At the heart of Step Change Innovations is marrying the science of ingredients with a story that results in sales--that's where Devon Gholam's unique expertise shines. Devon is our scientific storyteller and ingredient thought leader. She draws upon her commercial experience and academic achievements to thoroughly research ingredients and food technology and parlay that information into cohesive, educational, and easily digestible white papers and sales tools. Passionate about science and research, Devon keeps afloat emerging products and technologies, understanding how new ingredients fit within consumer-driven need states and current trends.  

Devon is an advocate for women’s health and often shares her thoughts on issues such as perimenopause and women’s representation in clinical trials.  She has written articles for Natural Product Insider on topics such as ingredients for perimenopause supplements and has participated in various industry panels discussing the intersection of functional food and nutraceuticals with women’s health.  Devon was honored to be featured on the Nutra Women Wednesday podcast where she talked about her health journey and how it has made her work much more personal.  She is also a proud member of Women in Nutraceuticals, for which Step Change is a founding sponsor; she volunteers on the science committee and has contributed to the WIN blog.  

Prior to joining Step Change and taking time from her career to raise her son, Devon worked in technical sales at Roquette America, educating customers on Roquette's extensive ingredient portfolio and providing innovative ideas for healthful food formulations using products such as pea protein and various fibers.  Devon also worked with the sales team at Ganeden Biotech and worked part-time for over two years in research and development at the Kellogg Company while attending college. Most recently, Devon has regularly contributed to Prepared Foods Magazine, writing on gut health and fiber ingredients.  

Devon graduated from Purdue University and completed a Master of Science and Doctorate degree in food science with an emphasis on food chemistry. She also graduated cum laude from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in chemistry with double minors in computer science and mathematics.  In her spare time, she enjoys knitting and spending time with family and friends.  Follow her on LinkedIn to read her insights into the ingredient industry.