معرفی
Dr Natalia Falagan Sama is a Senior Lecturer in Food Science and Technology at Cranfield University, affiliated with the Plant Science Laboratory within the Centre for Soil, Agrifood and Biosciences. Her work focuses on reducing food waste and improving food security through innovative postharvest strategies for fruits and vegetables.
- University: Cranfield University
- School: Centre for Soil, Agrifood and Biosciences
- Department: Plant Science Laboratory
- Academic Rank: Senior Lecturer
Dr Falagan Sama's research centers on understanding the biological mechanisms of ripening and senescence in fresh produce and developing sustainable technologies to extend shelf life. Her expertise spans food quality, food safety, controlled and modified atmosphere storage, and urban agriculture. She investigates how stress responses in crops can be harnessed to maintain nutritional quality and reduce losses across the supply chain. Her work integrates plant physiology, food engineering, and sustainable systems thinking.
Her recent publications highlight a strong focus on postharvest biology, sustainable packaging, cold chain optimization, and the role of urban agriculture in food security. Trends in her research show increasing emphasis on climate resilience, net-zero food systems, and the societal impacts of food production, particularly during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. She frequently publishes in high-impact journals such as Postharvest Biology and Technology, Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, and Frontiers in Plant Science.
- Top 50 Women in Engineering: Engineering Heroes award (2021)
- Medal from the Royal Academy of Engineering (Spain) (2022)
- Best Research Supervisor at Cranfield University (2023)
Dr Falagan Sama advises on major research projects funded by BBSRC, GCRF, ESRC, and NERC, including initiatives on avocado waste reduction in Mexico and the Rurban Revolution for resilient UK food systems. She collaborates with clients such as the World Bank, Johnson Matthey, and the Department of International Trade. As a STEM ambassador, she leads the Postharvest Technology module for MSc students and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. She contributes to policy through advisory roles in the Food Standards Agency, the Cool Coalition, and the African Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling and Cold Chain.
She is actively involved in research teams focusing on sustainable food systems, cold chain innovation, and urban agriculture resilience. Her labs and projects emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration, integrating plant science, engineering, and social science to address global food challenges.
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