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OSU FRESHMAN DEVELOPS SWEET TREAT
id a children’s book inspire the career path you chose to take? An OSU Ferguson College of Agriculture freshman has a unique approach to how she wants to influence the food industry. Lauren Fenton, food science freshman, became inspired to pursue the candy industry the same week she decided to study food science, she said. She read her favorite childhood book, “The Candymakers,” to her nephews and realized what she wanted to do — make candy. “I’ve always known that I wanted to pursue a career in science,” Fenton said. “I also really love food.
“I didn’t realize food science was a route I could take,” she added. “But, when I learned more about it, I decided that is exactly what I want to do.” An Olathe, Kansas, native, Fenton is the youngest of five siblings, all of whom attended OSU. Her parents also attended the university. Fenton accomplished more research in her first college semester than most students will throughout their academic career, said Karen Hickman, director of environmental science and director of undergraduate research for the college. Fenton said her first experience
Valomilk is a chocolate cup candy with marshmallow filling. Fenton’s version of the candy is black cherry flavored. Photo by Reagan Skow. COWBOY JOURNAL 45
