My research aims to encourage lifelong healthful eating habits by developing health-targeted food product alternatives and understanding consumer behavior in the context of food selection. As a sensory scientist, I have two main research foci, around which I build my research program: 1) development of novel sensory evaluation methods which can be utilized in the formulation of health-targeted new products, and 2) understanding human behavior in the context of food selection and consumption to motivate healthy eating practices. Application of novel sensory methodology customized for the test product of interest is one of the key elements for successful new product development. Products that are intended to promote health and well-being are developed and launched at a rapid rate in industry; however, only few are truly successful in the end. People find it difficult to endure diet regimens or consume functional food products that are not acceptable or palatable. Successful products can be developed only through systematic and iterative processes of development, assessment and reformulation of the concepts and prototypes. Thus, sensory evaluation is a critical component of new product development, from the initial point of prototype conceptualization to the final point of consumer acceptance testing of the products. My current research projects include, 1) developing novel functional food products with bioactives, 2) characterizing innate and process-derived off-flavors in functional foods and developing methods to reduce these off-flavors, 3) identifying successful sodium reduction strategies in various food matrices, and 4) determining the effect of sugar reduction in caramel binding system. I have further expanded my research portfolio to include, 1) defining the elements of picky eating in children, 2) identifying gastro-intestinal (GI) issues in endurance athletes and developing intervention strategies for these GI issues, and 3) relating the contextual effect of consumer testing in real situations versus virtual reality situations using immersive technology.
