Alex graduates from Queen’s University Belfast having been awarded the prestigious Safefood Essay Award, presented by Dr Michaela Fox. The award, which recognises the best essay in Food Science and Nutrition, was awarded to Alex for his essay titled “Food, is it safe to eat? The Microbiological Safety of Entomophagy.”

Drawn to the course by a dual interest in human health and Northern Ireland’s growing food and beverage sector, Alex found the unique blend of modules at Queen’s to be a perfect fit.

“What initially drew me to this subject was my interest in the role that nutrition plays in human health, particularly its application within healthcare settings. I was also aware of Northern Ireland's thriving food and beverage manufacturing industry, which further influenced my decision. The course at Queen’s appealed to me because it offered a combination of industry-specific quality and safety, along with nutrition-focused modules, giving me insight into both areas I was keen to explore."

In his final year, Alex took on a research project focused on tackling food fraud. Titled “Rapid Screening for Food Contaminants Using Ambient Mass Spectrometry,” the project focused on identifying illegal dyes in spices - a growing issue within global food supply chains.

“As the food and beverage industry continues to grow and as global trade increases and regulations evolve, it becomes even more crucial that countries can access efficient, reliable methods for testing food quality and safety.”

Reflecting on his journey, Alex highlights how much he developed both academically and personally.

“It’s definitely been a rich and varied experience. From practicals, presentations, and site visits to entrepreneurial start-up planning and guest lectures, there’s been a bit of everything. One of the things I’m proudest of is how much my confidence has grown, especially in public speaking. I came into university not being the most confident speaker, but through presentations, group projects, and interaction with lecturers, I’ve come a long way.”

Now preparing for life after university, Alex is focusing on roles in quality assurance, as he values the hands-on nature of the work and its importance in protecting product integrity and consumer trust.

His parting advice for current students?

“Get involved and make the most of every opportunity. Say yes to things that challenge you, because that’s how you’ll grow. Aim to do your best, but don’t be too hard on yourself, maintaining a balance between your academic work and social life is key. It’s all about showing up, putting the effort in, and enjoying the journey.”

Media

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