Celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science with…
Golshan Matinfar
PhD in Food Science 2028
What excites you about science?
What excites me most about science is that it is never static.
Every answer opens the door to new questions, pushing us to think critically. Through this process, we decode the complexity of the natural world and transform that understanding into meaningful improvements in everyday life.
Growing up in a family of science educators, I was encouraged to keep asking “why”: why materials behave the way they do, why food systems succeed or fail, and how small molecular changes can ripple into health, quality, and sustainability. Over time, that habit of curiosity turned into something deeper, a real appreciation for science as both a mindset for understanding the world and a practical tool for shaping it. That’s what draws me to food science. It’s one of the few fields where scientific innovation so directly shapes human experience.
What is the greatest challenge you’ve had to tackle?
The greatest challenge I have faced was moving to Canada from my home country, Iran. Adjusting to a new culture, academic system, and way of life, while rebuilding everything from the ground up, was both personally and academically demanding. At times, the uncertainty could have led me toward safer or easier paths, or even away from science altogether. Instead, it strengthened my resolve. Navigating these transitions taught me resilience, adaptability, and self-discipline, and ultimately reaffirmed my passion for scientific research. Rather than discouraging me, this experience clarified my long-term commitment to science and motivated me to pursue it with greater focus, confidence, and purpose
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In ten years, I envision myself as an established academic leading, interdisciplinary research at the intersection of food chemistry and sustainable biomaterials. My goal is to hold a faculty or senior research position, where I will direct an active program focused on food structure, functionality, and the development of innovative biobased materials. In this role, I am committed to supervising and mentoring the next generation of researchers, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages scientific growth. Through a combination of teaching and research, I aim to advance fundamental scientific knowledge while delivering sustainable, real-world solutions for the global food and materials sectors.
Tagged with: 2026, Equity Diversity Inclusion and Indigeneity, Food Nutrition and Health, Food Science, Graduate, Women and Girls in Science