INFORM June 2026

AOCS UPDATES | INFORM | 7

INFORM: WHAT WOULD BE ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WISH YOU HAD KNOWN WHEN YOU WERE STARTING OUT? Dias: One piece of advice I wish I had known earlier is how important it is to find the right mentors. Early in my career, I focused heavily on developing technical skills and producing results, but I didn’t fully realize how much mentorship shapes the way you think, make decisions, and navigate challenges. Looking back, the moments that had the biggest impact on my trajectory were conversations with mentors, whether it was guidance on a research problem, advice

advancing our understanding of lipid oxidation, quality, and flavor. This award comes at an important stage in my career, as I continue to establish my independent research program. It provides visibility that helps strengthen collaborations and expand connections within both academia and industry. It also reinforces the importance of pursuing research that bridges fundamental lipid chemistry with practical applications in food quality and stability.

on career decisions, or simply someone encouraging me to pursue an opportunity I hadn’t considered. Those interactions helped me build confidence and see a broader path forward. The LOQ mentorship program played an important role in supporting my pursuit of an academic career and ultimately a faculty position. I also learned that no single mentor can provide everything. Building a network of mentors with different perspectives has been incredibly valuable. It’s something I now prioritize not only for myself, but also for the students I work with.

GRADUATING THIS SPRING?

As you transition from student to professional, AOCS is here to support your continued growth and success. Graduating students are eligible to receive one year of complimentary AOCS Membership, followed by a 50% discount in the second year. STEP INTO YOUR FUTURE WITH AOCS MEMBERSHIP

Activate your free membership by emailing membership@aocs.org .