MUR Employee Spotlight: Erik

06 Apr MUR Employee Spotlight: Erik

Erik Fernando Estrada Zepeda was born in Tegucigalpa but raised in a small town known as Santa Cruz de Yojoa near Lake Yojoa. He lived there for 15 years. When he turned 16, he moved to Zamorano University Campus to acquire his bachelor’s degree in Food Science and Technology. Erik had the opportunity of doing his thesis in Italy with Università degli Studi di Udine in collaboration with Zamorano University. After graduating, he worked at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign as a Research Assistant focusing on bioengineering of yeast to produce human milk oligosaccharides: the impact of Listeria monocytogenes on pregnant women.  Erik has gained experience in labs, pilot scale plants, molecular engineering, bioreactors, and in the field. Currently he works as the Poultry Processing Plant and Certification Supervisor at Mission UpReach. Erik focuses on quality and food safety control, providing resources for the salesmen to enter the market with the goal of helping the economy of the communities. Erik is passionate about doing his part to make “Productos Moises” one of the leading brands nationwide. Erik says, “Mission UpReach has taught me a lot. The impact this organization has on society is incredible, and the stories and testimonies people give on how their lives have changed since they encountered the Mission is so fulfilling. The technology, equipment, human resources, and the excellent work environment with God’s guidance makes Mission UpReach the perfect place to work and develop skills to become a better professional. I’m thankful with the trust and help Mission UpReach has given me, and I hope this project can continue for centuries.”