, and the standout contributions of the day: Outstanding Scientific Contribution 🏅 Elyse Chia 🏅 Vinodi

In celebration of International Women’s Day this year, here at the Food Microbiology Academy we understand the importance of inclusive workplaces and wanted to take the time to uplift the women on our team and highlight their views and experiences as women in the field of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) If you’d like to learn more about our amazing team and their contributions to STEM, click here! 1. Please introduce who you are, what you are studying and your role at the Food Microbiology Academy Elyse: I’m Elyse, an undergraduate student at Monash University. I’m studying a Bachelor of Science and Arts, with majors in immunology and psychology. I’m currently a project officer at the Food Microbiology Academy. Shreya: I’m Shreya, in my final year in the Bachelor of Science, majoring in microbiology. My role at the FMA is working on content creation for gut health. Dencelle: I’m Dencelle Mercines, currently pursuing Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering at Adamson University. I’m currently working as a Digital Marketing Coordinator at Food Microbiology Academy. Vinodi: I’m Vinodi, currently studying a Bachelor of Law/Bachelor of Science with a major in immunology at Monash University. I am a project officer here at the Food Microbiology Academy. 2. What does International Women’s Day mean to you personally? Elyse: International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the strength and success of women across the globe, highlighting their incredible contributions to various fields. For me, this is a significant opportunity to reflect on the progress we have made and to empower more people to continue advocating for equal rights and opportunities. Shreya: International Women’s Day reminds me of the women that fought for our lives, and able to live so freely and do what I love to do because of them. It is a day to celebrate all the women in our lives and recognise all their achievements and hard work! Dencelle: International Women’s Day is a celebration of the achievements of women worldwide, as well as a reminder of the ongoing journey towards gender equality. Personally, it encourages me to reflect on the strides women have made, especially in fields like STEM, where we continue to break boundaries and inspire future generations. Vinodi: For me, International Women’s Day represents a time to celebrate the contributions of women in all industries and the difficulties endured by women that came before me in order to get to where we are today. I find that the day also inspires me to personally reflect on the fight for gender equality in these spaces, specifically how much there is yet to improve and what I can do to further progress this movement. 3. What do you think are the most important qualities or skills that women in STEM should have to succeed? Elyse: The skills and qualities that I think are important for women in STEM are initiative, networking, and collaboration. Taking initiative will help you stand out and highlight your dedication to your goals. Ask questions and seek support from professionals in your field for valuable insights. Networking, building relationships and collaborating with others can lead to new opportunities for professional growth. Shreya: The skills that are important for women in STEM has to be communication and willingness to learn. Communication is important because we need to be able to effectively communicate any research we have done, and it allows us to create trust and harmony with the people that we work with. Willingness to learn is also important because STEM is a constantly evolving field and so the ability to learn and adapt is crucial. As for the qualities, we need have perseverance because often times it may feel like you are stuck but having the ability to look ahead and stay positive is very important. Dencelle: In my experience, resilience, adaptability, and curiosity are key qualities for women in STEM. It’s important to stay determined when facing challenges, continuously seek knowledge, and adapt to the fast-paced, ever-changing nature of the field. Collaboration and communication are also vital, as working together and sharing ideas are fundamental to progress in STEM disciplines. Vinodi: I think some of the most important skills and qualities that women in STEM must have to succeed are confidence, collaboration and adaptability. Being confident is key as you need to be able to be comfortable putting yourself out there in order for your ideas to be heard and advocate for yourself. Collaborating well with others is also a very important part of STEM as it requires working with various people and teams of different backgrounds and skill sets, strong communication skills are also needed for this to support an efficient team. Having adaptability is also crucial in STEM as it is a rapidly evolving field.  4. What challenges have you faced as a woman enrolled in a STEM course? Elyse: My experience in a STEM course has been positive, and I’m fortunate to have had equal opportunities in my field. From my experience, biomedical and life sciences tend to have strong female representation, with many women in both student and teaching roles. However, I recognise that women may face greater challenges in other fields, such as engineering and computer science, and continued efforts are needed to promote inclusivity across all STEM fields. Shreya: As a woman in STEM, I haven’t faced too many challenges personally, but I’ve come to realise just how important representation is in every field. Seeing so many women in my Microbiology course was incredibly inspiring, it reassured me that I belong here and gave me role models to look up to. Dencelle: One challenge I’ve faced as a woman in STEM, particularly me taking up an engineering program, is overcoming occasional doubt from others about my abilities in such a male-dominated field. But I’ve found strength and confidence in knowing that we are making strides toward more diversity and representation in these fields. Vinodi: In my journey in STEM, I have not encountered many challenges associated with