Shashwat Damani, Ph.D.

Investigated the relationship between oligosaccharide structures and their taste properties leading to discovery of sweet tasting oligosaccharides with potential applications in low sugar formulations. Optimized multi-step enzyme processing and separation protocols through systematic design of experiments achieving 20% efficiency in oligosaccharide preparation. Built scalable purification workflows integrating chromatography solvent exchange lyophilization techniques producing 98% pure food-grade oligosaccharide fractions for analytical sensory and functional studies. Developed and validated robust analytical methods including HPLC-ELSD NMR reducing end assay GC-MS and MALDI-TOF MS quantifying degree of polymerization branching pattern and glycosidic linkage configurations of carbohydrates. Designed and conducted human psychophysical studies with pharmacological controls across 3 cohorts of 25+ participants confirming the taste receptor pathways activated by the prepared oligosaccharides. Collaborated with 7+ global suppliers to source materials for oligosaccharide preparation leverage supplier expertise for production of pure custom-made reference samples and develop rapid assays to validate procured materials.

Lactalis Group

Sr. Sensory Scientist - Manager track; Sensory Scientist / July, 2017 — August, 2021

Managed sensory operations for the US flagship products valued 250M overseeing 5 descriptive analysis panels factory panels across 3 manufacturing sites and 12+ high impact cross-functional projects. Partnered with manufacturing to implement statistical process controls for continuous improvement and stability in product quality achieving 80% reduction in sensory complaints from consumers and key national retailers. Guided RD product reformulation strategies of 11 SKUs by analyzing sensory and analytical data using statistical models achieving cost reduction shelf-life extension and process optimization leading to 10% in cost savings. Led collaboration of RD marketing and third-party agencies to execute consumer preference studies driving product improvements and achieving 20% increase in consumer preference against category competitors. Delivered actionable insights to executive leadership and global stakeholders by analyzing product functionality and hedonic studies enabling pipeline extension and gaining market share for flagship products. Mentored 3 panel leaders and 2 QA interns enhancing their expertise in sensory methodologies and statistical analysis leading to strengthening sensory testing capabilities and promoting personal and professional growth.

Monell Chemical Senses Center

Research Assistant - Product Development / July, 2016 — June, 2017

Led product innovation efforts for industry stakeholders developing savory broth formulations with 30% less sodium by conducting sensory differentiation and threshold tests.

Links & Social Media

ORCID

Join Shashwat on NotedSource!

Join Now

At NotedSource, we believe that professors, post-docs, scientists and other researchers have deep, untapped knowledge and expertise that can be leveraged to drive innovation within companies. NotedSource is committed to bridging the gap between academia and industry by providing a platform for collaboration with industry and networking with other researchers.

For industry, NotedSource identifies the right academic experts in 24 hours to help organizations build and grow. With a platform of thousands of knowledgeable PhDs, scientists, and industry experts, NotedSource makes connecting and collaborating easy.

For academic researchers such as professors, post-docs, and Ph.D.s, NotedSource provides tools to discover and connect to your colleagues with messaging and news feeds, in addition to the opportunity to be paid for your collaboration with vetted partners.