Guelph Grad Story: Food Innovator, Gillian Kilgour
Food Science Grad Mixes up New Food Innovations Sold Across Canada
If you’re foodie with a passion for science and innovation, the University of Guelph’s Food Science program might just be your perfect match. For Gillian Kilgour, a 2024 graduate, the program was the launching pad for an exciting and fast-paced career in the food industry. Now working as an R&D Food Bakery Technologist at Embassy Ingredients in Brampton, Gillian’s blends science with her love of food to develop mouthwatering food products for everyone to enjoy.
Finding Her Path: From Biology to Food Science
Gillian’s story begins at the University of Victoria, where she initially pursued a degree in biological sciences. “I couldn’t see myself in a biology career,” she says. That search led her to the University of Guelph’s renowned Food Science program, known for its innovative approach and hands-on learning opportunities.
"As a food product developer, you get to combine your love for food, apply a little bit of science, and produce food products that thousands of people will love!"
Hot Sauce, Hands-On Learning, and Innovation
Gillian embraced every opportunity the program had to offer. One of her standout experiences was a project developing a blend of hot sauces that were sold on campus.
“The hot sauce project was incredible because it wasn’t just about creating a product—it was about understanding the science behind it,” she says. “From concept to shelf, I got to experience the entire process.”
She also worked as a research associate through the NSERC CREATE Training Program for Control Release Leaders, collaborating with the Laboratory of Cereal Science and Technology at the University of Guelph and McMaster University. Her work combined cutting-edge science with practical applications in the food industry.
The program’s capstone project was another highlight, offering Gillian the creative freedom to design and develop an innovative food product from scratch. “It pushed me to think outside the box and apply everything I had learned,” she recalls. “That kind of hands-on learning really sets you up for success after graduation.”
A Career That “Takes the Cake”
Today, Gillian works at Embassy Ingredients, where she develops ideas for cakes, icings, and pastries. Her role as an R&D Food Bakery Technologist involves blending creativity and science to create products that delight consumers. “Every day is different,” she says. “One day I’m in the lab testing new formulations, and the next I’m collaborating with our marketing team to bring a new idea to life.”
For prospective students, Gillian emphasizes the versatility and global demand of a career in food science. “Everyone needs to eat, and the food industry is always evolving,” she says. “Whether it’s food safety, product development, or quality assurance, there’s a niche for everyone. Plus, the industry is fast-paced, well-paying, and full of opportunities for career advancement.”
The University of Guelph’s Food Science program not only equips students with a solid scientific foundation but also provides unparalleled hands-on experiences that prepare graduates for the real world. “If you love food and have a knack for science and innovation, this program will open doors you never thought possible,” Gillian says.