Class of 2026: Seunghee Stella Yoon finds confidence in self-expression and food science research
International student Seunghee Stella Yoon combined research, sustainability, and self-expression to shape her future in food science.
Name: Seunghee Stella Yoon
College: College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Major: Food Science and Technology
Hometown: Seoul, South Korea
Plans after graduation: Pursuing a Master of Science in food science at Ohio State University
Favorite Hokie memory: Attending her first rock concert when Metallica played at Lane Stadium. “It became one of the most meaningful and fun memories of my time in the Virginia Tech community.”
From one culture to another
When Seunghee Stella Yoon arrived at Virginia Tech as an international student in the Department of Food Science and Technology, she faced the challenge of adapting to a culture that values confident self-expression. At first, she hesitated to speak openly about her strengths and passions.
“Over time, living and studying in this environment helped me grow into a more confident version of myself,” Yoon said. “I learned that expressing confidence is not arrogance, but a way of valuing and sharing what makes you unique.”
As time went by, Yoon found herself embracing these differences.
“This experience has taught me not only how to communicate with greater confidence, but also how to believe more fully in my own potential,” she said.
Yoon credits these new strengths with setting her on the path to becoming the Department of Food Science and Technology’s Outstanding Senior for 2026, a recognition that was announced earlier this month.
Investing in potential
Attending conferences related to her academic interests became an important part of Yoon’s academic journey – something she said was only possible due to scholarship opportunities afforded to her by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
“Through the Saacke Scholarship, I was able to attend conferences each year,” she said. “The support from CALS donors meant a great deal to me because it gave me the chance to keep exploring and growing academically.”
With that support, Yoon pursued undergraduate research in the lab of Associate Professor Haibo Huang, where she studied underused food materials and deepened her interest in sustainability-focused food research.
“It was more than financial help,” she said. “It felt like encouragement and trust in my potential, and that allowed me to see new possibilities for my future. Those experiences shaped both my academic interests and my long-term goal of pursuing graduate study in sustainability-related food research.”
A new beginning
After graduating from Virginia Tech, Yoon will attend Ohio State University to pursue a master’s degree in food science focused on sustainable food systems, including food upcycling — repurposing surplus ingredients that might otherwise go to waste — and creating new value-added products from food waste.
After earning her graduate degree, she hopes to embark on a new journey.
“I hope to return to Korea and work in food company research and development,” Yoon said.
“I also want to begin a new chapter of life with my family,” she said. “Since I spent much of my 20s living abroad, one of my greatest goals is to fill my 30s with more meaningful time with them and build a life that feels both fulfilling and beautiful."
