Innovating Through Food Science, Community, and Connection: A Conversation with Dr. Shannon Coleman
- Dr. Eulanda Sanders
- Apr 10
- 4 min read
At iNNOVATION Insights…We transform our clients' career journeys through the art of storytelling via our consulting, coaching, and career management services.
In this special episode of the INNOVATION Insights Podcast, I welcomed someone I have known and respected for over 15 years—Dr. Shannon Coleman, Associate Professor and Extension Specialist at Louisiana State University. Our journey began when Shannon started her doctoral program at Colorado State University, and it continued during her tenure at Iowa State University, where I had the privilege of working alongside her. This episode is a celebration of her remarkable professional accomplishments and a personal reflection on the power of mentorship, community, and the transformative nature of food science.
Shannon brought her full, authentic self to our conversation from the start. With joy and a little laughter, we reminisced about how we met, her graduate school days, and the enduring professional and personal bond that has remained constant through the years. “Once you're in, you're in,” she joked—and it is true. Shannon is a rare person who brings dedication, warmth, and intellectual rigor to every space she enters.
A Journey Fueled by Passion and Mentorship
Dr. Coleman’s love for food science began early, sparked by countless hours watching the Food Network and experimenting with recipes as a child. But her interest in science fairs and hands-on experiments helped her realize she could turn her curiosity into a career. Thanks to a dedicated high school counselor and an inspiring visit to Alabama A&M University, she discovered food science as a formal discipline—though she humorously admitted they initially mistook it for nutritional science.
Her undergraduate experiences, particularly under the mentorship of Dr. Walker at Alabama A&M, shaped her career trajectory. “He said, ‘You’re not allowed to stay home for the summer,’” she recalled, laughing about how that rule led to her spending summers researching at Cornell, Purdue, and Arkansas. Those formative experiences and deep mentoring relationships pushed her toward graduate study and a focus on food microbiology and safety.
Innovation in Research and Extension
Shannon’s doctoral work at Colorado State University focused on the safety of hydroponic tomatoes and the risks associated with contaminated water. Her research became especially relevant when an equipment malfunction led to real-world contamination. This incident entered her dissertation and underscored the value of applied, experience-based learning.
However, Shannon did not leave her research behind when transitioning into extension work. At Iowa State University and now at LSU, she has taken her scientific expertise into communities, meeting people where they are. Her projects are rooted in culturally responsive education, like developing food safety videos and posters in native languages for refugee growers in the Midwest, or co-leading a gamification initiative that teaches small food processors best practices through interactive, on-demand tools and badge-based learning systems.
This is innovation in action—not just in labs or classrooms but also in farmers' markets, kitchens, and extension centers nationwide.
Innovation Is a Team Sport
One of the most powerful takeaways from this episode is Shannon’s philosophy around teamwork. “We all hated group projects in school,” she admitted, “but as adults, we get to choose our teams.” Her insights into building successful, collaborative teams—especially in academia and public engagement—are invaluable. She spoke about bringing in curriculum experts, evaluators, engineers, and community voices to ensure projects are inclusive, accurate, and impactful.
In Shannon’s world, innovation thrives on dialogue, shared ownership, and humility. She does not believe in rushing ideas just to check boxes. “You do not have to be right every time,” she said. “But I would rather do it right than do it fast.” This mindset has shaped how she mentors students, guiding them to build thoughtful research timelines and helping them understand the real-world implications of their work.
The Future of Food Safety
When asked about the future, Dr. Coleman emphasized traceability, local food systems, and the evolving roles of small food processors. With legislation like the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), the industry is shifting toward increased transparency and accountability. “Traceability is there to help and not harm,” she explained, noting how proper documentation, labeling, and training can protect consumers and producers.
She also spoke to the emotional weight of working in food safety, especially when educating those entering the industry. “Once you harm someone’s family member, they are not nice,” she said with honesty and empathy, reinforcing the stakes of the work and her commitment to doing it with care.
Innovation Rooted in Humanity
This episode reminded me that innovation is not just flashy technology or big ideas. Sometimes, it is about caring deeply, communicating clearly, and collaborating courageously. Shannon’s story is one of resilience, brilliance, and heart. She brings people together, builds bridges between research and practice, and shows that innovation can—and must—serve people first.
Dr. Coleman’s voice is one of the strongest examples of what it means to innovate in community, with humility, and for the greater good. I am so proud to know her and even more proud to share her story with all of you.
Stay tuned for more inspiring voices on the iNNOVATION Insights Podcast, where we continue to explore the transformative power of creativity, scholarship, connection, and service.
Keep innovating!
Eulanda
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