June 24, 2025, by Jackie Thompson

KTP Associate Q & A spotlight

By Aline Brito, Knowledge Transfer Partnership Associate

Please tell us a bit about you

I am a Brazilian food engineer who has just completed a PhD in Food Technology, with a strong passion for research, sustainability, and innovation. I’m especially interested in fermentation, brewing science, and the development of more sustainable ingredients and processes. I enjoy working on projects that can make food systems more efficient and food more enjoyable. Outside the lab, I love hiking, exploring different cultures, and sharing good food and drinks with friends.

Why did you choose to become a KTP Associate?

I’ve always admired Professor David Cook’s work in the School of Biosciences, especially his research in malt and brewing science, especially on flavour development and stability. So, when I learned about the KTP programme and how it supports graduate career development while building strong relationships between the university and industry, I was really keen to get involved.

Tell us a bit about the company and your role?

I recently completed a 17-month project with Murphy and Son, a Nottingham-based company that supplies ingredients to breweries, as well as to cider and wine producers. The project was a collaboration between the university and the company to develop antioxidant products designed to improve beer’s shelf life and flavour stability – particularly for smaller breweries that may not have access to advanced equipment or packaging.

My main focus was formulating these antioxidants to help Murphy and Son create a new line of in-house products tailored specifically to the needs of these smaller brewers.

What has been the most memorable part of your KTP experience?

One highlight was attending an international conference in the U.S. and representing Murphy and Son at their company stand. It was a great opportunity to talk to people about our products and connect with others in the industry. The most rewarding moment, though, was when a brewer who’d had great success after using one of our products stopped by to share his experience – he even brought a group of his friends over to recommend it to them!

How has the KTP experience benefitted you?

The KTP experience has greatly expanded my skills in product development and project management. I presented at international conferences, took part in advanced training courses, and built strong connections with industry professionals and academics. It provided a great opportunity to conduct research focused on product development and solving real-world problems while continuing to grow professionally and personally.

How did you find the application process?

I think it was not much different from other application processes from the academic partner. But I applied for a special situation – they were looking for someone to join the project after the previous associate left. I had one interview in which the academic supervisor, the company director, and an officer from the KTP team from the university were present. They explained about the KTP programme, and testing my knowledge and asking questions about me and my goals.

Would you recommend becoming a KTP Associate? if so, why?

Absolutely! A KTP is a unique opportunity for recent graduates to gain experience in both academic and industrial settings. There’s strong support for personal and professional development, including access to training and certifications. It allows you to build a valuable network and explore different career paths while working on a meaningful, real-world innovation project.

Want to apply your knowledge and create a transformative impact in a real-world project? Launch your career with the Knowledge Transfer Partnership.

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share on Google+
• Share on LinkedIn