Etienne Ndem: Expanding Horizons Trough Research and Global Experience in Queen Mary University of London

By Sarah McCord

August 2025

Each summer, NextGen NRCS-PROS fellows embark on a career-focused, individualized 10-week internship centered on agriculture, natural resources, and life sciences. As a member of the 2025 Texas A&M University NextGen NRCS-PROS cohort, Etienne Ndem pursued a unique dual opportunity: a study abroad program in the United Kingdom paired with a 10-week research internship at Queen Mary University of London.

Etienne Ndem and his summer supervisor Professor Oyinlola Oyebode, Ph.D.

Through connections with local university professors, Etienne joined a public health research team focused on nutrition and sustainability. One of his major projects involved analyzing and comparing the nutritional content and environmental impact of popular dairy and plant-based milk products in the UK. “Measuring nutrient content along with factors like emissions and food processing levels,” Etienne explained, “will help determine whether plant-based milk could be a healthier and more sustainable alternative to cow’s milk.”

As his first international experience, Etienne embraced the challenges and opportunities of working abroad. His daily tasks included online data review, analysis, and reporting—skills that strengthened his adaptability and independence in a virtual research environment. The internship not only deepened his understanding of public health and sustainability but also prepared him for future roles in the workforce.

Reflecting on his experience, Etienne shared: “Doing this internship through the NextGen NRCS-PROS program has really taught me the importance of persistence and ambition. I think in the future I’ll look for more ways to step outside my comfort zone and take calculated risks. Maybe I’ll pursue internships that build my computer skills or take on roles that give me experience in public health surveying.”

Etienne’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of global learning, research, and professional development hallmarks of the NextGen NRCS-PROS mission.