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Sungkwon Park is a Professor in the Department of Food Science and Biotechnology at Sejong University, specializing in advanced food science and biotechnology research with a focus on meat science, cultured meat production, and sustainable food systems. His research integrates molecular biology, food biotechnology, and systems biology to develop innovative food solutions. His educational background includes a Ph.D. from Purdue University (2008), M.S. from Yeungnam University (2001), and B.S. from Yeungnam University (1999). Prior to his current position, he worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow at Virginia Tech (2008-2012) and as a Research Officer at the National Institute of Animal Science, RDA (2012-2015). Professor Park's research interests focus on livestock production optimization, meat processing for health functionality, environmentally friendly animal production systems, and in vitro meat production. His work has led to significant achievements including the identification of calcium and glucose interaction mechanisms in muscle metabolism, development of oleogel-based meat processing techniques, optimization of feed ingredients for sustainable livestock, and establishment of in vitro meat production systems. His recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate a strong focus on cultured meat technology, meat science, and sustainable food production. The research spans cellular mechanisms for cultured meat production, safety and regulatory aspects of alternative proteins, comparative analysis of muscle satellite cells, and optimization of meat processing techniques. His work shows a clear trend toward developing practical applications for next-generation meat products with emphasis on health functionality and environmental sustainability. Professor Park actively serves as a reviewer for Frontiers in Veterinary Science and is an Editorial Board Member of the Korean Society of Animal Science. His laboratory, the M&M'a lab (Functional Food Lab), conducts research on high-value-added, health-functional BioFood and future foods using bio-convergence technologies.

• Livestock production & optimization
• Meat processing: healthy & functionality
• Establishment of environmentally friendly animal production
• +6 more

Amy Catherine Rowat is a full Professor in the Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology at UCLA's College of Letters and Science. She directs an interdisciplinary research program that integrates mechanobiology, microfluidics, cancer biophysics and food engineering to understand how physical forces shape cell behavior and to develop sustainable biotechnologies. Education & Affiliations: Professor, Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, UCLA Member, UCLA College of Letters and Science Research Interests: Rowat's group deciphers how mechanical properties of cells and their nuclei influence disease progression and therapeutic response. Using high-throughput microfluidic deformability cytometry, her team discovered that cancer cells become stiffer and more invasive upon β-adrenergic signaling, linking stress hormones to metastatic potential. Parallel efforts focus on nuclear envelope mechanics, showing that histone H1.0 and transient nuclear deformation modulate chromatin structure and cell reprogramming. Beyond biomedicine, Rowat pioneers biophysical approaches for sustainable food production. She engineers edible scaffolds and emulsion-templated microcarriers to culture meat at scale, demonstrating spontaneous fusion of adipogenic and myogenic microtissues into marbled steak-like constructs. Recent Article Trends (2020-2025): Her latest publications reveal a cohesive trajectory: coupling mechanobiology to epigenetic regulation (viscoelastic matrix enhances chromatin remodeling), advancing single-cell mechanical phenotyping (optomagnetic arrays, high-throughput screens), translating findings to cancer therapy (β-blockers to sensitize chemotherapy) and expanding engineered foods (scalable cultured-meat bioprocessing). Funding & Awards: NIH R21 CA245667 (PI) – Repurposing beta-blockers to improve chemotherapy response (2021-2023) Laboratory & Teams: Rowat leads an active research laboratory at UCLA that trains graduate students and postdocs at the intersection of physics, engineering and biology. The lab maintains collaborations across UCLA Engineering, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, and external partners in food science and biotechnology companies.

