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Department of Food Science

Graduate Student Association

Officers

Akino Tomizawa

Akino Tomizawa
Candidate: MBS
Advisor:
at1048@scarletmail.rutgers.edu

President

Hi! My name is Akino Tomizawa, and I am currently pursuing an MBS, with a concentration in Food Science. I graduated with my B.S. in Food Science from Rutgers School of Biological Sciences in 2021 and am currently employed at Robertet Groupe as a Food Technologist in the Flavor Applications Lab. I have always been passionate about food, and prior to majoring in Food Science, I worked in the restaurant/bakery industry as a pastry cook. My passions within the field include increasing awareness about Food Science as a major field and participating in initiatives to support gender parity in STEM and the food industry. I also hope to do my part in addressing food insecurity and increasing nutrition equity. I also enjoy connecting people who share a similar passion for food, through organizations such as the Institute of Food Technologists and the Research Chef Association, which have both been integral in supporting my continued growth within the food industry through both friendship.

Hayley Palmer

Hayley Palmer
Candidate: Masters
Advisor: Dr. Roopchand

Vice President

Hi! My name is Hayley Palmer. I am currently pursuing an MS, working in Dr. Roopchand's lab. My undergraduate degree is in Food Science from the University of California, Davis. I am passionate about food safety and quality. I have spent the last few years working in quality and regulatory roles in the food industry. This has given me the opportunity to learn about the importance of quality assurance and quality control in food processing. I plan to return to the industry when I graduate. In my free time I enjoy running, hiking, and spending time outside.

Katherine Dectis

Katherine Dectis
Candidate: Master
Advisor: Dr. Tepper
sl1792@scarletmail.rutgers.edu

Secretary

Hi, my name is Katherine Dectis and I am in my third semester pursuing an MS with thesis. I come from a nutrition background, I am interested in the ways food science and nutrition overlap. I obtained my BS in Nutritional Sciences - Dietetics from the University of Arizona in May 2021 and instead of pursuing the dietetic path I opted to pursue a formal training in food science in order to ultimately help create products for industry that are highly palatable, nutritious, and sustainable. I am a member of Dr. Tepper's Sensory Lab Group and in my free time I enjoy walks in nature with my husband and puppy.

Michael Shen

Michael Shen
Candidate: Master
Advisor: Dr. Takhistov
mxs3@sebs.rutgers.edu

Treasurer

Hi! My name is Michael and I am pursuing a Ph.D. working in Dr. Takhistov's lab. I completed my B.S. at Northeastern University in Chemistry. My current research is examining the physical and chemical properties of sweeteners to help researchers determine how sweetener substitution will affect taste and mouthfeel in beverages. Having come from a different background, I understand it can be hard and overwhelming to understand all the resources GSA and IFT have to offer. I am hoping that I can provide a bridge between communities so that we can all make the most of our experiences here!

Maud Dias

Maud Dias
Candidate: PhD
Advisor: Dr. Tepper
md1566@sebs.rutgers.edu

HUGs Chair

HHello! My name is Maud Dias (she/her/hers), I am a second year PhD student working in Dr. Tepper's Sensory Science Lab. My undergraduate degree is in chemistry from Reed College. I am originally from Los Angeles, California. I like to sew, knit, do puzzles, and play video games when I am not doing school. I am hoping to use the GSA to have open discussions and create a dialogue about mental, physical, and spiritual health during these intense times. The world of academia can be difficult, but hopefully with friends and a sense of community it will be better. I am passionate about creating a space for gender and ethnic minorities and queer folks. If you have any questions about the GSA, mental and physical health resources, imposter syndrome, (low key chemistry too), or anything at all please feel free to contact me.

Jeffrey Douyere

Jeffrey Douyere
Candidate: MS
Advisor: Dr. Tepper

GRIBS Chair

Hi! My name is Jeffrey Douyere and I am a first-year M.S. student in the food science program. I earned my B.A. in Biochemistry from Earlham College in 2021 and worked as a Food Safety Specialist at Ingredion. Currently, I am employed at Colgate as a Laboratory Technician and am also a member of Dr. Roopchand's lab. My research interests include functional foods and I would like to focus on altering the chemistry of existing foods and developing new products to improve food quality and human health. I am excited to join Rutgers Food Science GSA to connect with others in the food science community.

Yogini Gurav

Yogini Gurav
Candidate: Master
Advisor: Dr. Karwe

GRIBS Chair

Hi! My name is Yogini Gurav. I am pursuing my master's in food science. I did my bachelor's in food science from DY Patil University, Mumbai. Currently I am a member of Dr. Karwe's and Dr. Schaffner's lab group. I am very excited to be part of this amazing team this year and I hope I can be of help to everybody in this team and create wonderful memories. I am a listener and always curious to know about things that interest me. When I am free you will find me spending quality time with my friends or watching sit-coms!

Sandeep Patwalia

Sandeep Patwalia
Candidate: MBS
Advisor:

Social Media Chair

Hi, my name is Sandeep Patwalia, and I am currently pursuing my MBS degree in Global Food Technology and Innovation. I graduated with my undergraduate degree in Environmental Business Economics with a minor in Food Science. I am currently working as a Sensory Analyst in Fragrances, where I am learning a lot about how a product goes from the R&D process to the shelves in the market. I have a passion for business management, and I hope to gain enough industry experience that I can use to open my own business! I am happy to join GSA and cannot wait to connect with you all!