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​​Chair Elect Candidate​


Jeffrey Scott, Ph.D.
Director
Owned Brand & Insights Team for Food & Beverage




View Statement for SSP​

“Your talent determines what you can do. Your motivation determines how much you are willing to do. Your attitude determines how well you do it.” - Lou Holtz  ​

This quote resonates with me because I believe we all have talents that we develop throughout our careers and with the right guidance we are motivated to achieve our full potential.  Throughout my professional career transitions, I have stayed grounded through involvement in multiple research organizations, and the Society of Sensory Professionals (SSP) has been a key organization that has supported my growth and development throughout my journey from an individual contributor to a strategic, collaborative leader. 

Over the last 3-5 years, there has been a lot of change in research and how organizations leverage it or not to make business decisions.  As the Sensory & Consumer field continues to evolve - I believe we all need to be knowledgeable on the multidisciplinary aspects of Sensory Science (physiology, psychology, statistics, psychophysics) while embracing and learning more about numerous advancements, such as new technologies and methodologies (artificial intelligence/machine learning), data science, market research, and user product sensory experience, that are quickly changing how organizations operate.  We are on the cusp of another BIG transition in sensory research, and I believe we serve a pivotal role in making our field better than how we entered it.  

Society of Sensory Professionals Vision: 

Create a collaborative, strategic, and influential Sensory & Consumer Science community inclusive of new, mid-career, and tenured professionals to sustain and grow the advancement of Sensory & Consumer research by focusing on the following areas:

  • ​Digital Technologies & New Methodologies

    • ​Embracing and taking advantage of new research advancements to contribute to various organizations

    • Understanding Computational Sensory Science

  • Networking & Influencing

    • ​Connecting/networking with professionals across food and non-food business models

    • Developing mentoring opportunities & workshops to develop technical and soft skills

    • Partnering across Sensory research and Market research teams

  • Influence, Value & Impact of Sensory Consumer Teams

    • ​Defining the role of Sensory & Consumer Teams/Role of Sensory & Consumer Scientist 

    • Developing new ways of working cross-functionally

    • Communicating meaningful insights to key stakeholders 


Biographical Statement​

Jeffrey G. Scott, Ph.D. is Director of the Owned Brand & Product Insights Team for Food & Beverage at Target in Minneapolis, MN. Jeffrey has been working in Sensory & Consumer Science for 17 years (spanning across CPG, Vendor/Agency, and Retail). Upon receiving her Doctorate from North Carolina State University, she started her career in the Food Industry at Kraft Foods.  While there, Jeffrey led all sensory research for Cheese & Dairy and Cultured business units in addition to leading executive-level research initiatives to determine the efficacy of bitter blockers for the development of Na reduction products in Grocery, Cracker, and Meat businesses. Then, she joined MOM Brands (currently Post Consumer Brands) leading Sensory for Ready-to-Eat and hot cereals. 

In 2014, Jeffrey joined Food Perspectives, Inc. (currently the National Food Lab) as a Client Service Director where she led/designed research solutions to meet the business needs of a broad range of clients.  This experience served as the impetus to her thinking beyond Sensory & Consumer research and provided depth and breadth to her perspectives and expertise as she took a deeper dive into Insights.  In 2018, Jeffrey joined Target as a Sr. Product Guidance Scientist where she led research across multiple food & beverage categories for Good & Gather (one of the leading Target brands). After a couple of years leading research and the sensory facility operations, Jeffrey was promoted to lead the Product Insights team -- a talented team of researchers that integrate consumer understanding into the development process to guide development and inform business decisions.  Her vision and forward-thinking approach to Insights has helped her team become strategic partners with product development and other key areas of the business to develop, improve, and launch high quality products, packages, and brands that consumers love! 

In addition to her professional focus, Jeffrey is passionate about mentoring and shaping the Sensory & Consumer Science field and helping scientists navigate their careers within their organization and beyond. Her viewpoints on professional development, and mentorship have been shared across several venues: 

  • ​“Building a sustainable career in Sensory & Consumer Science”, 14th Pangborn Sensory Science Symposium Panel (2021) 

  • “Falling into Insights”,  a virtual​ conference and career fair, in collaboration with the White House Initiative on Historically Black College & Universities (2023) 

  • “Driving Sensory Forward: A Call to Action on the Next Phase of Sensory & Consumer Science”, article featured the 2023 IFT SCSD newsletter 

  • “How can cross-functional teams move from competitive work to collaborative problem-solving to achieve successful results?”, IFT Scientific Technical Panel (2024) 

Jeffrey is a member of various professional organizations, through which she enjoys contributing to and elevating the field of research. 

  • ​Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Sensory Consumer Science Division 

  • Society of Sensory Professionals (SSP) – Strategic Planning Committee 

  • American Society for Testing & Materials (ASTM) 

When she is not working, Jeffrey enjoys spending time with her husband and 3 children, cross-country skiing, dancing/singing, and much more! 

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