• Mechanobiology
• Cancer biophysics
• Single-cell mechanics
• +6 more

Mahipal Singh is a Professor of Animal Biotechnology and Coordinator of the Animal Science Undergraduate Program at Fort Valley State University (FVSU), where he is affiliated with the College of Agriculture, Family Sciences and Technology and the Department of Agricultural Sciences. He has been at FVSU since 2000 in various capacities, progressing from Adjunct Biology/MPH Graduate Faculty to his current position as full Professor since 2019. Dr. Singh earned his educational credentials in India: a B.S. (Hons) in Zoology from Meerut College (1978), an M.S. in Zoology from the Institute of Advanced Studies, Meerut University (1983), and a Ph.D. in Zoology-Microbiology from Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi (1989). His academic journey included prestigious appointments such as International Visiting Fellow at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH (1991-1993) and Postdoctoral Fellow at the Medical University of South Carolina (1989-1991). His research focuses on cutting-edge areas of animal biotechnology, particularly in postmortem cell recovery, genome editing in livestock, and myostatin gene targeting. Dr. Singh has pioneered work demonstrating that individual cells remain viable in mammalian tissues for much longer periods after death than previously believed, with applications for cellular therapies and germplasm preservation. His work with CRISPR/Cas technology aims to reduce milk allergens and mastitis in goats, while his myostatin research seeks to enhance muscular mass in meat goats for agricultural applications. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent focus on cellular viability after death across multiple livestock species (cattle, goats, sheep), with particular attention to temperature effects and storage conditions. His work bridges basic cellular biology with practical agricultural applications, demonstrating how fundamental discoveries about postmortem cellular life can translate into biotechnological advances for livestock preservation and improvement. USDA-ARS 1890 Faculty Research Fellowship Award (2017) STEM Research Excellence Award, Fort Valley State University (2014-15) Multiple student research presentation awards at FVSU Annual Research Day symposiums Best Poster Award at National Symposium on Biotechnology, CIMAP, Lucknow, India (1999) Fogarty International Visiting Fellowship at NIH (1991-93) Dr. Singh has supervised an impressive 38 students across multiple educational levels, including 4 PhD, 13 MS, 7 BS, 8 HS, and 6 middle school students. His research has been supported by USDA-ARS, USDA-NIFA programs, and various other grants. He serves on multiple editorial boards, grant review panels, and university committees, and is an active member of professional societies including the American Society of Animal Science and Society for In Vitro Biology. Based in the Stallworth Biotechnology Building at FVSU, Dr. Singh leads research projects that bridge molecular biology with practical agricultural applications, working collaboratively with researchers from USDA-ARS, University of Illinois, University of Maryland, and other institutions to advance animal biotechnology and improve livestock production systems.

• Animal Biotechnology
• Molecular Biology
• In-Vitro Cell Culture
• +5 more

Nicole Tichenor Blackstone serves as Associate Professor in the Division of Agriculture, Food and Environment at Tufts University's Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy and holds a secondary appointment as Assistant Professor in Biomedical Engineering. Her interdisciplinary work bridges food systems sustainability, nutrition science, and environmental impact assessment. Her academic credentials include: B.A. in Philosophy and Religious Studies, University of Kansas (2009) M.S. in Nutrition Science and Policy, Friedman School (2012) Ph.D. in Nutrition Science and Policy, Friedman School (2016) Dr. Blackstone's research centers on quantifying food system sustainability through life cycle assessment, with particular focus on dietary guidelines compliance, food waste valorization, and regional agricultural resilience. She develops computational models like Foodprint 2.0 to analyze agricultural resource requirements and employs machine learning to optimize sustainable supply chains. Her work increasingly integrates social dimensions including labor rights and equity considerations in food value chains. Analysis of her 2023-2025 publications reveals accelerating research on cellular agriculture technologies (particularly cultivated meat), cross-national comparisons of food environmental impacts, and methodological innovations in life cycle assessment that incorporate nutritional health outcomes. A significant trend involves challenging unsubstantiated sustainability claims while advancing rigorous metrics for sustainable diets. Her recognition includes: Switzer Environmental Leadership Fellowship during graduate studies Dr. Blackstone leads collaborative projects addressing Northeastern US food waste solutions, regional livestock self-reliance, and sustainable food systems education frameworks. She maintains active policy engagement from local food councils to national coalitions, emphasizing transdisciplinary approaches to transform food systems through stakeholder-driven solutions. Her laboratory work focuses on developing serum-free culture media for cultivated meat and computational tools for dietary sustainability analysis, operating within Tufts' interdisciplinary food systems research ecosystem.

• food systems
• sustainability
• food policy
• +4 more

Wes Osburn is an Associate Professor in the Department of Animal Science at Texas A&M University, specializing in meat science. He holds a B.S. in Agricultural Education from Texas A&M (1981), an M.S. in Meat Science from Texas A&M (1992), and a Ph.D. in Animal Science from the University of Nebraska (1996). Before joining Texas A&M in 2004, he served as faculty at Michigan State University with a joint appointment in Animal Science and Food Science & Human Nutrition. His research focuses on processed meats, food safety, meat quality, and value-added products, collaborating with national/international meat processors. He coordinated MSU’s meat judging program and has extensive industry engagement. Osburn’s work addresses innovations in meat processing, packaging, and consumer perception of alternative curing systems. His research integrates food chemistry, microbiology, and sensory science to enhance meat product quality and safety.

