Previous workplace, position: I currently work as a Business Process Management Consultant supporting Horizon Europe projects in the food science and agrifood sectors. My work includes developing exploitation and sustainability strategies, preparing and improving business models for agrifood innovations, supporting communication and dissemination activities, contributing to proposal writing, and preparing project deliverables and technical documentation. I work closely with international research and industry partners to assess the potential of project results, define pathways towards market or wider uptake, and support the scaling of food system innovations.
Areas of expertise and career experience: My background combines food science, biotechnology, EU-funded research, scientific communication and innovation management. Before moving into my current role, I worked in laboratory and academic research on microalgae, functional ingredients, food analysis, experimental design and biotechnology. I also worked as a Scientific Communications Specialist at European Food Safery Authority (EFSA), where I supported stakeholder communication, engagement, and outreach activities. In addition, I have experience in Horizon Europe research projects, nutritional databases, scientific content creation and mentoring students in experimental design and research methods. I hold an MSc in Food Science and Safety from Kaunas University of Technology, and currently I’m on the final stages before defending my PhD thesis.
Personal strengths: Analytical thinking, structured problem-solving, strong communication and networking skills, responsibility, initiative and the ability to work across multidisciplinary and international teams. I am also comfortable translating complex scientific ideas into clear, practical and business-oriented concepts.
Expectations for students: I would expect the learner to be proactive, curious, and open to discussing their career goals and challenges. It would be useful if they came to the sessions with specific questions or topics they would like to work on.
My motivation / personal goal in participating in the mentorship program: As a KTU Food Science and Safety graduate, I have seen first-hand how much the university can contribute to a student’s professional development. KTU gave me not only a strong academic foundation, but also access to valuable opportunities, international experiences and people who were genuinely willing to help. I see the university as a strong resource for students who want to develop their careers, but sometimes the number of possible paths and opportunities can be difficult to navigate. Through the mentorship programme, I would like to share my own experience, help students recognise these opportunities earlier and support them in making more informed career decisions.
Hobbies and other information about me: I love cats, learning languages, travelling and discovering new cultures. I enjoy reading Nordic noir, paddleboarding, cooking and trying new foods. I’m definitely a foodie and always curious to discover new cuisines, ingredients and places to eat.
