Srishti Ravipati, 33
MS food science ’15
SENIOR PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, NEEDED
Srishti Ravipati, 33
MS food science ’15
SENIOR PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, NEEDED
Srishti Ravipati develops science-backed, clean-label supplements for women’s health at all crucial stages.
Women often face nutritional gaps at key stages of life — particularly during pregnancy and postpartum. Addressing those gaps is central to Srishti Ravipati’s current work as a senior product development manager at Needed in Los Angeles, where she formulates supplements designed to support women’s health across fertility, pregnancy and beyond. Her approach is grounded in translating nutrition science into products that are safe, effective and transparent. At Drexel, Ravipati combined coursework with hands-on experience that helped to shape her career path. She studied abroad in Germany, worked as a teaching assistant and participated in research as a research assistant.
“Drexel provided a lot of platforms that exposed us to real-life industrial jobs.”
Before joining Needed last year, Ravipati led innovation and product development for a Pennsylvania-based contract manufacturer, where she led the development of a range of dietary supplement formulations aimed at supporting different aspects of health. Across her 10-year career, she has also spearheaded multiple clean label initiatives that help consumers make well-informed decisions about food choices. “These projects have entailed the substitution of artificial ingredients with more natural and easily recognizable alternatives, all while preserving the sensory characteristics of the products,” she explains. “Another aspect of my job has been trying to identify eco-friendly, compostable and environmentally conscious packaging for dietary supplements.” When public awareness of immune health grew during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ravipati turned to formulations aimed at supporting immunity, again using science-driven product development to improve everyday health outcomes. “Every supplement I’ve developed in the last six, seven years has been with the intention to make meaningful health benefits for all of the consumers who are taking it,” she says.
My Greatest Accomplishment:
I have led the development of various science-driven dietary supplement products that deliver meaningful health benefits to consumers. As a food scientist, I take pride in translating complex nutritional science into safe, effective and market-ready formulations.
How Drexel Shaped My Path:
Drexel played a pivotal role in paving the way for my successful career as a food scientist by equipping me with both a strong academic foundation and invaluable real-world exposure. The master’s program in food science provided training across core subjects and specialized coursework, ensuring I developed a deep understanding of food science principles, technologies and applications. Beyond coursework, Drexel emphasized experiential learning. Through research assistantship opportunities, I gained hands-on research experience, strengthened my analytical and problem-solving skills, and learned how to communicate complex scientific concepts effectively. Additionally, I had the opportunity to participate in an International Summer Lab in Germany through a Drexel-fostered program, which broadened my global perspective, exposed me to international research environments and further enriched my professional development.
Where I Hope To Be in Five Years:
In five years, I see myself in a strategic leadership role within the women’s health supplement space, where I am leading advanced product development and shaping scientific innovation pipelines. I aim to be a subject-matter expert in evidence-based dietary supplements for women’s health. Ultimately, my goal is to play a meaningful role in advancing scientifically sound solutions that support women’s health while continuing to grow as a leader and innovator in the dietary supplement industry. DM
My Greatest Accomplishment:
I have led the development of various science-driven dietary supplement products that deliver meaningful health benefits to consumers. As a food scientist, I take pride in translating complex nutritional science into safe, effective and market-ready formulations.
How Drexel Shaped My Path:
Drexel played a pivotal role in paving the way for my successful career as a food scientist by equipping me with both a strong academic foundation and invaluable real-world exposure. The master’s program in food science provided training across core subjects and specialized coursework, ensuring I developed a deep understanding of food science principles, technologies and applications. Beyond coursework, Drexel emphasized experiential learning. Through research assistantship opportunities, I gained hands-on research experience, strengthened my analytical and problem-solving skills, and learned how to communicate complex scientific concepts effectively. Additionally, I had the opportunity to participate in an International Summer Lab in Germany through a Drexel-fostered program, which broadened my global perspective, exposed me to international research environments and further enriched my professional development.
Where I Hope To Be in Five Years:
In five years, I see myself in a strategic leadership role within the women’s health supplement space, where I am leading advanced product development and shaping scientific innovation pipelines. I aim to be a subject-matter expert in evidence-based dietary supplements for women’s health. Ultimately, my goal is to play a meaningful role in advancing scientifically sound solutions that support women’s health while continuing to grow as a leader and innovator in the dietary supplement industry. DM
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