Food Science Associate Professor Mei Peng (left) with Professor Carolyn Ross at her Sensory Research Lab at the Washington State University.
Sensory science and food psychology researcher, Associate Professor Mei Peng, is one of seven recipients across New Zealand to receive a Fulbright New Zealand 2024 NZ Scholar Award.
Mei began her Fulbright exchange to the United States in August last year, connecting with researchers working at the leading edge of sensory and consumer science.
Over four and half months Mei, who is based in Otago’s Department of Food Science, split her time between the University of California (Berkeley and Davis campuses) and Washington State University.
During the project, which focused on parental decision-making on plant-based food choices, Mei says there were striking differences in feeding practices and consumers’ food choices between the countries.
“These differences are particularly around ideas of health, sustainability, and parental responsibility,” Mei explains. “For example, American parents are generally more accustomed to using convenience and pre-packaged foods, and tend to be more open to processed options, including plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs).
“In contrast, New Zealand parents appear more cautious about introducing novel or highly processed foods, especially when it came to their children. There are often concerns around the nutritional adequacy of PBMAs and a stronger emphasis on keeping foods as close to ‘natural’ or familiar as possible.”
Mei says it was a privilege to connect with researchers as each of these universities is undertaking impressive work in food systems, sustainability, and public health.
“I was also reminded how fortunate we are in Aotearoa to have a food system that still leans towards less processed, fresher options.”
Mei says her daughter Anna Waters “fully embraced the fun of her first real (American) Halloween, complete with costume parades and far too many sweets!”.
Family ties
Making the trip even more special for Mei was the opportunity to travel with her partner, Professor Jon Waters based in the Department of Zoology, and their daughter Anna Waters.
“Anna quickly adapted to her new school – making friends, adopting American slang, and fully embracing the fun of her first real (American) Halloween, complete with costume parades and far too many sweets!”
Mei says a standout on the trip for the family was visiting Yosemite National Park.
“Coming from beautiful Aotearoa, we’re not easily impressed - but Yosemite’s scale and stillness left us in absolute awe.”
Mei says that it was the opportunity to combine moments like these with academic work made the Fulbright experience incredibly special.
“It wasn’t just a professional milestone - it became a rich and memorable chapter for our whānau.
“Being able to compare these different contexts has given me a richer perspective on the challenges and opportunities in the global ever-shifting food environments.”
“It also gave me new ideas and collaborations to bring back to Otago - where I really value the close-knit, collaborative research community we have.”
Kōrero by Guy Frederick (Sciences Communications Adviser)
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