Darrell Gerdes:  

Lots of interesting things have happened since May 1974. I'm not a story writer, rather a bullet-pointer.....easier to talk in phrases and thoughts. --Went to Texas A&M with the goal of receiving a degree in Electrical Engineering. Wanted to follow in my dad's footsteps.....if you knew me well you know I tinkered with electronic projects in our garage. That lasted all of a few weeks when I realized I would have to take differential equations and calculus. Never was a star math student. Changed to Pre-Med because I thought I wanted to be a pediatrician. That lasted until Organic Chemistry kicked my butt 3 times. So I changed over to Microbiology. That's what I graduated with a BS degree in in August 1978. --Went to work for a company called Comet Rice over on Clinton Drive near downtown. Was a QA and Product Development technician. Very cool job. And it paid well. While I was working there I realized I liked the food business so decided to investigate grad school. --January 1980 enrolled at A&M under Dr. Ed Burns watchful eyes working on a Masters Degree in Food Science. Thesis work was on Canned Rice Technology. Had lots of fun and interesting experiences working with Ed and the grad students at Adriance Lab. --While working on my MS degree I was a TA for food processing labs and really enjoyed the students. My committee suggested I continue on for a PhD because I would make a good professor in their opinion. --Received my MS in Food Science in December 1981 and then began working on my PhD in F...Expand for more