Devin Peterson

Devin Peterson is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Food Science and Technology at The Ohio State University, with affiliations in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences. He directs the Flavor Research and Education Center and serves as faculty director of the Foods for Health Discovery Theme Initiative. He received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers.

His research investigates chemical stimuli underlying flavor perception, including taste-aroma interactions, flavor stability, and modulation mechanisms. Current projects focus on pungency suppression in chili peppers, off-flavor reduction in plant proteins, and flavor enhancement strategies for coffee and baked goods.

Publications demonstrate advanced analytical approaches to flavor chemistry, including identification of key aroma compounds, enzymatic pathways in flavor development, and sensory-guided fractionation techniques. Recent work also examines flavor interactions with packaging materials and environmental impacts on agricultural products.

The Flavor Research and Education Center collaborates with industry partners on flavor innovation. He mentors numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in flavor chemistry and sensory science.