Ms. Sujita Pandey | Food Waste Reduction | Best Researcher Award
University of Copenhagen - Denmark
Professional Profiles:
Early Academic Pursuits
Sujita Pandey embarked on her academic journey with a strong focus on nutrition and health. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Global Nutrition and Health from Metropolitan University College, Denmark, from 2012 to 2016. During this period, She developed a keen interest in personalized nutrition plans, disease prevention, and health promotion. Her undergraduate studies equipped her with the skills to plan and develop nutritional plans and motivate individuals toward a healthier lifestyle through effective communication, teaching, and management.
Following her undergraduate studies, She pursued a Master's degree in Technology in Integrated Food Studies at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark, from 2018 to 2020. Her MSc program provided her with an advanced understanding of food and consumer science, public health nutrition, and product development. She honed her ability to evaluate and select scientific theories, methods, and tools, and developed innovative solutions and strategies in the food science domain. This phase of her academic journey laid the foundation for her future research endeavors and professional career.
Professional Endeavors
She professional experiences reflect her commitment to advancing food science and nutrition. Since November 2021, she has been a PhD Stipendiat at the Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen. In her current role, She has implemented a nudging intervention to promote plant-based food and reduce food waste in university canteens. Additionally, she is working on developing environmentally friendly and nutritional plates, showcasing her dedication to sustainability and health.
Before her PhD, Sujita gained valuable industry experience as a Product Specialist Intern at Up Food in Copenhagen from August to October 2021. During this internship, she developed new value products from upcycled food ingredients, ensuring they met international food safety standards and had a minimal CO2 footprint. She also conducted consumer acceptance tests for these products, bridging the gap between food innovation and consumer preferences.
From July 2019 to September 2020, Sujita worked as a Nutritionist at GUTXY in Copenhagen. In this role, she designed meal ideas and recipes to improve gut health, conducted dietary assessments, carried out nutritional research, and created educational materials for customers. Her work at GUTXY, which included writing nutrition articles for the company's blog, demonstrated her ability to translate scientific knowledge into practical advice for improving health.
Contributions and Research Focus on Food Waste Reduction
Her research focuses on evaluating food loss and waste prevention opportunities through innovative technological and non-technological solutions. As part of her PhD work at the University of Copenhagen, she is exploring regenerative circular food systems, aiming to create sustainable and efficient food production and consumption patterns. Her research is driven by a commitment to sustainability and the reduction of environmental impact in the food industry.
In her professional roles, Sujita has contributed to the development of environmentally friendly food products and promoted plant-based diets. Her work on nudging interventions to encourage sustainable food choices in university canteens reflects her dedication to influencing consumer behavior toward healthier and more sustainable eating habits.
Accolades and Recognition
Sujita Pandey's academic and professional achievements have been recognized through several prestigious awards. She received scholarships from the Danish Ministry of Higher Education and Science and the Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Higher Education. These scholarships acknowledge her academic excellence and potential to make significant contributions to the field of food science and nutrition.
Impact and Influence
Throughout her career, Sujita Pandey has had a significant impact on both the academic and professional spheres of food science and nutrition. Her research on food waste prevention and sustainable food systems contributes to the broader efforts to combat climate change and promote environmental sustainability. By developing innovative food products with a minimal carbon footprint, she is helping to shape a more sustainable food industry.
In her role as a nutritionist, She has influenced the dietary habits of numerous individuals, promoting gut health and overall well-being. Her educational materials and blog articles have reached a wide audience, disseminating valuable information on nutrition and health.
Legacy and Future Contributions
Looking ahead, She aims to continue her research and professional endeavors in food science and nutrition. She is committed to advancing knowledge and developing innovative solutions that promote sustainability, health, and well-being. She legacy will likely include significant contributions to reducing food waste, promoting plant-based diets, and creating sustainable food systems.