Olayemi Popoola is a food technologist and a seasoned data analyst with over four years of experience in data analysis, data visualization, and business needs analysis. As the Membership and Communication Manager for the African Food Research Network (AfREN), Olayemi uses her analytical skills and communication abilities to enhance member engagement and streamline communication strategies, supporting the organization’s mission of advancing the science of food across Africa.
Olayemi’s academic background includes an MSc in Environmental and Energy Management from the University of Twente, Netherlands and a BSc in Food Science and Technology from Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria, where she graduated with First-Class Honours. Her educational achievements reflect her dedication and expertise in both environmental management and food science.
Her professional journey includes roles at Tcobots Limited, Pimberly Software, and Quantum Analytics, where she developed interactive dashboards, optimized data management processes, and provided actionable insights. Other experiences include roles at Food Concepts and NAFDAC Nigeria, where she supervised food production and food product analysis to enhance quality, safety and compliance with standards.
In her current role as the Membership and Communication Manager for the African Food Research Network (AfREN), Deborah enhances member engagement, manages the membership database, and implements communication plans to promote AfREN’s initiatives. She is dedicated to showcasing Africa’s food science and industrial landscape, facilitating knowledge exchange, and supporting innovation within the network. Outside of work, she enjoys reading and meeting new people, which helps expand her knowledge and professional network.