Prang Ittikul
Master of Gastronomy student
Her choice to study gastronomy was shaped by a profound curiosity cultivated through her upbringing surrounded by the richness of Thai cuisine, says Master of Gastronomy student Prang Ittikul who came to AUT as an international student from Thailand.
“The environment I grew up in sparked my interest in exploring the multifaceted human relationship with food, including the influences of tradition, politics and cultural narratives on culinary practices worldwide.
“I previously studied in Switzerland, where I attained a master's degree in culinary arts, which provided a foundational understanding of food as an art form, particularly in the context of restaurant management at a two Michelin star establishment. My subsequent experience at Lufthansa Group as a production planner overseeing airline catering services expanded my perspective to encompass the broader operational and logistical challenges in large-scale food service industries on a global scale.”
She says these experiences deepened her appreciation for the intersection of culinary artistry and logistical problem-solving, and inspired her to take on advanced academic training to navigate the complex challenges of the food industry. This would soon lead her to AUT’s Master of Gastronomy.
“The Master of Gastronomy emerged as the ideal pathway to advance my academic pursuits and career aspirations within the food industry. This interdisciplinary degree offers a comprehensive platform to integrate my culinary expertise with theoretical insights, equipping me to contribute meaningfully to culinary innovation, sustainability, and management on a broader academic and professional scale.”
A culture of intellectual creativity
Prang says she has already had a number of highlights throughout her time at AUT.
“One of the most fulfilling aspects of my academic experience at AUT has been the pronounced latitude to explore scholarly pursuits in innovative ways. The academic environment promotes a culture of intellectual creativity and offers significant flexibility in approaching study topics. The openness and encouragement from academic staff have fostered an environment where students can uniquely shape their academic endeavours, leading to a profoundly rewarding and distinctive educational experience.
“During my time at AUT, I've had the privilege to engage in various impactful projects. For example, I designed a logo for the Pacific Food Lab – Aotearoa and created a Terra Madre Day promotional video for Slow Food Aotearoa to advocate for sustainable and resilient food systems in our communities. I also had the opportunity to create a brochure and promotional map for the Halfway down Dominion Rd workshop at the AUT 7 Experiences Summit 2023 event.”
For her master’s degree research, Prang is investigating the impact of the EU ban on commercial seal products on Nunavut Inuit seal hunting practices and their food sovereignty. Her research is supervised by Professor Tracy Berno.
“For indigenous communities like the Inuit, food sovereignty extends beyond sustenance to the preservation of cultural identity and connection to their lands. Seal hunting is integral to Inuit culture and economy, with seals serving essential roles in sustenance and tradition. However, the EU ban on commercial seal products has inflicted economic hardship on Inuit communities, exacerbated by moral concerns for seal welfare among European authorities and activists.
“My research aims to promote awareness of the unintended repercussions on vulnerable communities due to policy decisions. To explore the issue, I’m creating a graphic novel, supplemented by an exegesis. The graphic novel will narrate the story of Inuit food sovereignty and the consequences of the EU ban, while the exegesis will provide a detailed analysis of the narrative. This approach recognises the power of visual storytelling in conveying complex ideas and enhancing reader understanding.”
Advice for other students
Prang, who expects to graduate later this year and hopes to continue into a PhD in the future, has some great advice for other international students.
“The academic environment demands a heightened awareness of time, which passes swiftly amidst the demands of self-care, academic pursuits, and maintaining meaningful connections with your peers and professors. Cultivating resilience and prioritising the efficient use of time are fundamental strategies to navigate the multifaceted demands of academic life and fostering a trajectory towards success.
“Staying motivated amidst challenges requires cultivating a strong sense of purpose and clarity of your objectives. This might involve setting short-term milestones to track progress and celebrating achievements along the way.”
She certainly knows what she is talking about and admits that arriving on her own as an international student had its challenges at the start.
“One of the most significant challenges I encountered was navigating the initial sense of loneliness and cultural adjustment. However, with time, these challenges gradually lessened. I found invaluable support from Professor Tracy Berno who demonstrated exceptional compassion and understanding. She not only listened to my concerns, but also offered encouragement and shared her experiences in assisting other students. Her approach and kindness greatly supported me during this transitional period.”
