Food Waste and Food Loss

Ozan Ciftci, Kenneth E. Morrison Distinguished Professor of Food Engineering, specializes in developing innovative green technologies for improved food quality and human health. His research aims to advance the fields of food science and food engineering, contributing valuable knowledge and technologies with the potential to reshape future food systems globally. His research program, bridging chemistry, engineering, nutrition and health, aims to provide innovative solutions to food-related health and safety challenges that current technologies struggle to address. Recognized national and internationally, his lab has become a leading force in green food processing. He has been recognized with the LIST International Award in Bioinnovation, among other honors. Topics of expertise include novel food development using green technologies; food engineering for health, green biocatalytic lipid modification, integrated green biorefineries, waste upcycling, food loss and waste, 3D food printing, particle formation and food diversification. (Updated November 2024.)

Sonmez, an associate professor in the supply chain management and analysis program, is prepared to discuss the impact of the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine, both globally and on Nebraska, considering grain farmers, food manufacturers and consumers. Both Ukraine and Russia are major suppliers of wheat to world markets. Wheat is also the third major grain in Nebraska and wheat supply affects markets for corn and soybeans as well. Energy issues come into play because of Russia’s status as a major energy exporter, with a strong connection between energy prices and the costs of farming.