What will you be investigating this year?
I will be working with a team investigating consumer perception of cell-cultured meat, and specifically looking at the sensory perception of foods and how they are labelled.
How did you become interested in cellular agriculture?
I recently completed a Bachelor of Nutrition Science at Deakin University with a Food Innovation major. I have always been interested in the sustainability and feasibility of protein sources for future generations. So when I was approached for this project I felt it was a great opportunity to really become immersed in the problem and to help understand the barriers to acceptance with such products. Having a varied and broad industry background, this project is exciting as it will give me the opportunity to specialise and put what I have learnt at university into practice. And of course to dust off my lab coat!
How do you see cellular agriculture making a difference in the future?
Huge difference! As long as we can recognise how consumers perceive such advancements in food, in the hope to gauge their barriers of consumption as a way to secure the future. It will also ease the burden of traditional agriculture practices which will correspondingly ease the pressure on the environment.
What are the benefits for you in receiving a CAA seed grant - how might this assist you in your future career?
I am hoping that this will open some doors internationally in a sector that is in its infancy in Australia. Many countries are progressing in cellular technology and bringing this to market, which is really exciting to see. It’s exciting to see how these products are being accepted by consumers, how it is changing the supermarket landscape and the general perception of protein and its future.