• Meat Science
• Food Safety
• Meat Processing
• +3 more

Ali Demirci is a Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering at the College of Agricultural Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, where he leads research in food safety engineering and sustainable bioprocessing. His work bridges agricultural engineering with microbiology to develop innovative solutions for food safety and bioresource utilization. His research program focuses on three interconnected domains: Non-thermal Food Safety : Development and characterization of pulsed UV light, electrolyzed oxidizing water, and ozone for microbial inactivation on food surfaces and equipment Advanced Bioreactor Systems : Design of biofilm bioreactors for enhanced production of high-value compounds like menaquinone-7 and nisin using immobilized microbial cultures Waste Valorization : Conversion of agricultural byproducts (particularly distillers' dried grains) into biofuels, enzymes, and functional food ingredients through optimized fermentation processes Analysis of his 2022-2025 publications reveals a strategic research trajectory toward sustainable bioprocess intensification. His work increasingly integrates circular economy principles, focusing on non-sterile processing, waste stream utilization, and techno-economic feasibility. Key technological threads include biofilm reactor scalability, lignocellulosic enzyme optimization, and pulsed light decontamination systems for industrial implementation. Professional recognition includes being honored as part of the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences faculty by a national society in October 2024, highlighting his contributions to agricultural engineering. Dr. Demirci's research program demonstrates strong industry relevance through development of practical technologies for food safety enhancement and agricultural waste conversion. His collaborations span microbiology, food science, and chemical engineering disciplines, with publications appearing in leading journals including Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering, Journal of Food Engineering, and Food and Bioprocess Technology. Current projects focus on scaling biofilm reactor technologies and integrating first- and second-generation bioethanol production systems.

• Food Safety Engineering
• Microbial Inactivation
• Non-thermal Food Processing
• +5 more

Peter Newton is an Associate Professor and Associate Chair of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Environmental Studies at the University of Colorado Boulder. His interdisciplinary research focuses on socio-environmental systems, with primary areas in conservation/sustainable development in tropical forests and sustainable agriculture/food systems. Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences M.Sc. in Applied Ecology and Conservation B.A. in Zoology His work spans Brazil, the U.S., Indonesia, Mozambique, Uganda, and Vietnam, emphasizing policy-relevant, systems-oriented approaches. Key themes include climate change mitigation through pasture management, forest restoration, and sustainable protein technologies. Dr. Newton leads the Group for Interdisciplinary Research on Agriculture, Food, Forests, Environment, and Sustainability (GIRAFFES), mentoring graduate students in MS and PhD programs. He also engages with visiting scholars and undergraduate honors students.

• Environmental Science
• Conservation
• Sustainable Development
• +4 more

Glenn R. Gaudette is the John W. Kozarich ’71 Chair and Professor in the Department of Engineering at Boston College. He pioneered plant-based scaffolds for heart regeneration and cellular agriculture, featured in global media including BBC and Netflix. His work bridges biomaterials science with engineering education, emphasizing human-centered design and sustainability. Educational Background: PhD in Biomedical Engineering. He developed Boston College’s first Engineering program, integrating innovative research with interdisciplinary teaching. Research focuses on tissue engineering, biomechanics, and scalable solutions for regenerative medicine and cellular agriculture. His lab’s spinach-based scaffolds revolutionized lab-grown meat research, while decellularized plant materials enable vascularized tissue constructs. Publications highlight advancements in biomaterials, bioengineering education, and sustainable bioprocessing. Over 200k citations across disciplines reflect his cross-field impact. Awards: NAI Fellow, AIMBE Fellow, Top 2017 Altmetric Paper Patents: Bladder mapping systems, plant-derived tissue scaffolds Advises undergraduate researchers (8 named in patents) and leads NSF-funded projects. Co-directs BC’s Engineering Innovation Lab, emphasizing empathy-driven design and social justice in engineering. Labs/Teams: Plant-based Biomaterials Group, Bioengineering Education Collective, BC Tissue Engineering Core.

• Biomechanics
• Tissue Engineering
• Cellular Agriculture
• +4 more

Xiuchun (Cindy) Tian is a Professor in the Department of Animal Science at the University of Connecticut. She earned her PhD and MS from Cornell University and a BS from China Agricultural University. Her academic leadership includes serving as Interim Department Head of Animal Science since 2021, and she teaches courses such as ANSC 3194 (Career Paths in Animal Science), ANSC 3323 (Animal Embryology and Biotechnology), and ANSC 5621 (Frontiers in Animal Embryo Biotechnology). Education: PhD, Cornell University MS, Cornell University BS, China Agricultural University Dr. Tian’s research focuses on reproductive biology and biotechnology, with emphasis on pre-implantation embryo development, somatic cell nuclear transfer, and bovine stem cell derivation. Her work bridges developmental genetics with agricultural applications, including genetic engineering in livestock species and assisted reproductive technologies. News coverage of her research highlights breakthroughs in cultivated meat development (e.g., induced pluripotent bovine stem cells overcoming decades-long challenges) and antiviral therapies for porcine viruses. She also leads initiatives like a NIFA-funded program to teach youth biotechnology and develop career readiness, while contributing to public understanding of GMOs and food labeling through outreach platforms. Lab & Affiliations: Office: Ag. Tech Bldg., Room 220D Lab: Ag. Tech Bldg., Room 231

