Summer School 2024 "Food Science and Culinary Arts - from Field to Meal"
June 30th- July13th 2024 at Penn State University, USA

In summer 2024, five students from TU Graz—Christina Mühlthaler, Lisa Eiber, Niklas Pontesegger, Lara Stef, and Markus Windisch—participated in a two-week summer school at Penn State University, USA.

The program began in Washington, D.C., where they joined students from Penn State, Fresno University, and the University of Arkansas. The agenda included sightseeing highlights such as the Capitol, museum visits, and a social "come together" event. A visit to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provided additional insights into the U.S. regulatory landscape.

The group also had the opportunity to visit Restek, a company renowned for its expertise in analytical chemistry, where they gained valuable insights into the application of scientific analysis in the industry.

Next, the group traveled to the Hershey Company, exploring the Technical Center and enjoying time at Hersheypark. The focus then shifted to Penn State University, where the theme revolved around chocolate—“from the bean to the bar.” The students crafted their own chocolate and ice cream while performing various sensory analyses, such as tasting and aroma evaluations.

The Austrian participants also got a taste of American student life, including celebrating the Fourth of July (Independence Day).

This summer school provided not only a cultural exchange but also academic enrichment, particularly in understanding differences between chemical analysis techniques in the USA and Europe. The program was a memorable experience that combined education, culture, and new perspectives.

In 2025, the summer school will be held in Austria from July 6 to July 18, 2025.