Graduate Student Profile - Han Chen

Han Chen in front of unfinished block PHan Chen successfully defended her Ph.D. dissertation on February 27, 2025. Han is originally from Guangzhou, China. Prior to beginning her journey as a graduate student, she obtained her Bachelor's of Science in Food Science from Purdue University.

Han's dissertation was entitled, "From Past to Present: The Evolution of Food Safety Culture and Current Research and Educational Needs in the Low-Moisture Food Industry". Her research explores the factors and best practices influencing cultural and managerial transformations in food safety. Her studies further identify challenges and needs in food safety training, education and management among various stakeholders in the low-moisture food industry.

Han's mentor was Yaohua "Betty" Feng. Other members of her gradate committee included Yuan Yao, Julia Bello Bravo and Benjamin Chapman.

Han was drawn to Purdue Food Science for her graduate degree for a couple of reasons, stating, "Purdue has a strong food science program with extensive opportunities for both personal and professional development."

During her time at Purdue, Han was a member of the International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) from 2019-2025. In addition to her organizational involvement, Han has received several accolades including:

  • Purdue Ag Graduate Student Research Spotlight, Purdue College of Agriculture, 2025
  • Bilsland Dissertation Fellowship, Office of Interdisciplinary Graduate Programs, 2024
  • Kirleis Graduate Student Award, Whistler Center for Carbohydrate Research, 2021

As for her next giant leap, Han plans to continue her career as a researcher with the goal of generating impactful knowledge and developing practical tools to serve the broader community. As part of the path, she will continue her work as a postdoctoral researcher in the Food Safety Human Factor lab, advised by Betty Feng, in the Food Science department at Purdue.