b'DAVE THENO FOOD SAFETY FELLOWSHIP "My time as the 2022-2023 Dave Theno Food Safety Fellow has been an invaluable experience. As a survivor of STEC-HUS, thework that we do at STOP is meaningful to me and I am lucky to have had an opportunity to work alongside people who share the samepassion for food safety. Throughout the Fellowship, I have made meaningful professional connections, strengthened my knowledge offood safety, and completed meaningful research projects.At the beginning of the Fellowship I did not have any connections within the realm of food safety. However, throughout theFellowship I have been able to connect with food safety professionals from a variety of backgrounds. Making these connections hashelped me understand the value of incorporating different stakeholders in creating change within our food system. I feel so lucky to havebeen able to connect with some of the most influential people in food safety. Interacting with people who have revolutionized food safetyin the United States was both inspiring and a great learning experience.I have grown as a food safety professional through the completion of Michigan State Universitys online Graduate Certificate in FoodSafety program. Through this program, I was able to dive deeper into subject matter that I am passionate about, learn from mycolleagues, and obtain certifications that will help me land future jobs. As someone whose studies have focused heavily on science, itwas helpful to learn more on how science influences food safety policies in the U.S., such as HACCP and FSMA.The Dave Theno Fellowship provided me with an opportunity to continue researching topics that I am extremely interested in, such Kiley Dohertyas health consequences associated with STEC-HUS. My time with STOP has also given me opportunities to strengthen my public Dave Theno Food Safety Fellowspeaking skills. I presented at two different meetings on the importance of food safety, and during the presentations shared my personal 2022-2023story. Using my story to educate others on, or about the importance of food safety was a special experience.As I transition to my next step in life after the Fellowship, I will continue to build on my knowledge of food safety and implement what Ihave learned. Despite working remotely, I have greatly enjoyed working with the STOP and felt supported every step of the way.Anyone interested in food safety and enacting change in the U.S. food system would benefit from this Fellowship."'