Food Science and Nutrition Student Spotlight: Ciara Danay Gradillas

(September 10, 2023) - Listen to a new podcast hosted by Fresno State Food Science and Culinology Club President Ciara Danay Gradillas at Apple podcasts: https://bit.ly/FS-fsn-whats-the-tea-podcast

The first episode recorded this week features Jordan College Dean Rolston St. Hilaire and tracks his journey from the Caribbean island of Dominica to Fresno State last year.

Her background is equally interesting, and read about her what's ahead (and her mother who is also a Bulldog student) in this interview at: https://bit.ly/FS23-fsn-gradillas

Additional versions of the podcast are also available on hSpotify and iHeart.

 

Q: When do you intend to graduate, why did you choose to attend Fresno State, and how did you pick your major?

“I intend to graduate this spring 2024, and I chose Fresno State because Fresno is close to my family, and I wanted family support as I obtained my bachelor's degree. I graduated from Long Beach City College in 2017 with a degree in culinary arts and stumbled upon food science as I was looking for a college for my bachelor’s degree. I love science and food and am very interested in the science behind our food.” 

 

Q: What do you consider your hometown and /or where are you a native of?

“I consider myself a gypsy, and home is where I lay my head at night with my husband. I was born here in Fresno and moved to New York when I was a few months old and lived there until I was 6 years old. We then moved to San Diego and lived there until junior year of high school. We moved to Long Beach my high school senior year, and I stayed there until I graduated college. Fresno is where I have called home since 2017, and when I graduate in spring my husband and I want to move to Europe for my master’s degree, so I will call that home.” 

Q: Did you have any other family members graduate or attend Fresno State?

“My great grandmother, Vivian Ramirez, graduated from Fresno State when she was 50 years old in business! She really helped to push me to apply and do my best to succeed until she died in 2020, and I have pushed myself even harder since then to make her proud.”
 
“My mother, Davian Thompson, is currently attending Fresno State with me, which has been such a dream. She is majoring in theater arts in the College of Arts and Humanities. It has been amazing to attend college with my mom. We push each other to succeed and have both received 4.0’s.”

 

Q: Which classes and faculty members have had the biggest influence on you while at Fresno State and why?

“Dr. Erin Stafford Dormedy and Dr. Sara Griffin have really influenced me. Dr Dormedy was the first food science class and teacher I met when I started classes. We shared our stories and became close. Dr Griffin is the major advisor to the program, and she is absolutely amazing - she is always so knowledgeable and encouraging.  Both really push students to be the best version of themselves they can be.” 

 

Q: Did you have any background in agriculture before you started at Fresno State?

“I had no previous experience in agriculture before I started at Fresno State. All the schools I went to didn't offer FFA so I was jealous when I got here and found out I could have been participating.” 

 

Q: Describe any internships you've done at Fresno State, and how they have prepared you for your career path?

“I currently work in the College of Arts and Humanities as a secretary. I help students with classes and any problems they might face. I am interning with Dr Griffin for the FSC 193 class. Our Food Science Club makes goodies for the Gibson Farm Market and helps with any food-related programs.”

 

Q: What clubs at Fresno State have you been a part of and have you also been involved in any noteworthy activities, events or competitions?

“I am a part of Alpha Zeta fraternity, and I was their sergeant at arms. I am also the president of the Food Science Club, which has been participating in the tshirt tosses at various Fresno State games for a year now, which has been really cool.” 

 

Q: What’s your potential next career step and do you have any other general career directions or options to mention?

“I plan on moving to Europe for my master’s degree. My husband and I might plan on opening a restaurant, too.” 

 

Q: Have you overcome any challenges to get where you are today that have shaped who you are?

“Long Beach City College did not advise me correctly, even though I saw a counselor every semester. When I graduated and tried to transfer to Fresno State, they told me I had to finish up units at Fresno City College if I wanted to attend. I felt defeated because I had already been in school three years for my associates degree just to add more time. When I finally got to Fresno State I was so happy.”

 

Q: Are there any other interesting notes about yourself that you would like to include?

“I'm working two jobs to help save for Europe that keep me pretty busy on top of school. In my free time I am a part of Voices United Chorus, and I also love to hang out with my family and my animal zoo, since I have 5 cats, 2 dogs, a snake and a turtle. I also have a catering business called “simply blissful catering” I have catered for VFW events and two weddings”