PHHI alum, Nathalie Plundrich, Outstanding Young Alumni

The Outstanding Young Alumni Awards recognize former CALS students who have excelled early in their careers and show potential for continued success. The 2024 recipients were honored Friday, Sept. 13, during a ceremony at the Talley Student Union.

Nathalie Plundrich is the technology development manager at SinnovaTek, where she leads research, development and commercialization of innovative extraction and food ingredient technologies. Her work extends to SinnovaTek’s subsidiary, SinnoVita, where she is currently advancing the commercialization of VITERO™ protein-polyphenol functional ingredient technology, a project she was deeply involved with during her graduate studies at the Plants for Human Health Institute at NC State University. 

In addition to her work with SinnoVita, Plundrich plays a key role in SinnovaTek’s R&D team, collaborating closely with clients to develop and commercialize new food and beverage products through the company’s co-packing arm, FirstWave Innovations.

Plundrich has an associate’s degree in biology/biotechnology and a bachelor’s degree in bio- and process technologies with a minor in biotechnology, both obtained in Germany. She later pursued her master’s degree and Ph.D. in food science at NC State University, where she contributed significantly to research in food science and technology.

Over the years, Plundrich has been an active member of the NC section of the Institute of Food Technologists (Dogwood IFT), serving as both a member-at-large and chair on the board of directors. She was also a member of Phi Tau Sigma, the honor society of food science and technology, and has contributed to the awards committee.

She has been recognized through several awards, including the Phi Tau Sigma Dr. Daryl B. Lund Student International Travel Scholarship, the Phi Tau Sigma – Dr. Gideon “Guy” Livingston Scholarship, and the Feeding Tomorrow IFT – Nutraceutical and Functional Foods Division Scholarship. Plundrich has successfully published 15 peer-reviewed journal articles, with seven as the first author. Plundrich advises students that “the food industry is a relatively small place. Network, network, network, and focus on gaining as much industry experience as possible in the first couple of years of your professional career.”