Food Waste and Food Loss

Ozan Ciftci, Kenneth E. Morrison Distinguished Professor of Food Engineering, specializes in developing innovative green technologies for improved food quality and human health. His research aims to advance the fields of food science and food engineering, contributing valuable knowledge and technologies with the potential to reshape future food systems globally. His research program, bridging chemistry, engineering, nutrition and health, aims to provide innovative solutions to food-related health and safety challenges that current technologies struggle to address. Recognized national and internationally, his lab has become a leading force in green food processing. He has been recognized with the LIST International Award in Bioinnovation, among other honors. Topics of expertise include novel food development using green technologies; food engineering for health, green biocatalytic lipid modification, integrated green biorefineries, waste upcycling, food loss and waste, 3D food printing, particle formation and food diversification. (Updated November 2024.)

Sönmez, an associate professor in the supply chain management and analysis program, studies capacity management problems that arise with new business models and new technologies. Food and energy supply chains and banking/service operations are specific applications. He offers insights on supply chains, food waste and food security, water scarcity and irrigation and the Turkish Republic. Sönmez has provided commentary on the impact of Ukraine-Russia war, both globally and on Nebraska, considering grain farmers, food manufacturers and consumers. (Updated May 2025)