The San Diego State Alt Protein Project

About

The San Diego State Alt Protein Project is made up of multidisciplinary students of varying educational tracks and programs. Housed in a university committed to social justice and sustainability, our group provides a space for a diverse student population to explore the world of alternative proteins, as well as find ways to get involved and make a difference. We approach the advocacy of alternative proteins with an intersectional mindset, considering the broad range of challenges holding back our current food system from being more just, efficient, and sustainable.

Located in one of the largest biotech and life sciences hubs in the United States, San Diego is ripe with pioneers in the alternative protein space, especially seafood alternatives. We are fortunate to get to bridge connections with these local businesses and individuals to teach us about their work, and of course, taste it too. Holding events with these companies has been an incredible way to bridge the local alternative protein community with the budding student interests at SDSU.

Our faculty advisor, Dr. Changqi Liu, has been instrumental in bringing food science into view at SDSU, and has been working with the project to bring alternative proteins into the educational landscape of the university. With the backing of various professors across many disciplinaries, and a motivated student base, the San Diego State Alt Protein Project is working to make strides at the educational, research, community, and food offering aspects of SDSU.