Graduate student Q&A: Mychal-Ann Hayhoe researches food waste reduction

Name: Mychal-Ann Hayhoe
Year: 4th
Program/Field: PhD in Management/Service management
Hometown: Glen Morris, Ontario

Mychal-Ann Hayhoe’s career path has shifted during her time in the PhD in Management program, but one thing has always remained constant - the aspiration to conduct research that can create positive change. Throughout her time in the program, Mychal-Ann has investigated food waste with an end goal of creating strategies for companies to save money and reduce waste.

In this Q&A, she discusses her research and experience in the PhD in Management program.

What drew you to the University of Guelph’s PhD in Management program?

I completed my master's degree in animal nutrition in the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC).  At that time my focus and interests lay with individual or small groups of animal's health, but this shifted as I progressed in my program to a passion for developing more sustainable food systems. I became very interested in solving some of the big problems with our food system – namely problems with animal welfare standards, food over abundance in some areas with deficits in other areas, and the large amounts of food waste. My time as a master's student helped me gain more perspective and I decided I wanted to do big picture research that could have a larger impact.

I began thinking about the business perspective when I was awarded the OMAFRA Highly Qualified Personnel (HQP) scholarship during my time as an MSc student. This required me to take a business course with Dr. Michael von Massow (Department of FARE - previously College of Business and Economics).  This course and my discussions with Dr. von Massow, and others on campus such as Dr. Ralph Martin, piqued my interest in taking a big picture approach to the food system problems.  Dr. von Massow's excellent adage that you "can't push a chain" helped inform my deliberation. I reasoned that if change was to come to our food supply chain, part of it needed to be tackled at the business and consumer end. 

What have been the most memorable or rewarding parts of your experience so far?

As a physical science academic I was not taught to understand and challenge my personal underlying philosophical leanings and assumptions in order to better understand the perspectives of others.  But as part of the required courses for my PhD program I took a philosophy of research course.  I entered the class thinking it would be interesting but it was not likely to have too much bearing on my future research.  My mindset had completely shifted by the time I completed the course.  The knowledge I gained helped me better orient past research that I participated in as well as existing personal and professional relationships.  I also find that I am continually drawing on information gleaned from that course in my ongoing working and personal relationships.  It was truly a rewarding learning experience that helped make me a more aware and informed academic, friend, daughter, wife, etc.

What do you enjoy most about being a graduate student at the University of Guelph? 

The ability to reach out and speak to almost anyone on campus and have them be genuinely interested in speak to you about their research.

In day-to-day life it is easy to encounter many people who are indifferent or complacent about their work and activities.  It is a gift to be in place where most people are passionate and energized by the work that they do. 

Tell us about your research.

I am collecting data on the waste that is occurring in several food supply chains in Ontario.  Because there is not a lot of specific information on any food supply chains and because food supply chains are highly complex and connected, I am doing three quantitative investigations into three separate food supply chains. Specifically, I am looking at the apple, spinach and dairy supply chains in Ontario. 

In addition to my thesis research I have had the opportunity to work on some restaurant food waste research with Bruce McAdams that is looking at comparing levels of waste produced in quick service, family restaurants and fine dining establishments.  

Finally, I have had the opportunity to collect some data and I am collaborating on a paper in the area of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning as part of an interdisciplinary course offered at the university.    

Where do you hope to take it in the future?

I started this program thinking I wanted to work in big business or in government policy creation. My focus was on getting out there into a position that will allow me to create the maximum amount of positive change.  Although I still hope for a position that will allow this, I have begun to consider academic positions.  
During my time in the PhD program I have had the chance to teach and have thoroughly enjoyed this experience. Being able to interact with students and help guide them on their learning journey has been very rewarding and I have seen potential for them to take what they have learned into the world.  Also, the ability to interact with passionate colleagues and produce research on interesting topics is a big draw offered by staying in an academic setting.  

What impact do you hope it has outside of academia?

When thinking about the research I am conducting I always consider the potential application to the outside world. My current thesis research is very applied. I am hoping to not only identify areas where waste is occurring, but I am working on developing actionable strategies for companies to adopt that will reduce waste and save money.  

What advice do you have for students considering their PhD in Management?

Reach out to existing students and talk to them about the program. Make sure you get lots of perspectives on the program and that these line up with what you are hoping for. Talk to faculty as well to make sure you can connect with someone who has similar interests. 

Also, make a plan for your studies and make sure you get buy-in from your department and advisor so you can be sure you complete your program in a timely manner.  It's easy to get distracted by all the interesting opportunities on campus, but it helps if you have a goals and check-points that many key parties are aware of. 

Finally, be passionate, be engaged and be willing to try new things.  A lot of what you get out of the program depends on what you put into it.