Milad Farzad, Modeling & Simulation Principal Engineer at PepsiCo“I had the chance to lead one of the first projects at the Center for Advanced Research in Drying (CARD), working on innovative jet reattachment nozzle technology. My time at CARD was an incredible opportunity to work alongside some of the brightest minds in academia and industry. I came away with a strong mix of hands-on experimental skills and advanced simulation techniques, which have been invaluable in my career. The experience I gained at CARD was key in landing my role at PepsiCo, where I’m now a Modeling and Simulation Principal Engineer. I’m thankful for the exposure to cutting-edge drying technologies at CARD, which has allowed me to contribute meaningfully to high-tech projects at PepsiCo.”
James McGovernU.S. Representative, D-MassSmart investments in energy efficiency research are exactly how America can solve the climate crisis. When I wrote to the appropriations committee [in 2019], I told them that cutting-edge ‘smart drying’ work is a tremendous opportunity to create innovative manufacturing processes that reduce energy consumption and lower emissions. Through our advocacy, we were able to assist in securing a $10 million investment, and I’m thrilled that much of this groundbreaking work will be going on at CARD
Steve PhelpsDirector RD&A – Taste Process Innovation Distillation, Extraction and Encapsulation AmericasKerry“Our company’s participation in CARD for the past four years has provided us access to some of the most creative and pragmatic engineers with a focus on electrifying high temperature food ingredient drying processes. We have hosted a principal investigator and his student to perform pilot testing of their experimental equipment at our North American pilot testing center. Additionally, one of the program’s PhD student candidates interned with us for a full three months. He exceeded his and our initial expectations because he was able to perform pilot and production scale trials using production-type formulas to inform his computer application modeling. At the end of his term with us, we were able to envision a near term implementation of his program for optimizing spray drying processes. Without our association with CARD, we would never have been able to anticipate implementation of either of these achievements.”
Sheyla RamsayPast IAB ChairFellow, Senior Technical Leader - PepsiCo, Inc.“For my industry, innovation is our lifeblood. We want access to the latest drying innovation that creates breakthrough science while enhancing Sustainability goals. CARD helps us in our mission to delight our consumers and build our industry leadership position.”
Amir Malvandi, UIUC Site Co-Director of CARD“Joining the Center for Advanced Research in Drying (CARD) at the outset of my PhD studies at the University of Illinois was a pivotal moment in my academic and professional journey. At CARD, I embarked on developing a novel non-thermal drying technology using ultrasound to enhance energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions in the food and beverage sector. The state-of-the-art facilities and resources at CARD provided an excellent environment to conduct cutting-edge research and contribute to significant advancements in the field. Throughout my tenure at CARD, I had the privilege of engaging with a diverse array of experts from both industry and academia. Interactions with my mentors from industry were instrumental in broadening my understanding of real-world challenges and practical applications of my research, allowing me to align my work with current market needs. Engaging with academic faculty from other institutions and various disciplines broadened my horizons and encouraged interdisciplinary thinking. This rich exposure and guidance significantly prepared me for my current role as an Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois, where I continue to drive innovation and contribute to the academic community.”