Science of Alt Protein: Production of animal fat substitutes by yeasts
Dr. Kyria Boundy-Mills
Curator, Phaff Yeast Culture Collection, Department of Food Science and Technology, University of California Davis
Webinar description
Applied uses of yeasts have expanded well beyond beer, bread, and wine. This talk will focus primarily on Dr. Boundy-Mills’ research on yeasts that convert inexpensive substrates into oils. This includes substitutes for animal fat and tropical oils for meat substitutes, renewable alternatives to petroleum, and a new class of glycolipid biosurfactants. Her research program uses the more than 1,500 species in the Phaff Yeast Culture Collection at UC Davis, plus over 60 years of unpublished data. By using her knowledge of yeasts in general, and the collection’s specimens and data, partnerships with industry have resulted in the discovery of yeasts useful for a broad range of basic and applied uses.
Meet the speaker
Dr. Kyria Boundy-Mills
CURATOR, PHAFF YEAST CULTURE COLLECTION, DEPARTMENT OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA DAVIS
Dr. Kyria Boundy-Mills earned her Ph.D. in biochemistry at the University of Minnesota, studying one gene of one yeast species. After postdoctoral fellowships in microbial ecology there and at North Carolina State University, she relocated to UC Davis and partnered with yeast microbiologist and emeritus professor Dr. Herman Phaff. She realized how much she DIDN’T know about yeasts, and absorbed just a fraction of his considerable enthusiasm for yeasts. She took over the management of the collection when Dr. Phaff passed away in 2001. As steward of this 100-year-old collection, she rescued and upgraded the collection, expands it through acquisitions, uses it in her own research program, and amplifies basic and applied use of the collection worldwide.
Upcoming events
View all events
Methane mitigation and nutrition security: achieving global sustainability requires both
A webinar focusing on the food industry’s efforts to reduce methane emissions and how these cannot compromise access to affordable, nutritious food.
Alternative Fats & Oils Summit
Create a roadmap for your alternative fat strategy by weighing the potential of different alternative fats in various end products, including meat analogues, dairy, and seafood.
The Future of Protein Production Chicago
Join Laine Clark, GFI senior corporate engagement manager – innovation, for a presentation on non-dilutive funding.
Alt Protein Pipelines: Rethinking curriculum design with a startup mindset
Discover how university course offerings are evolving to meet the increasing demand for trained professionals in the alternative protein field. Join us to learn from a pioneering team shaping innovative…
GFI Research Grant Program RFP Collaborative Mixer
Interested in finding collaborators for GFI’s 2024 RFP? Bring your project ideas to our virtual collaborative mixer and find a partner to enhance your proposal.
GFI Research Grant Program RFP Collaborative Mixer
Interested in finding collaborators for GFI’s 2024 RFP? Bring your project ideas to our virtual collaborative mixer and find a partner to enhance your proposal.
Food Label Conference
Join Prime Label Consultants in Washington DC June 2 – 5th to make sure you are current on new and evolving regulations and industry trends. Keynote speakers and complete breakout…
Ask GFI: Alt Protein Careers
Join us to explore academic and industry careers in alternative protein. Learn how you can apply your skills to this exciting and thriving field!
