Samantha McCaig, nutrition specialist

• Job title: Nutrition specialist
• Employer: Canadian Space Agency (CSA)
• Education: BSc in Nutrition and Food Science

Can you briefly explain your job?

My role involves identifying Canadian foods that could be suitable for space and performing evaluations to determine whether they meet specific criteria. Once an astronaut selects the foods for their mission, I work with other space agencies and food providers to make sure the food will be delivered on time to be launched to space. I am also responsible for ensuring the Canadian foods sent to space are safe for astronauts to eat.

What is unique about your job?

My job allows me to provide CSA astronauts with a taste of home while they are in space. When developing their Canadian menu, we take into consideration the astronauts' personal preferences and try to include foods that remind them of home. This can help with the psychological aspect of being so far away.

What tasks do you perform most often at work?

I provide nutrition support for upcoming CSA astronaut missions, including International Space Station and Artemis missions. This involves procuring Canadian food for spaceflight and ensuring that it meets rigorous technical criteria. I spend a portion of my day in the Space Food Facility evaluating foods for spaceflight. I also conduct taste panels with CSA personnel and astronauts to determine the palatability of foods (if it's tasty and has an appealing texture). It is important to consider both the safety and nutritional quality of the products being evaluated for spaceflight, to minimize the risk of foodborne illness among astronauts and ensure the food we provide will enable astronauts to meet their inflight nutritional requirements. As part of the Nutrition Support team, I work closely with other space agencies and food providers to ensure Canadian food is delivered on time to be launched to space.

How does what you do affect people's lives?

My career is fulfilling because I am able to help astronauts select foods that will increase variety in their diets and remind them of home while they are on their missions. I also have the opportunity to work closely with food suppliers to develop foods that are suitable for space. Many of the systems used to ensure food is safe to eat in space are also used to ensure food is safe to eat on Earth.

Which professional accomplishment are you the proudest of, or what is something that you really like about your work?

I'm proud to be part of a team that provides excellent support to CSA astronauts before, during, and after their missions.

How did you get to where you are today? Did you have to overcome any challenges to get where you are?

I have always been interested in STEM subjects, but never knew what type of career I wanted to pursue. When I started university, I focused on subjects that I enjoyed and eventually found a field that I could see myself pursuing. I had no idea that the information I was learning would be applicable to the space sector. Near the end of my degree, I was lucky enough to work as an intern at the CSA in support of David Saint-Jacques' mission. After completing my undergraduate degree, I worked in the food industry in both Quality Control and Research & Development roles, where I gained valuable experience and observed how many of the principles developed for space food are also benefitting terrestrial food systems. I'm very fortunate to be supporting the CSA's Food Production team.

Who or what has helped you the most throughout your career?

Having a great support system including family, friends, and teachers who encouraged me to try new things and embrace new opportunities.

Think back to a teacher or an informal educator (like a parent, youth leader or librarian) who had a positive impact on your life. What did she/he do to influence or support you?

The most influential people in my life encouraged me to try new things and not be afraid to fail. I learned that every experience, whether positive or negative, teaches you something.

What motivates you? Why does your career matter?

I'm happy that my role enables me to contribute to initiatives that both advance space research and have terrestrial benefits. Specifically, the Food Production initiatives at the CSA may help improve food systems here on Earth, especially in northern and remote communities in Canada.

How do you stay updated on industry trends and incorporate new knowledge into your work?

My team works closely with other space agencies, government departments, and food suppliers, who provide updates that may be relevant to space food and nutrition.

What skills or qualities do you believe are essential for someone in your role, and how do you continuously develop them?

Adaptability is essential, as priorities can change on short notice, and it is important to be able to adapt accordingly. Maintaining open communication with my team allows us to plan appropriately and make adjustments when needed.

What advice would you give young people interested in a space career?

Not to stress about having your life planned out. While it's good to have a plan, some of the best things are unexpected!

Do you have passions or hobbies outside of work?

I love to travel!