2025 AOCS Meeting (American Oil Chemists’ Society)
Event description
The annual AOCS Meeting brings together experts from diverse disciplines to explore the latest science and technology shaping the fats, oils, proteins, surfactants, and related industries. With 80+ sessions across 10 interest areas, plus special presentations on trending industry topics, networking events, and receptions, the conference offers a rich platform for learning and collaboration.
We’re excited to share that two members of GFI’s Science & Technology team will be presenting new research at the meeting. Lead scientist Priera Panescu Scott, Ph.D., will present a GFI analysis describing the land use efficiency and restoration opportunities of diversifying American protein sources with alternative proteins—key to advancing U.S. climate and biodiversity goals. Senior lead scientist Nikhita Mansukhani Kogar, Ph.D., will share insights from a recent life cycle assessment examining the environmental impact of plant-based meats made with different ingredients and methods.
Join Priera and Nikhita for these insightful presentations and connect with leaders driving innovation in sustainable protein!
Event location
Meet the speakers
Nikhita Mansukhani Kogar, Ph.D
Nikhita is focused on the technical landscape of plant-based proteins and how to expand their impact and adoption. Prior to joining GFI, Nikhita worked in food and biotech product development, most recently as an Innovation Scientist at Beyond Meat. While at Beyond, she led flagship product development projects from the fundamental research stage through formulation and scale-up. She holds a bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a Ph.D. in materials science and engineering from Northwestern University.
Priera Panescu Scott, Ph.D.
Priera’s role at GFI focuses on accelerating the plant-based meat industry through analyzing their plant-based protein landscape, identifying emerging technological solutions and bottlenecks, and communicating with other scientists about advancing alternative protein research. Priera has bachelor’s degrees in chemistry and math from the University of California, Santa Cruz as well as a master’s and a doctorate in organic chemistry from the University of California, Los Angeles. Prior to joining GFI, Priera spent almost a decade focusing on polymer, formulation, and materials chemistry research. Particularly, she honed these skills for food security applications by creating novel sustainable agriculture materials and compounds.
Upcoming events
View all events
New Proteins webinar
Join GFI’s Abby Sewell for a look at how hybrid and diversified protein strategies are shaping the future of food.
Future of Food: Engaging Agriculture and Education in the Protein Transition
GFI’s Jeremy Eltz and Janie Butler are heading to Tuskegee to lead a dynamic workshop at the Professional Agricultural Workers Conference.
The Business of Alt Protein: Green Financing for Alternative Proteins—Introducing the Climate Bonds Alternative Proteins Criteria
Join GFI’s next Business of Alt Protein webinar featuring a deep dive on the Climate Bonds Initiative’s new Alternative Proteins Criteria.
Plant Based World Expo
Join GFI’s Corporate Engagement Manager Abby Sewell at Plant Based World Expo, the only professional 100% plant-based trade event in the U.S.
The 7th Industrializing Cultivated Meat & Seafood Summit
GFI’s Elliot Swartz, Ph.D., will share insights at the 7th Industrializing Cultivated Meat & Seafood Summit in Boston. Join Elliot and other experts as they discuss R&D innovations that can…
Alt Protein Pipelines: Training for commercialization with production facility partnerships
Join us to explore an innovative partnership that is helping students turn classroom learning into commercial-ready innovation.
Amino acid cost and supply chain analysis for cultivated meat: Pathways to more affordable, scalable, and sustainable protein production
Explore new findings from a first-of-its-kind analysis.
Building Your Alt Protein Career
Discover academic and industry career paths in the alternative protein sector, and get inspired by real-world experiences and actionable advice from our guest speaker.