• Pre-implantation embryo development
• Assisted reproductive technologies
• Genetic engineering in farm animals
• +2 more

Paul W Burridge, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacology at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine and a founding faculty member of the Center for Pharmacogenomics. His laboratory specializes in human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) modeling for pharmacogenomics and cardio-oncology research. Dr. Burridge's research focuses on understanding how genomic variation influences drug efficacy and toxicity, particularly in cancer therapy-induced cardiovascular complications. His lab pioneered several key methodologies including the first directed cardiac differentiation protocol, non-integrating blood-to-iPSC reprogramming, and chemically defined differentiation protocols. Current projects span cardio-oncology, arrhythmia mechanisms, regenerative medicine, hiPSC models of breast cancer, and cultivated meat applications. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on pharmacogenomics of anthracycline cardiotoxicity, with significant focus on genomic risk prediction in childhood cancer survivors, molecular mechanisms of cardiotoxicity, and development of cardioprotective strategies. His work increasingly integrates large-scale genomic analysis with hiPSC modeling to establish causal relationships between genetic variants and clinical outcomes. Fellow of American Heart Association (2016) Recipient of NCI R01 grant for Nilotinib Induced Artery Disease research NIH NHLBI Pathway to Independence Award recipient Editorial Board Member, Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology (2020-present) Associate Editor, JACC CardioOncology (2018-present) Dr. Burridge advises multiple postdoctoral fellows including Ning Ge (cardiac arrhythmia modeling), Praeploy Pongpamorn (chemically defined differentiation), Nnamdi Uche (population-specific doxorubicin susceptibility), and George Gibbons. His lab has secured substantial grant funding for projects including large-scale hiPSC production, cardiotoxicity screening platforms, and novel drug discovery initiatives. The Burridge lab maintains extensive resources including high-throughput screening systems, CRISPR editing platforms, and bioreactor-based differentiation systems, all developed with a focus on eliminating animal-derived products from research.

• Pharmacogenomics
• Cardio-Oncology
• Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Modeling
• +5 more

Ying Chen serves as Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering within Tufts University's School of Engineering. Her laboratory develops advanced 3D in vitro tissue models of human intestine using silk scaffolds and intestinal organoids to mimic native structure and function. Ph.D. in Biomedical Science and Engineering, University of Maine (2013) M.S. in Environmental Toxicology, Xiamen University (2007) B.S. in Environmental Science, Fujian Normal University (2004) Her research focuses on tissue engineering and regenerative medicine , specifically creating human intestinal models that maintain mucus layers and oxygen gradients. These models enable studies of inflammatory bowel disease, drug delivery mechanisms, nanotoxicity effects, and microbial infections. Her work bridges biomaterials science , organoid technology , and translational medicine , with recent publications emphasizing silk-based protective coatings and cultivated meat applications. Analysis of her publication record (2022-2026) reveals strong emphasis on silk protein biomaterials for cellular protection and tissue modeling, with growing applications in sustainable food technology. Key thematic areas include intestinal disease modeling (32% of recent work), silk-based cell encapsulation (28%), and novel imaging techniques for engineered tissues (15%). Dr. Chen actively secures competitive research funding, including a National Science Foundation grant for 'Dynamic protein-based biomaterial designs for bionic coatings' (2021-2024) and industry collaboration with Sofregen Medical Inc. Her teaching portfolio consistently features 'Tissue Engineering Research Lab' courses since 2019, training students in advanced biomaterial techniques. Her laboratory maintains two key patents: 'Innervated artificial intestine compositions' (2017) and 'Microphysiologic methods and compositions' (2014), demonstrating translational impact beyond academic publications.

