This project develops microbial nanocellulose (MNC) scaffolds as a food-grade, tunable matrix to support cultivated and plant-based proteins. The scholar will establish a rapid, scalable bioprocess workflow, linking fermentation parameters to the resulting scaffold structure and its ability to support protein loading. A parallel component involves applying food-safe functionalizations to modulate the scaffold’s mechanical performance, hydration, and mouthfeel for food application.

This project explores the potential societal implications of the large-scale adoption of alternative proteins across U.S. communities and agricultural systems. The scholar will conduct desk-based research, as well as synthesize peer-reviewed literature and reports to identify impacts on rural livelihoods and workforce development, among other aspects relevant for agri-food communities. In addition, the scholar will conduct a series of informal interviews with NC State Extension specialists and Agents to gather qualitative data on perceptions and challenges of scaling up alternative proteins in NC and/or the US. The scholar will compile major themes from these activities to develop a concise written report and poster presentation.

This project aims to develop edible, food-safe microcarriers (MCs) using a rapid, scalable gas-shearing process for cultivated-protein biomanufacturing. The scholar will optimize food-grade crosslinking systems and assess material properties such as size, mechanical integrity, and swelling behavior. A complementary component involves mapping how processing parameters control the final mechanical, structural, and hydration properties required for large-scale bioreactor performance and quality control.

This project seeks to collect qualitative data on consumer perceptions, attitudes, and reported behaviors related to handling novel alternative protein products. The scholar will be responsible for developing a focus group instrument, assisting with the IRB application, and facilitating 3-4 focus group sessions with consumers. Rigorous qualitative analysis, including the use of NVivo software, will be applied to the transcribed data to identify themes and inform future public health messaging strategies.

This project focuses on applying sustainability assessment methods to emerging alternative protein sources. The scholar will gain practical experience in utilizing established methodologies, specifically Technoeconomic Analysis (TEA) and Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA), to quantify the environmental impacts and evaluate the cost feasibility of selected sustainable protein production processes.

This project focuses on developing scalable, chemically defined culture systems essential for the production of mammalian cells for cultivated meat applications. The scholar will investigate and optimize cost-effective culture media components and their role in cell physiology and growth rates across selected cell types and animal species relevant to the industry.

This project develops and evaluates a digital twin–enabled system for scalable, cultivated meat scaffold manufacturing. The student will build a simplified digital twin framework by integrating Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling, multiphysics simulation (NVIDIA Omniverse), and a ROS2-based cyber-physical system for real-time sensing. The goal is to improve process understanding and control for a selected scaffold fabrication technique.

This project addresses key gaps in the supply chain for plant-based meat. The research will focus on various supply chain aspects, including the sourcing of materials, required manufacturing processes, and logistics. The scholar will work on developing models and performing analysis that will help facilitate industry scale-up and improve overall value chain efficiency for plant-based brands and customers.

This project focuses on engineering 3D biofabrication processes to create scaffolding for cell-cultivated meat applications. The student will work on prototype development and characterization of process-structure-function interactions involved in selected processes to create texturized scaffolding.