The PhD Race’s Spotlight Series highlights the research journeys of PhD students from around the world. Our stories of discovery and resilience deserve to reach far beyond the small circle of our advisory committees. Read on and celebrate the inspiring work of those pushing the boundaries of knowledge.
Meet Tuku Felicitas, a passionate PhD researcher from Purdue University’s Department of Food Science. Tuku’s work is all about keeping our food safe by analyzing sanitation methods in food production environments. Her research focuses on how to effectively eliminate dangerous microorganisms that can spoil food and cause serious illnesses or even death in extreme cases.
Tuku is on a mission to fight foodborne bacteria like Listeria and Salmonella, which are all too common and pose significant risks to public health.
Why Tuku’s research is important
Her work matters because, as she puts it, “Food is something everyone needs for survival”. However, if it’s not properly protected from bacteria, foodborne illnesses can become uncontrollable, leading to devastating consequences.
Foodborne bacteria like Listeria and Salmonella can wreak havoc if left unchecked. These pathogens aren’t just a minor inconvenience, they can lead to severe illness, hospitalization, and even death. Tuku points out that in a serious Listeria outbreak, there’s a 1-in-4 chance that someone affected could die. That’s a sobering statistic, especially considering how widespread such outbreaks can be.
An eye-opening discovery
The surprising thing for Tuku? Many of these outbreaks are happening in places you wouldn’t expect. High-end restaurants and well-known brands are just as vulnerable to foodborne pathogens as any other establishment
“So many high-end restaurants and food brands that are expected to have safer food have more food pathogen outbreaks,” Tuku reveals.
Recently, a Listeria outbreak linked to a well-known meat brand sent 35 people to the hospital in just one week in Virginia. This shows that no matter how reputable a brand may be, food safety can’t be taken for granted.
. It’s a wake-up call for anyone who assumes that paying more means eating safer. Tuku’s research is uncovering the realities of how bacteria can slip through the cracks even in the most prestigious kitchens, making her work more important than ever.
Bouncing back from a rough start
Tuku’s PhD journey hasn’t been without its bumps. One of her early challenges? Missing her very first exam! “I missed my first Exam 1 on Wednesday because my tummy was paining,” she shares. Even though it wasn’t a real excuse, she was feeling down and started doubting if she was cut out for this. But instead of giving up, she did the next best thing: she explained the situation to her professor, prepped hard, and aced the exam and a quiz later that day. It’s moments like these that remind us how important it is to keep pushing forward, even when the going gets tough.
The productivity struggle
When it comes to staying productive, Tuku’s still figuring it out. “I’ll be lying if I say I have a strategy,” she admits. So far, it’s deadlines that keep her on track. She’s hopeful that more structure, like the 12-week plan she’s heard about, will help her stay on top of things. But for now, it’s all about doing what she can to meet her goals, one deadline at a time.
Here’s a quirky fact about Tuku
No matter how hard she tries, she can’t seem to shower in under 10 minutes! “I stay in the shower for too longggg,” she laughs. It’s a relatable quirk that reminds us all that even the most dedicated researchers need a little time to unwind.
When Tuku’s not in the lab or studying, you’ll likely find her dancing or helping others. She’s passionate about coaching people on how to find scholarships for grad school through her organization GRAD Opportunities, where she shares about personal development and helping others achieve their dreams.
Tuku’s Advice for fellow PhDs
Tuku’s journey teaches us the value of resilience. Whether it’s bouncing back from a missed exam or pushing through doubts, her story reminds us that every setback is an opportunity for growth. Her advice? Don’t be afraid to ask for help and give yourself the space to keep learning, even when things don’t go as planned.
To keep up with Tuku’s work and follow her journey, check her out on Instagram @tukufelicitas
Here’s to safer food and a researcher who’s making a real difference in public health!
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