• Tissue Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering
• +4 more

Amy Bentley is Professor of Food Studies at NYU Steinhardt, recipient of NYU's Distinguished Teaching Award and Humanities Fellowship. Historian examining social/cultural contexts of food, she authored James Beard-finalist Inventing Baby Food and co-edited Practicing Food Studies . Research explores historical/cultural dimensions of hospital food, meat/dairy substitutes, food waste, flavor science, and climate-agriculture linkages. Current projects include Ghanaian climate-smart agriculture initiatives and the Food/COVID-19 NYC digital archive. Former Editor-in-Chief of Food, Culture & Society and co-founder of NYU Urban Farm Lab/Experimental Cuisine Collective. Serves on editorial boards of multiple food studies journals and book series. Teaching includes global food systems courses examining cultural intersections of food, migration, and nutrition security.

• Food History
• Food Systems
• Cultural Studies
• +2 more

Dr. David L. Ortega is a Professor and the Noel W. Stuckman Chair in Food Economics & Policy at Michigan State University (MSU), leading research in consumer and producer decision-making within food systems. He holds a Ph.D. from Purdue University and has been affiliated with MSU since 2013. His work bridges academic research with policy impact, focusing on global food markets, agricultural trade dynamics, and consumer behavior in emerging economies. Affiliations: Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics (AFRE), College of Agriculture & Natural Resources (CANR) Roles: Director of MSU's Food Security Group, Lead of Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Food Security Policy Ortega's research spans food safety regulation, trade policy, and behavioral economics. He has conducted fieldwork in China, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Southeast Asia, analyzing market responses to policy changes and consumer preferences. His experimental methods examine how information affects choices in food labeling, environmental stewardship, and animal welfare. He has testified before the U.S. Congress on China's agricultural policies and appears frequently in major media. His 35+ journal articles include studies on U.S.-China trade relations, consumer preferences for meat alternatives, and risk management in agricultural supply chains. Key Awards: SAEA Emerging Scholar Award (2018) Ortega advises students on food policy and agribusiness strategies, collaborating with organizations like the World Bank and FAO. His lab focuses on improving nutritional outcomes through market-based interventions and fostering sustainable agricultural development.

• Food Economics & Policy
• Consumer Decision-Making
• Food Marketing
• +7 more

Masatoshi Suzuki is a Professor in the Biomedical Engineering department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, with an additional affiliation in the School of Veterinary Medicine. His research focuses on applying stem cell technology to model and treat neuromuscular and musculoskeletal disorders , particularly amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) , through growth factor delivery and advanced imaging techniques. PhD (1999, The University of Tokyo, Japan) DVM (1995, The Ministry of Agriculture and Fishery, Japan) BS (1995, The University of Tokyo, Japan in Veterinary Medicine) Suzuki's work spans basic and translational studies using human neural progenitor cells, mesenchymal stem cells, and pluripotent stem cells. His lab has pioneered strategies for stem cell-based ALS therapy , including growth factor delivery systems and in vitro neuromuscular junction models . He also develops non-invasive imaging approaches to monitor stem cell dynamics in the central nervous system. Research trends in his publications reveal a focus on stem cell technology for neuromuscular diseases, ALS pathology , muscle progenitor isolation , and imaging methodologies . His lab has contributed to understanding sex-specific differences in ALS progression and macrophage-mediated inflammation in disease models. The Suzuki Lab team includes lab manager Samantha Robertson (PhD Genetics), undergraduate assistants Elizabeth Altman (Genetics and Genomics) and Adam Eckardt (Biochemistry), and research assistant Clarisse Rebancos (DVM Candidate). The lab collaborates with funding partners such as the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the School of Veterinary Medicine.

• Stem Cell Research
• Neuromuscular Disorders
• Musculoskeletal Disorders
• +5 more

Justen Smith is an Extension Professor and Director of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department at Utah State University's Davis County Extension Office. He has dedicated his career to international agricultural development, youth education through 4-H programs, and livestock management education, with projects spanning Iraq, Lebanon, and Armenia. His work focuses on post-war recovery, volunteer training, and culturally inclusive educational initiatives. Educational Background: MS in Agricultural Systems Technology (Animal Science and International Agricultural Development), Utah State University, 2000 BS in Animal Science (Minor in Spanish), Utah State University, 1998 Smith’s research emphasizes agricultural extension , 4-H youth programs , and livestock industry education . His publications highlight measurable impacts of extension programs in conflict-affected regions and innovative approaches to urban extension funding. Scientific Awards and Honors: Continued Excellence Award (Epsilon Sigma Phi), 2022 Meritorious Service Award (National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals), 2021 Distinguished Service Award (Epsilon Sigma Phi), 2020 International Service Award (National Epsilon Sigma Phi Association), 2015 Distinguished Service Award (National Association of Extension 4-H Agents), 2007 President Award (Utah Association of Extension 4-H Workers), 2008

• Agricultural Extension
• Animal Science
• International Agricultural Development
• +4 more