INFORM May 2026

8 INFORM MAY 2026, VOL. 37, NO. 5

STUDENT EXCELLENCE AWARDEE

identifying and quantifying substances in order to understand systems and reactions. So, there is a certain beauty behind analytical science. I was so passionate about this area that I became an analytical chemistry tutor while still in high school. Later, I earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and gained experience in microbiology, electrochemistry, and organic chemistry. Throughout my academic journey, I have always used both traditional analytic methods, like titration, and instrumental techniques, such as spectroscopy, INFORM: WHAT IS THE PRIMARY FOCUS OF YOUR CURRENT RESEARCH, AND WHAT ASPECTS OF THIS WORK DO YOU FIND MOST EXCITING? Dos Santos: My research focuses on the development of food-grade nanodelivery systems for encapsulation of hydrophilic and hydrophobic bioactives peptides. These peptides are known for several biological activities, such as antihypertensive and antidiabetic effects. However, even if you have these powerful molecules, it is not always easy to incorporate them into food systems, and sometimes they degrade before they can do their job. What excites me is being able to develop a system that could realistically be applied in food products and actually bring benefits to society.

INFORM: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO JOIN AOCS, AND WHAT VALUE HAVE YOU FOUND IN BEING PART OF THE ANALYTICAL DIVISION? Dos Santos: Although I knew professional societies existed, I did not realize that, as a student, I could actually get involved in so many activities. My supervisor emphasized the importance of joining professional associations such as AOCS. So, I joined AOCS in 2024, but I only started getting truly involved last year. Since then, one of the most meaningful parts of the experience for me has been connecting with specialists and learning from the webinars and Division activities. This involvement has truly contributed to my growth as a researcher. I am very excited to attend the AOCS Annual Meeting for the first time this year, present my research, receive the award, and finally connect with many professionals and students in person. INFORM: WHAT SPARKED YOUR PASSION FOR THIS AREA OF RESEARCH? Dos Santos: My journey in analytics started in high school when I attended a professional program to become a laboratory technician. That is when I realized how important this area is to all scientific fields. Research is fundamentally about

FLAVIA DOS SANTOS Doctoral student in Food Science at the University of Manitoba under the supervision of Nandika Bandara. Analytical and the Protein and Co Product Divisions Member

Joined AOCS: 2024