Carbohydrate Function & Application Lab

Dr. Simsek joined the faculty at Purdue University and the Department of Food Science on July 1, 2021. She serves as the Head of the Department of Food Science and is Dean's Chair in Food Science. Her research focuses on the integration of cereal quality with the structure-function relationships of carbohydrates; expanding utilization of grain-derived and carbohydrate functional ingredients in the baking industry, value-adding strategies for cereal and legume by-products; and the investigation of carbohydrates and fiber components of grains and legumes to increase utilization while finding new and innovative applications for carbohydrates in the food industry.

In August 2021, Kristin joined the Department of Food Science at Purdue University as a Sr. Research Associate in Dr. Senay Simsek’s group. Kristin Whitney completed her BS in Food Science and MS in Cereal Science at North Dakota State University. She previously worked in the Department of Plant Sciences at NDSU as a research specialist in the Carbohydrate Chemistry and Wheat Quality group. Kristin assists with research projects related to structure-function relationships of carbohydrates and grain macromolecules. She is responsible for coordinating research projects and sample analyses related to crop utilization, carbohydrate functionality, and functional ingredients in baking.

Laila joined the Department of Food Science at Purdue University as a Postdoctoral Research Associate in September 2022. Previously, Laila worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Adelaide, Australia, where she worked on the development of biodegradable active food packaging film. Laila completed her PhD from Monash University, Australia, in developing biodegradable, renewable nanocellulose superabsorbent for personal care products, food packaging and biomedical applications. Currently, Laila is working on extraction, functionalization and surface modification of hemp fibers and quantifying their structure-property relationship to produce new and innovative value-added products for the food industry. Laila is very enthusiastic about developing new materials and playing with their structure to tune the specific properties while maintaining environmental sustainability. 

Elise graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Food Science and Technology in May 2023. She joined the Simsek Lab in June 2023 as a Research Assistant in the Department of Food Science. Elise studied Spanish and completed her minor after studying for 2 months in Mallorca, Spain. Previously, she worked on projects concerning the gut microbiome, anti-inflammatory plant bioactives, and effects of polysaccharide fermentation in the colon. Elise is enthusiastic to work on the team to study and report on new carbohydrate functional ingredients and apply her baking knowledge to new projects.

Taylor is currently a junior studying Food Science and Biochemistry. Taylor joined Dr. Simsek’s team in November of 2021. Since then, she has assisted in the research on a 3-D food printer and developed methods for automating specialized food techniques and practices. Taylor is interested in how this technology can be applied to a broader scope of food science.

Riley is from Wisconsin and came to Purdue as an undergrad in 2020. Riley became a part of Dr. Simsek’s team in October of 2022. He has assisted in the research and upkeep of the lab. He hopes to continue to learn about research and techniques behind it.