Renata Carneiro

Renata Carneiro is a Research Assistant Professor at Virginia Tech’s Department of Food Science & Technology within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. She holds a Ph.D. in Food Science and Technology from Virginia Tech (2021) alongside certificates in Future Professoriate and Water & Health Science. Her career includes roles as Assistant Professor at Appalachian State University (2021–2023), Postdoctoral Researcher at Virginia Tech, and industry experience in Brazil with ADM and Cacau Show.

Research focuses on sensory/consumer science, food chemistry, and cyberbiosecurity. Key areas include guiding sustainable food production through sensory analysis (e.g., edamame, hibiscus products) and addressing cybersecurity threats in agriculture. She emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches linking consumer behavior, flavor chemistry, and digital security for food systems.

Affiliations include Pink Boots Society, Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture, and the Edward A. Bouchet Graduate Honor Society. Her work bridges scientific innovation with practical applications for farmers and businesses, addressing both product development and cybersecurity challenges in modern food systems.