April Seminar - Dr. Yagmur Yegin
Research Engineer
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
6:30 - 7:30 pm
University of St. Thomas
Center for Science and Health Professions
Room 251/252
4109 Yoakum Blvd.
Houston, TX 77006
Register to Attend In Person
Light refreshments will be provided
Seminar Flyer
Event Poster
Sustainable Solutions to Combat Food Waste and Enhance Food Safety
As the global population approaches 10 billion by 2050, the need for sustainable solutions to ensure food security has never been more urgent. Alarmingly, one-third of all food produced is wasted each year due to spoilage, safety concerns, and inefficiencies along the food supply chain. This waste not only threatens food security but also contributes significantly to environmental degradation.
Dr. Yegin’s research focuses on innovative, sustainable solutions to address these pressing issues. One area of her work involves the development of superhydrophobic, water-repelling surfaces for food contact areas. These surfaces help reduce the spread of harmful bacteria and pathogens, making food handling environments cleaner and safer. Additionally, Dr. Yegin has worked on safer, chlorine bleach-free food sanitizers, replacing traditional sanitizers with polymer-based alternatives that create a protective, long-lasting barrier on food surfaces. These alternatives not only maintain effective sanitation but also reduce chemical risks, contributing to a safer and more sustainable food system. Another focus of her research is the development of biodegradable edible antimicrobial coatings. These coatings protect food from microbial spoilage, extending its shelf life while also eliminating plastic waste, offering an eco-friendly solution to food preservation.
Through these innovations, Dr. Yegin’s research contributes to reducing food waste, enhancing food safety, and fostering a more sustainable food system to meet the challenges of a growing global population
Biography: Dr. Yegin is an engineer specializing in sustainability-driven innovations. Her strong focus is on food waste reduction, sustainable materials, and process optimization. Her expertise spans the chemical and food industries, where she has developed cost-effective solutions that enhance efficiency while driving meaningful environmental impact.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in food engineering before continuing her master’s and Ph.D. studies at Texas A&M University, developing deep expertise in sustainable systems, food safety solutions, and interdisciplinary research. Her postdoctoral research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) focused on environmentally friendly antimicrobial films, biodegradable edible packaging, and innovative nano/microparticles to replace intentionally added microplastics in consumer product formulations. She has also worked on strategies to reduce food waste through advanced preservation technologies and circular economy approaches.
Dr. Yegin has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards for her contributions to sustainability and food engineering, including the Outstanding Graduate Student and Academic Excellence Award from Texas A&M University, the Susan M. Arseven ‘75 Make-A-Difference Memorial Award from Women in Science and Engineering (WISE), recognition as an American Chemical Society (ACS) Sustainability Star, and as an Industry Leader and Honored Listee by Marquis Who’s Who. She has authored over 30 peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and patents focused on sustainable food systems and materials science.
Outside of her professional work, Dr. Yegin enjoys cooking, road trips, spending time with her family, volunteering for food waste reduction initiatives, supporting educational voluntary activities, and mentoring.
