Halle Sparks
About Halle Sparks
Halle Sparks is an R&D Innovation Scientist at General Mills in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with a background in food science and quality management.
Current Position at General Mills
Halle Sparks currently holds the position of R&D Innovation Scientist at General Mills in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. In this role, she is involved in driving product innovation and research within the company. Her responsibilities likely include developing new food products, improving existing ones, and ensuring that they meet quality and safety standards.
Professional Experience at Ardent Mills
Before joining General Mills, Halle Sparks gained extensive experience at Ardent Mills. She worked in various capacities including Assistant Quality Manager from 2021 to 2023 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Quality Development Associate from 2020 to 2021 in Lake City, Minnesota and from 2019 to 2020 in Hastings, Minnesota, and as a Quality Assurance Intern in 2018. Her roles focused on quality assurance, development, and management, ensuring grain products met high-quality standards.
Education and Qualifications
Halle Sparks is a Kansas State University alumna who achieved a Master’s degree in Food Science & Industry from 2022 to 2023. She also holds a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Food Science & Industry from the same university. Her foundational education began at Crossroads College Preparatory School, where she studied from 2007 to 2013.
Research and Publications
During her tenure at Kansas State University, Halle Sparks developed a novel food preservation technique that was recognized in a university-wide research symposium. In addition, she published a research paper on the impact of milling processes on flour quality in the Journal of Food Science in 2021. She also presented her research findings on grain quality improvement at the 2022 Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Annual Meeting.
Awards and Mentorship
Halle Sparks' contributions to the field have been acknowledged through various awards and roles. She received the 'Outstanding Graduate Student' award from the Food Science Institute at Kansas State University in 2023. She also volunteered as a mentor for the Kansas State University Food Science Club, guiding undergraduate students in their research projects.