Priscila D. Santiago-Mora, Ph.D.
Mobile, Alabama, United States of
America
Researcher & Food Scientist
Experience
Boise State University
Post-doctoral
Researcher / October, 2021 —
June, 2024
Conduct independent and
collaborative research
initiatives in the Department
of Chemistry &
Biochemistry at Boise State
University, focusing on
food-related industry-driven
projects. Manage primary
grant-funded projects,
including snack improvement
utilizing Pulsed Electric
Fields (PEF) ($387,170.00
awarded), wine improvement
using PEF technology
($165,780.00 awarded), and
metabolomic and quality
effects of smoke on potato
crops ($125,000.00 awarded).
Optimize the novel processing
technology, Pulsed Electric
Fields (PEF), to enhance
food-related processes and
product quality. Analyze and
interpret research findings,
comparing actual and expected
results to identify deviations
and propose solutions.
Evaluate existing research and
modeling techniques,
recommending improvements to
ensure quality and
productivity. Prepare
comprehensive documentation of
research activities, adhering
to data management protocols.
Instituto Tecnológico y de
Estudios Superiores de
Monterrey
Researcher / January, 2012 —
October, 2017
Conducted extensive research
on Mexican native plants and
foods to identify
phytochemicals with potential
preventive and therapeutic
properties for chronic
degenerative diseases such as
diabetes, inflammation,
cholesterol, and cancer.
Implemented advanced
techniques for the extraction,
identification, and isolation
of phytochemicals, as well as
in-vitro and animal testing in
a laboratory setting.
Investigated the mechanisms by
which phytochemicals prevent
or treat chronic degenerative
diseases, utilizing
nutrigenomic techniques and
analyzing the nutraceutical
capacity of fruit-based foods.
Maintained accurate and
detailed records of research
procedures, results, and
observations, ensuring the
integrity and reproducibility
of the study. Collaborated
with a research group,
actively participating in
discussions, sharing insights,
and contributing to the
overall progress of the team.
Adjunct faculty (Chemistry
& Food Chemistry) / August, 2012 —
May, 2015
Delivered engaging lectures
and workshops on Chemistry and
Food Chemistry at the
undergraduate level, fostering
a dynamic and interactive
learning environment.
Collaborated with colleagues
in the development of teaching
materials, ensuring the
delivery of high-quality and
up-to-date content to
students. Mentored students on
an individual basis, providing
guidance and support to
enhance their understanding
and academic performance.
Participated actively in
academic activities, including
seminars, departmental
collaborations, and
institutional events,
contributing to the overall
growth and development of the
institution. Developed and
implemented innovative
teaching strategies, resulting
in improved student engagement
and learning outcomes.
Maintained clear and concise
communication with students
and colleagues, avoiding
technical jargon to ensure
understanding by all
stakeholders.
University of the Pacific
Fulbright Research
Scholar / May, 2015 —
May, 2016
Conducted groundbreaking
research at the University of
the Pacific, Department of
Physiology and Pharmacology,
investigating the cellular and
molecular mechanisms
underlying cardiovascular
impairment in female diabetic
rats. Utilized berrycactus
extract as a novel therapeutic
approach, aiming to restore
cardiovascular protection in
diabetic rats. Designed and
executed experiments,
collecting and analyzing data
to draw meaningful conclusions
and contribute to the field of
cardiovascular research.
Collaborated with a team of
researchers, sharing insights
and expertise to enhance the
quality and impact of the
study. Maintained accurate and
detailed records of
experimental procedures,
ensuring reproducibility and
facilitating future research.
Followed strict ethical
guidelines and safety
protocols, ensuring the
well-being of research
subjects and the integrity of
the study.
Food Physics
Director of PEF
applications / October, 2021 —
June, 2024
Serve as the Director of PEF
Applications, bridging the gap
between product applications
and machine service work in
the food and agricultural
processing industry. Apply
extensive knowledge and
expertise in Pulsed Electric
Field Processing to design and
conduct test trials, analyze
data, and issue comprehensive
trial reports. Collaborate
closely with customers in the
Food Physics Applications Lab,
providing expert guidance and
support to ensure successful
implementation of PEF
technology. Manage projects
effectively, overseeing all
aspects of trial execution,
including installation and
training at customer sites.
Supervise and maintain
accurate experimental
documentation, ensuring
compliance with industry
standards and best practices.
Conduct in-depth analysis and
interpretation of PEF
application reports, comparing
actual results with expected
outcomes, and proposing
solutions to correct any
deviations.
Spring Hill College
Assistant Professor / August, 2024 —
Present
Research Expertise
Food Science
Analytical Chemistry
About
Priscila D. Santiago-Mora is a highly
educated and experienced food industry
researcher with a passion for the food
industry. She completed her Ph.D. in
Engineering Sciences with a focus on
Agri-food Biotechnology in 2017. After
completing her Ph.D., Priscila worked
as a post-doctoral researcher at Boise
State University, where she continued
to expand her knowledge and expertise
in food science. She also worked as a
researcher and adjunct faculty member
at the Instituto Tecnológico y de
Estudios Superiores de Monterrey,
where she taught chemistry and food
chemistry courses and conducted
research on food processing and
preservation techniques. In 2015,
Priscila was awarded a Fulbright
Research Scholarship and spent a year
conducting research at the University
of the Pacific in Stockton,
California. Currently, Priscila is the
Director of PEF applications at Food
Physics, a company that specializes in
innovative food processing
technologies. She is responsible for
developing new applications for pulsed
electric fields in the food industry
and ensuring that the technology is
safe and effective for food
processing. Priscila's extensive
education and diverse research
experience have allowed her to become
an expert in the field of food
processing and its applications in the
food industry. She is passionate about
finding innovative and sustainable
solutions for food processing and
preservation, and her fluency in
Spanish and English makes her a
valuable asset.