Display Title

Member-at-Large/Scientific Candidate​​​​

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View Statement for SSP

As a candidate running for the Member-at-Large Scientific chair position, my mission is to build upon the successes and strong foundation laid by previous leaders, while innovating on the member experience related to scientific engagement. I aim to: 

• Develop or advance forums (webinars, lunch and learns, workshops, or recorded interviews) for sharing cutting-edge research, technologies, and new approaches in the field of sensory and consumer science. 
• Cultivate a collaborative environment that encourages knowledge exchange and idea sharing among members, building on the spirit of community that has been a feature of SSP. 
• Strengthen partnerships with academia, and technical organizations serving the sensory and consumer research community, focusing on collaborative initiatives that push the boundaries of our field. 
• Leverage my industry experience to connect academic knowledge with practical applications, ensuring the growth of both new and established professionals in our field. 
• Promote diversity and inclusion within our community, ensuring we have a pipeline of different perspectives that will drive innovation and relevance. 

Biographical Statement

Janavi Kumar, an accomplished scientist in Sensory and Consumer Research, currently serves as Associate Principal Scientist - Digital Sensory at General Mills, Inc. She leads future-focused capability development in the Product Guidance and Insights team, spearheading experimentation with new technologies to enhance decision-making. With over 10 years of experience as a Sensory Scientist at General Mills, Janavi has led strategic product and consumer research for various platforms and initiatives. Her educational background includes a B.S. in Genetics from Iowa State University and an M.S. in Food Science, emphasizing Sensory Analysis and Consumer Behavior, from Kansas State University. Janavi's research over the years has spanned from addressing obesity in low-income communities to leveraging data and technology for enhanced product development. She has presented her findings at numerous conferences, including SSP, Pangbourne and Regional Webinars, contributing valuable insights to the field. Combining scientific expertise with innovative technical skills, Janavi is passionate about contributing to the advancement of the field. Her experience in digital transformation and data-driven strategies uniquely positions her to contribute to SSP's future, bridging traditional sensory methods with emerging technologies. 

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