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Department of Food Science

Graduate Student Association

Officers

Trina Baptista

Trina Baptista
Candidate: MS
Advisor: Dr. Schaich
trinatn@rutgers.edu

President

Trina Baptista completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science with a minor in Chemistry from Rutgers University in New Brunswick. Her proudest academic moment was being the recipient of the James J. Winston award for Food Chemistry. She is currently pursuing her M.S. in Food Science with a concentration in Food Chemistry working with Dr. Schaich. Her thesis research is on characterizing proteins and their chemical, functional, and allergenic properties of plant seeds. Additionally, she is a part-time lecturer for Dr. Ponnusamy's multiple courses. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking and developing new flavors for kombucha, ginger beer, and snacks.

Favorite Food: Bouillabaisse

Hayley Palmer

Hayley Palmer
Candidate: PhD
Advisor: Dr. Roopchand
hayley.palmer@rutgers.edu

Vice President

Hayley Palmer has been a member of the Food Science GSA since 2022. She received her Bachelor of Science in Food Science from the University of California, Davis. She is a 3rd year Food Science student working in Dr. Roopchand's laboratory. She is interested in studying functional foods for human health. Her research is focused on how hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) may improve inflammation, metabolic, and bone phenotypes in women using an ovariectomized mouse model of postmenopause. In her free time she enjoys running, hiking, and spending time outside.

Favorite food: Drunken Noodles

Abdul-Rahman Kharboutli

Abdul-Rahman Kharboutli
Candidate: MS
Advisor: Dr. Takhistov
amk425@scarletmail.rutgers.edu

Secretary

Abdul-Rahman Kharboutli is currently working on his MS in Food Science. He is working with Dr. Takhistov on novel applications of plant proteins. Abdul received his BS in May 2024 from Rutgers University. He has won various departmental awards, as well as an IFT poster competition.

Favorite Food: Chicken

Pooja Shah


Candidate: MS
Advisor: Dr. Karwe
ps1368@scarletmail.rutgers.edu

Treasurer

Pooja Shah is currently pursuing her MS in Food Science. She is working under Dr. Karwe with a focus in Food Engineering, particularly extrusion. She completed her Bachelor of Technology in Chemical Engineering from India in 2023. She is also a part-time lecturer in the Chemistry department, teaching the 'Introduction to Chemistry Lab' course. Apart from her academic interests, she is a huge foodie and enjoys dancing and listening to music.

Favorite Food: Pani Puri (Indian Street Food)

Chenge Wang

Chenge Wang
Candidate: PhD
Advisor: Dr. Schaich
chenge.wang@rutgers.edu

IFT Representative

Chenge Wang is currently a PhD candidate in Food Science with specialization in lipid oxidation, working with Dr. Schaich on the identification and quantification of epoxides in monounsaturated oils. Chenge received my B.S. degrees in both Food Science and Nutritional Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2020, minored in Studio Arts. Chenge has been an IFT member since 2018 and received multiple awards in R&D and research competitions. This year, the goal is to lead Rutgers competition teams to national, so please join the teams and enjoy the hands-on experiences, leadership skills, teamwork dynamics, and long-lasting friendships. (IFTSA website: https://www.ift.org/community/students.

Favorite Food: Fried Rice

Jeffrey Douyere

Jeffrey Douyere
Candidate: PhD
Advisor: Dr. Diana Roopchand
jd1662@scarletmail.rutgers.edu

GRIBS Chair

Hi! I'm Jeffrey Douyere, a second-year Ph.D. student in the food science program. I earned my B.A. in Biochemistry from Earlham College, which I completed in 2021. Prior to pursuing my Master's degree, I gained valuable experience as a Food Safety Specialist at Ingredion. Currently, I am a member of Dr. Roopchand's lab where my research is centered around the gut microbiome and the utilization of substrate specific enzymes capable of deconjugating estrogens. In addition, I also serve as a Teaching Assistant for the Biological Research Laboratory course. After graduation I aspire to contribute to the food industry while exploring my other research interests. Outside of my academic pursuits, I enjoy cooking, playing soccer, going to the gym, and listening to music.

Favorite Food: Soup dumplings

Eric Chan

Eric Chan
Candidate: MS
Advisor: Dr Yam
ec901@scarletmail.rutgers.edu

Social Media Chair

Eric Chan is an MS student in food science planning on specializing in active packaging. After receiving his bachelor's degree in food science in 2023, he decided to continue his studies while conducting research under Dr Yam on food packaging. Eric has had prior experience in product development as an intern at Mondelez International, and as a finalist in the Rutgers Global fat sandwich competition for creating a ramen sandwich. He was also the social media chair for the undergraduate food science club and designed the logo for the 2023 club t-shirt. In his spare time Eric likes to make memes, compose music, and refer to himself in the third person when writing a bio.

Favorite Food: Soup