Dr Susan Tosh from the University of Ottawa, Canada, will be the fourth Harraways 1867 Visiting Professor and visit Otago in June.
International food science researcher Dr Susan Tosh from the University of Ottawa, Canada, has been named as this year’s Harraways 1867 Visiting Professor. She will visit the University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka in June this year.
Dr Tosh, who retired from her role as an Associate Professor in the School of Nutrition Sciences last year, is an expert on the nutritional and physiological effects of dietary fibres, particularly beta-glucans. Beta-glucans are soluble fibres present in cell walls and found naturally in a variety of food sources.
Her research has explored the functional properties of beta-glucan from oats and barley, emphasising their impacts on glycaemic responses, cholesterol levels, and gut health. Dr Tosh’s work has contributed to understanding how dietary fibres can be optimised for functional food development and chronic disease prevention.
Hosted by the Department of Food Science during her time in Dunedin, Dr Tosh’s visit will include presenting a public lecture, leading a series of workshops, and visiting Harraways. She says she’s honoured to be invited to Otago as a Visiting Professor.
“I look forward to meeting with students, professors, and others in the community to share what I have learned during my career about the importance of cereal fibres to human health,” Dr Tosh says.
“I appreciate that Harraway & Sons Ltd, a historic oat milling company, are supporting this endeavour.”
Head of the Department of Food Science, Professor Miranda Mirosa, says Dr Tosh’s visit aligns with the Department’s commitment to collaborating with industry and fostering innovation in the food and agricultural sectors.
“This commitment is supported by our undergraduate majors in Agricultural Innovation and Food Science and our new industry-focused taught masters programme in Food and Agriculture,” Professor Mirosa says.
“Our strong connection with industry, including Harraway and Sons Ltd, ensures that our research and teaching remain relevant and impactful.”
Vice-Chancellor Grant Robertson adds that Otago's expertise in food and agriculture aligns nicely with national priorities and the University is looking forward to welcoming Dr Tosh in June.
“Partnerships like the Harraways 1867 Visiting Professor are essential to strengthening our local, regional and global presence and influence,” Mr Robertson says.
Dr Tosh is the fourth Harraways 1867 Visiting Professor and follows last year’s visit by Professor R Paul Singh, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Food Engineering at the University of California.
Dunedin’s Harraway and Sons Ltd made the annual visit by an eminent scholar possible for five years as part its 150th anniversary of starting operations with a steam-powered flourmill.
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