04 February, 2025

Molecules and Multitasking

Women in STEM Compass
Meet Meryem, the Receptionist Scientist Revolutionising Food Waste

At CIS Doha, we take pride in celebrating the achievements of women in STEM, both within our community and beyond. Our very own Themaid receptionist, Meryem, is a chemical engineer whose expertise and passion for science reflect the importance of supporting women in the field. Her background serves as an inspiration to our students, demonstrating the limitless possibilities that come with dedication and a strong foundation in STEM.

 

Celebrating women in Science

Every year on February 11, the world celebrates the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, recognizing the contributions of women who are breaking barriers in STEM fields. As a chemical engineering graduate, I take immense pride in being part of this dynamic and innovative community. Science is not just about discovery—it’s about solving real-world problems and making the world a better place.

One of the most pressing global challenges today is food waste. My graduation thesis focused on finding sustainable and innovative ways to convert food waste into valuable products. In this blog, I’ll share the importance of this research and how science can help turn waste into wealth.

 

The Global Food Waste Crisis

Did you know that one-third of all food produced globally is wasted? This amounts to nearly 1.3 billion tons of food every year! Food waste is not just about the food itself—it contributes to environmental problems like:
• Greenhouse gas emissions from decomposing waste in landfills
• Excessive water and energy consumption in food production
• Economic losses in supply chains and households

Instead of letting food waste go to landfills, my research explored how to transform it into value-added products that benefit both the environment and the economy.

 

Converting Food Waste into Value-Added Products

The key idea behind my thesis was to apply chemical and biological processes to food waste and extract useful compounds. Here are some of the innovative ways we can do this:

 

1. Biofuels from Food Waste

Certain food waste, especially fruit peels, vegetable scraps, and dairy waste, contain high levels of carbohydrates and fats. These can be fermented to produce bioethanol or biodiesel, which are renewable energy sources.

Process:
• Microorganisms such as yeast or bacteria break down sugars and convert them into ethanol.
• Oils from food waste can be processed into biodiesel, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

 

2. Bioplastics from Starch-Rich Waste

Many discarded foods, like potato peels, rice husks, and corn waste, are rich in starch. Starch can be processed into biodegradable plastics, offering a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based plastics.

Process:
• Starch is extracted and chemically modified to produce biopolymer materials.
• These materials can be used in packaging, disposable cutlery, and even medical applications.

 

3. Composting & Organic Fertilizers

Food waste, especially from fruits and vegetables, can be converted into organic fertilizers and compost to enrich soil and support sustainable agriculture.

Process:
• Food waste undergoes microbial decomposition.
• It is then processed into nutrient-rich fertilizers that can replace synthetic chemicals.

 

4. Nutrient Recovery for Animal Feed & Food Additives

Certain food waste contains high levels of proteins, fibers, and antioxidants that can be extracted and used in:
• Animal feed (e.g., citrus peels for livestock nutrition)
• Food additives (e.g., natural colorants, preservatives, and flavor enhancers)

 

Women in Science: Pioneering Sustainable Solutions

As a woman in science, I believe that research in sustainability, green technology, and waste management is essential for a better future. Women scientists worldwide are making incredible contributions to solving environmental problems, innovating in renewable energy, material science, and biotechnology.

By supporting women in STEM, we empower the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators to create a more sustainable and circular economy.

 

Conclusion: Science for a Sustainable Future

Transforming food waste into value-added products is just one example of how science can create solutions for global challenges. By investing in research, innovation, and sustainability, we can reduce waste, protect the environment, and build a better world.

On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, I encourage young women to explore careers in STEM and contribute to groundbreaking solutions that shape the future!

Science has the power to turn waste into wealth - let’s use it wisely!

 

By Meryem Obaid