By Kritagya Regmi
Every year on February 11, the world celebrates the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, recognizing the vital role women play in advancing scientific progress. This year’s theme, Unpacking STEM Careers: Her Voice in Science highlights women’s contributions in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and encourages more girls to pursue careers in these fields.
According to recent data from the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, less than 30% of the world’s researchers are women. Studies show that women in STEM fields publish less, earn lower research salaries, and face slower career progression than men. However, comprehensive international data on these disparities remains limited.
Among the many women making strides in STEM is Kingkan Pongtong, a PhD candidate in the Food Engineering and Bioprocess Technology program at AIT’s School of Environment, Resources, and Development. Her research explores innovative ways to transform plant-based proteins into high-value food products and sustainable food innovation utilizing cutting-edge technologies such as germination, fermentation, and even 3D-printed food.
For Kingkan, her work is more than academic research—it’s about curiosity, collaboration, and finding real-world solutions.
Her fascination with science and technology began early, recognizing their potential to solve real-world problems. With a strong interest in sustainability and nutrition, she sought ways to enhance food quality while minimizing waste. To deepen her expertise, she took study leave from her role as a lecturer at Ubon Ratchathani University to pursue a PhD at AIT.
“In Thailand, we have an abundance of agricultural products, but many suffer from short shelf life and low market value,” she explains. “I believe science and technology can provide sustainable solutions by enhancing food preservation, processing, and value addition.”
Kingkan is conducting research under the guidance of Prof. Anil Kumar Anal, focusing on improving plant-based proteins through fermentation and germination, making them more nutritious and functional for food applications. Beyond enhancing digestibility and texture, her work explores the potential of meat analogs for 3D-printed food, offering customized nutrition solutions that could redefine the future of food.
What excites Kingkan most about food engineering is its interdisciplinary nature—combining science and technology to develop practical solutions. From converting raw agricultural materials into high-value food products to creating plant-based alternatives tailored to individual dietary needs, she is continuously innovating.
“Seeing how food science can turn agricultural waste into valuable nutrition solutions motivates me every day”, she shares, “The field is dynamic and evolving, challenging me to keep learning and pushing boundaries.”
Through her research, Kingkan aims to make plant-based foods more nutritious and accessible. Her work goes beyond the lab, addressing global food challenges.
Kingkan’s experience as a woman in STEM has been largely positive. “I have been fortunate to work alongside inspiring women in food science. This strong representation has fostered a collaborative and encouraging environment, allowing me to grow and thrive in my career.”, she says.
However, she acknowledges that challenges persist, particularly in leadership opportunities. While she has not faced direct gender barriers, she recognizes that women remain underrepresented in decision-making roles. “To overcome this, I focus on building confidence, seeking growth opportunities, and supporting other women in STEM,” she explains. “By fostering inclusivity, we can create a scientific community that values talent and dedication above all else.”
Studying at AIT has provided Kingkan with valuable academic and research opportunities. The expertise of faculty members and collaborations with industry partners have been instrumental in her research. “A key highlight of my time at AIT has been my collaboration with National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), where I gained access to advanced research facilities and industry insights,” she says. “This experience has helped me bridge academic knowledge with real-world applications.”
Her time at AIT has reinforced her belief in the power of innovation and problem-solving, equipping her with the skills to contribute meaningfully to the field.
With her PhD journey nearing completion, Kingkan plans to return to Ubon Ratchathani University as a lecturer in the Department of Food Technology. She envisions a future where she can inspire students, contribute to research, and connect academic advancements with industry applications. Her long-term goal is to tackle food sustainability challenges, reduce food waste, and develop plant-based protein innovations that benefit both local and global communities.
“My aim is to integrate research, education, and industry collaborations to drive impactful change in food science,” she states. “By sharing knowledge and engaging with the community, I hope to make science more accessible and transformative.”
Reflecting on the broader STEM landscape, Kingkan emphasizes the importance of mentorship, networking, and institutional support in creating a more inclusive environment. She advocates for mentorship programs, leadership training, and equal access to research opportunities to help more women excel in scientific careers. “Educational institutions must actively promote inclusivity, ensuring that women not only enter STEM fields but also thrive in leadership roles. We need to build a culture where talent and dedication, rather than gender, determine opportunities for success.”, she emphasizes.
While food science already has strong female representation, Kingkan believes that more support is needed for career advancement and leadership roles. Providing women with funding, research opportunities, and industry connections can empower them to take on leading roles in innovation and entrepreneurship.
Her advice to young women aspiring to enter STEM is to “Stay curious, embrace challenges, and seek mentors who inspire you. Science is a field where passion and persistence lead to groundbreaking discoveries.”
Kingkan’s journey shows how women in STEM are shaping the future of food science and sustainability. On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, her story reinforces the importance of fostering inclusive environments and ensuring that women continue to be at the forefront of scientific advancements for a sustainable future.
The International Day of Women and Girls in Science highlights the essential role of women in STEM and the need for equal opportunities. It celebrates those who have contributed to progress and inspires future generations to explore STEM fields. Let’s continue to support and amplify their contributions to innovation and discovery.
