PPIC Staff and Researchers

Pam Ismail, Ph.D., PPIC Founder and Director, [email protected]

Dr. Pam Ismail is the Founder and Director of the Plant Protein Innovation Center and is a Professor at the Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota. Dr. Ismail is a leading expert in protein chemistry, functionality, and ingredient innovation. Spanning three decades of experience, Dr. Ismail bridges the gap between basic research and practical application. As a "mid-field" player, she strategically links upstream and downstream practices, while optimizing plant protein prospects by leveraging their natural strengths. Through PPIC, Dr. Ismail has built a globally recognized hub that accelerates industry–academic collaboration and advances the next generation of plant proteins across the entire value chain. Her passion for the field is matched only by her dedication to her students, evidenced by her ‘Distinguished Teaching’ and ‘Outstanding Professor’ awards.

Dr. Karthik Pandalaneni joined PPIC in November 2020 as Manager of Operations and assumed the role of Assistant Director in June 2022. As the Assistant Director of PPIC, he oversees research projects, conducts member relationships, and coordinates PPIC events and communications. Additionally, Karthik seeks out research funds for the center from federal and state commodity groups, and develops research grant proposals. Prior to working for PPIC, he was a Global Application Scientist. He completed his Ph.D. in Food Science from Kansas State University (2018). 

Chenfeng Lu is passionate about commercialization of novel technologies for a healthy and sustainable food future. Before joining PPIC he was an entrepreneur managing a portfolio that includes funding from NSF, MN state and global VCs. Dr. Lu has been active in driving circular economy frameworks, notably developing mycelium-derived ingredients and engineering recombinant muscle proteins to resolve techno-functional barriers in food and adjacent industries. His prior work experience includes serving as a scientist with the Cargill and Yield 10 Biosciences. Chenfeng Lu holds a Ph.D. in Food Science from Univ. Of Wisconsin-Madison, as well B.S. and M.S. in bioengineering from Jiangnan Univ (China). In his spare time, he likes to travel, golf and spend time with his family. 

Echo Crawford joined PPIC in the Research Project Manager role in 2024. She graduated from the University of Georgia with a M.S. in Food Science, researching how processing conditions and hydrocolloid addition influenced the functional properties of Aquafaba (the cooking water from chickpeas) and optimizing it for use as an egg substitute in cake. After graduating, Echo worked as a project coordinator for a safety and regulatory compliance consulting group before spending time working in Quality and Operations for a dietary supplement company. Echo has had a longstanding passion for animal protein substitutes and an ongoing interest in new and sustainable plant-based foods. 

Taylor Otness joined PPIC as a Research Specialist in June 2023 after earning his B.S. in Food Science and Nutrition from the University of Minnesota. As an undergraduate, he researched cereal grains and the effects of non‑thermal processing on wheat and intermediate wheatgrass functionality. He was promoted to Operations Manager in June 2024, overseeing equipment operation, maintenance, and acquisition, and leading pilot‑plant production of protein ingredients. Taylor is passionate about sustainable food systems and enjoys spending time outdoors, with hobbies including camping, disc golf, rock climbing, and snowboarding.

Adiella joined PPIC in February 2021 in an administrative role. She holds a Bachelor of General Studies in Education from Simon Fraser University, a program that gave her a strong foundation across the arts and sciences. She spent six years teaching in Brazil and England, while also editing Food Science and Engineering research papers. Her experience in the classroom—including a year of online teaching during COVID—shaped her appreciation for clear, visually engaging communication. She brings that creative perspective to PPIC through website updates, visual organization, and the development of promotional materials.

Sarah joined PPIC in March 2021, supporting Director Dr. Pam Ismail in cultivating relationships with external stakeholders in plant protein research. She retired to Oregon after a 28‑year career in corporate R&D, most recently serving as Director of Product Development at Hill’s Pet Nutrition. She previously held scientist and management roles at Mead Johnson Nutritionals, contributing to major fat, protein, and hydrocolloid technology initiatives. Her work has led to successful product launches and multiple patents. Sarah is a past President of the Oregon Section of IFT and holds M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Food Science from the University of Illinois and a B.S. from the University of the Philippines.

Dilek Uzunalioglu, Ph.D., Advisor, Technology & Ecosystem Development, [email protected]

Dilek Uzunalioglu collaborates with PPIC to strengthen partnerships across start-ups, industry, and academia; develop technology landscape maps; support workshops; and build mentoring programs that advance innovation in alternative proteins. She brings over 20 years of global R&D leadership experience from roles at Ingredion and Motif FoodWorks, guiding technical teams and major innovation initiatives. Now a consultant, she supports start-ups in ingredient technology, product development, and food processing. Dilek has commercialized diverse ingredients and products and authored multiple patents and publications. She holds a Ph.D. in Food Science from Rutgers University and B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Food Engineering from METU.

Sarra joined PPIC in August 2023 as an intern and became a Researcher I in 2026. She holds a Master of Science in Food Safety and Microbiology from the American University of Beirut, where she researched microbial food safety and antimicrobial resistance in the food chain. She also earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology (Honors) from the Lebanese American University. Sarra completed both degrees through the fully funded MEPI Tomorrow’s Leaders scholarship and spent a semester at the University of California, Berkeley. Her graduate work in the Food Microbiology Lab strengthened her expertise in research design, laboratory methods, and AMR-focused studies.  

Matheus Gouveia, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Researcher, [email protected]

Matheus joined PPIC in November 2023 as a Researcher III after completing an exchange program at the University of Minnesota, where he worked in Dr. Gary Reineccius’s flavors lab. He has extensive experience with proteins and enzyme-related research, including work on protease extraction and characterization from Aspergillus during his undergraduate studies. Matheus earned his M.S. and Ph.D. in Food Engineering from UNICAMP, focusing on improving rice protein functionality for microencapsulation. His recent publications explore rice protein hydrolysates in emulsions and anthocyanin retention. He has contributed to multiple projects on vegetable protein modification. In his free time, he enjoys basketball, the gym, and Brazilian football.