On Wednesday, October 30, 2024, Nestlé Purina PetCare Company, a dedicated and longstanding supporter of the McDonnell International Scholars Academy program, hosted McDonnell Scholars for an insightful visit to its headquarters in St. Louis.
The intention of this visit was to allow the Scholars to explore career opportunities within the Purina enterprise and allow our friends at Purina to meet Scholars from various disciplines. Both Nestlé Purina and WashU have been in St. Louis for more than 100 years working to develop talent to enhance the entire region.
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A Day of Discovery and Connection: Impact, Innovation, and Networking
The day began with a warm introduction to the company’s rich history, its mission to enhance the lives of pets and their owners, and its significant contributions to both local and global communities. This provided Scholars with a comprehensive understanding of the pet care industry and its alignment with academic research and innovation. Highlights of the visit included a tour of the Purina Institute and pilot factory offering an in-depth look at the company’s innovative approaches to research and development, marketing strategies, and sustainability initiatives. “One of my favorite moments was when an immunology Scholar who loves cats, realized that Nestlé Purina does research in the very same field in which she is getting her PhD,” says Laura Benoist, Director of the McDonnell Academy. “This opened an entirely new career opportunity for her when she graduates.”
The visit culminated in a dynamic panel discussion, providing Scholars with an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with Nestlé Purina professionals from various departments. These interactions facilitated the exchange of ideas and experiences, thereby strengthening the Scholars’ professional networks.
From a Scholar’s Perspective
McDonnell Scholar Roy Ejiakuekwu
I had the extraordinary opportunity to visit Nestlé Purina’s headquarters in St. Louis with a group of fellow McDonnell Scholars, an experience that profoundly expanded my understanding of innovation in pet nutrition. Our comprehensive tour unveiled the remarkable depth of Purina’s commitment to animal welfare, from their advanced nutrition research focusing on healthy pet aging to their intricate product development process. The facility was a testament to scientific dedication, with researchers from around the world working on cutting-edge approaches to enhance pets’ nutritional experiences and overall well-being.
The highlight of our visit was exploring the pilot plant, a meticulously designed miniature replica of their 45 global production facilities, which offered fascinating insights into the complex journey of creating pet food. The day culminated in an inspiring speaker panel featuring top executives, including the chief digital officer, VP of research and development, senior director of organizational development, and director of brand marketing. Their candid discussion about leadership in a multinational company was particularly enlightening, as they shared wisdom about navigating professional challenges and emphasized the importance of becoming comfortable in uncomfortable environments.
Beyond the technical insights, the visit provided a holistic view of Purina’s mission, showcasing not just their innovative work in St. Louis, but their global impact on pet nutrition and care.
Roy Ejiakuekwu joined the McDonnell Academy in 2023 as a Global Scholar from the UK. Roy is pursuing an MBA at Olin Business School.
McDonnell Scholar Sarah Meyers
It was great to hear the strong values and mission that Purina shares with their consumers and business partners. The coordinators and staff members, from Operations to HR to R&D, inspired me to think big – to go beyond what would be expected of a consumer packaged goods pet nutrition company. The vision of unconditional love between the end consumer, the pet, and the customer, us, translates into a very viable, relatable message that reminded me how important a mission and vision are to the success of a corporation.
In addition, visiting the Pilot Plant brought to life how a supply chain can generate new product lines. We suited up and I was amazed by the drums, dryers, and packaging solutions. Seeking to understand by engaging with the experts in a new environment is how we are growing as leaders at the McDonnell Academy. At the end of the afternoon, I walked away with so many new connections in the Academy itself that were created in the context of exploration of a vision-driven St. Louis company.
Sarah Meyers joined the McDonnell Academy in 2024 as a U.S. Scholar. Sarah is pursuing an MBA at Olin Business School.
McDonnell Scholar Maya Olcer
I had the privilege of visiting Nestlé Purina’s St. Louis Headquarters, an experience that profoundly broadened my perspective. One inspiring aspect was our deep dive into the Purina Institute’s R&D in nutrition science, particularly their research on microbiome and neurological health in pets. As a first-year PhD student in immunology, I was surprised—and genuinely excited to learn that Purina employs immunologists to advance pet health through nutrition. This opportunity illuminated career possibilities I hadn’t previously considered, highlighting how industry can be a dynamic space for scientific innovation and impact.
Another highlight was touring Purina’s pilot plant, my first glimpse into a production facility. It was fascinating to see the meticulous production and quality checks that ensure Purina’s product safety. As a new cat parent, witnessing this process firsthand brought new trust and appreciation. This commitment to excellence extends beyond their products through Purina’s deep-rooted community engagement. I witnessed how their impactful outreach initiatives are woven into the fabric of St. Louis, enhancing the city’s culture and identity.
The visit also underscored the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and visionary leadership in tackling complex health challenges. Witnessing Purina’s commitment to scientific excellence and leadership inspired me to consider new career avenues. The McDonnell Academy has been instrumental in cultivating this mindset, encouraging us to leverage our expertise to make a tangible difference. This opportunity not only showcased how industry leaders can drive change but reaffirmed the potential of partnerships between academia and the private sector to advance science in transformative ways.
Maya Olcer joined the McDonnell Academy in 2024 as a Global Scholar from Italy. Maya is pursuing a PhD in Immunology in the Division of Biology & Biomedical Sciences.
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