Christopher Kucha

Christopher Kucha is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Food Science & Technology at the University of Georgia's College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. His work focuses on integrating engineering principles with digital technologies to address challenges in agri-food production.

Dr. Kucha's research centers on the development and application of sensing technologies, data analytics, and systems modeling to improve food quality, safety, and processing efficiency. His lab, the Precision Food Process Engineering Lab, aims to reduce food waste, conserve resources, and enhance sustainability in the food system through innovations such as machine vision, artificial intelligence, and non-destructive assessment techniques. Key research areas include machine vision systems for food analysis, AI and chemometrics for food safety, process analytical technologies, intelligent food design, and big data applications in food processing.

He teaches courses such as Introduction to Food Science and Technology (FDST 3000) and Introduction to Artificial Intelligence in Food Systems (FDST 2001). His recent publications (2020-2025) demonstrate a strong focus on hyperspectral imaging and machine learning for food quality and safety assessment, with applications across meat, fruits, nuts, and protein products. The work emphasizes non-destructive, real-time monitoring and the integration of digital technologies like augmented reality and digital twins.