Our Team

Dr. Salwa Karboune, PhD

Associate Professor, Dean of   Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University

Professor Salwa Karboune is a professor in the Department of Food Science and Agricultural chemistry at McGill University. She currently holds the position of the Associate Dean (Research) for the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and the Scientific Director of RITA consortium. She obtained her graduate degree from the University of Marseille, France, in Food Biotechnology. Her main research expertise is in the design and development of new "green" approaches for the synthesis of novel functional food ingredients that can improve the quality and the functionality of food products. Her research program is based on a multidisciplinary approach combining food chemistry, enzyme technology and foodomics and focuses on carbohydrate/protein-based bioactive molecules. Such research is important as the structural and molecular roles of oligo/polysaccharides and proteins in biological systems are increasingly being recognized. Her research work also contributes to the sustainability of the Agri-Food sector by developing innovative biocatalytic approaches to generating highly added value functional ingredients from food-processing by-products. She has also an interest in the development of integrated approaches to translate knowledge into practical applications and new food products.

Post-doctoral Fellows & Research Associates

  • Kelly Light, PhD.

    Postdoctoral fellow 2026-current

    PhD, Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry, BSc Dietetics, Certificate in Food Science; McGill University 

    Goals: To develop my scientific expertise in innovative delivery systems and contribute to the emerging cannabis market in both food based and pharmaceutical applications.

  • Najla Ben Akacha, PhD

    Research Associate 2021-current

    The goal of her research is to advance biotechnology and bioprocess engineering, with a focus on enzymatic technology and food chemistry, while contributing to sustainable biochemistry practices, particularly through innovative methods for synthesizing valuable compounds.

    She is also interested in the biotechnological valorization of agri-food by-products by developing processes for the synthesis and extraction of high-value natural functional ingredients from biomass.

  • Amanda Waglay, PhD

    Research Associate, 2021- current

    Consumer science and sensory evaluation of foods. Protein extraction specifically pilot scale.

    Interest in exploring consumer choice behavior, developing food formulations, and sensory evaluation.

  • Zahra Allahdad, PhD

    Research Associate 2022-current

    My early research focused on food protein modification and non-covalent interactions between proteins and other food components. Recently, I have been involved in developing high-protein beverages, applying natural antibacterial nanoemulsions in food formulations, fabricating heat-stable protein microparticles, utilizing protein fibrils as metal carriers, and valorizing dairy waste into functional ingredients. My goal is to address the practical limitations of food proteins, enhance their functionality, and develop innovative functional ingredients that improve food product quality and sustainability.

  • Lan Liu, PhD

    Research Associate 2019-current (co-supervisor Dr. Stephan Bayen)

    Mass spectrometry-based research platform

    Manager of the Macdonald Mass Spectrometry Platform.

  • Asma Mdimagh, PhD

    Research Associate 2020-current

    PhD & M.c Mathematics, Polytechnique de Montréal; B.Sc Probability & Statistics, Tunisia 

    Analysis of ingredient databases

  • Rasha Aleed Alleed, MSc.

    Research Assistant 2025-current

    Strong academic foundation in food science and hands-on experience in laboratory research. My research focused on cranberry pomace valorization through functional carbohydrate extraction. Passionate about leveraging science to improve quality, safety, and sustainability of food.

  • Farnaz Jozedaemi, MSc.

    Research Assistant 2024-current

    As a research assistant, I have been actively involved in identifying new trends in Food Science and applying them to develop healthy and nutritious food products. My work focuses on carbohydrate- and protein-based bioactive molecules, particularly the structural and molecular roles of oligo- and polysaccharides, as well as proteins, in food and biological systems. My research also includes shelf-life studies, plant-based proteins, and the valorization of food-processing by-products to enhance sustainability. My goal is to apply my expertise to drive innovation in the food industry, contributing to the development of sustainable, functional, and high-quality products.

  • Diana Valeria Rodriguez Hernandez, MSc.

    Research Assistant 2025-current

    Originally from Mexico City. In 2020, I earned my Biotechnology Engineering degree from ITESM in Monterrey, Mexico. I then gained industrial experience in the fermentation industry in Texas, where I developed in-depth expertise in beer and wine production processes.

    Currently, I am completing my Master’s in Food Science under the supervision of Dr. Salwa Karboune. My research focuses on isolating proteins from sustainable plant sources to develop high-quality food ingredients. 

  • Wansong Gu, MSc.

    Research Assistant 2025-current

    MSc. Student (2022-2025);  BSc Food Science, McGill (2018-2022). 

    Goal: After exploring natural ingredients and developing research skills, my goal is to apply scientific research and innovation in food science to develop sustainable and functional food products as part of an R&D team, enhancing both quality and consumer health.

  • Mile Shao, MSc.

    Research Assistant 2025-current

    Background: BSc Food Science and Nutrition (Concurrent), McGill University

     Goal: To work in the R&D sector of the food industry, focusing on the development and application of functional ingredients to create healthier and more accessible food options.

PhD students and candidates

  • Rana Roshanineshat, PhD candidate

    BSc and MSc in Food Technology, Zanjan University

    I am interested in enzyme biotechnology and carbohydrate modification, focusing on enzyme-based solutions to create novel, sustainable and safe food ingredients that enhance functionality and promote overall consumer health.

  • Vanessa Maakaroun, PhD candidate

    Exploring the hidden potential of plant polysaccharides, specifically blueberry pomace, to develop innovative and valuable food ingredients , connecting science and industry.

  • Giovanni Arneldi Sumampouw , PhD candidate

    M.Sc. in Engineering degree in Food Technology from Technical University of Denmark and a B.Sc. degree in Chemical Engineering from Institut Teknologi Bandung, Indonesia. His goal is to develop and implement his knowledge in food science to produce healthy food ingredients in a sustainable manner. He wishes to contribute to the society in the near future through research and teachings in academia environment.

  • Elham Chidar, PhD student

    MSc Analytical chemistry, Iran

    I am deeply engaged in exploring ways to enhance food components particularly with carbohydrates, to improve their functionality through modification strategies for enhanced application in the food industry. My work involves using advanced analytical techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to confirm structural changes and gain deeper insights into the transformation processes. By understanding these modifications at a molecular level, I aim to develop solutions that improve food quality, stability, and overall nutritional benefits. Beyond formulation and analysis, I am also interested in food sustainability—ensuring that advancements in ingredient functionality align with efficient and responsible use of resources.

  • Wenhua (May) Lian, PhD student

    Her research focuses on carbohydrate-active enzymes and the enzymatic modification of carbohydrates, with an emphasis on developing combined enzyme synergy to produce carbohydrates with reduced digestibility in different food system.

MSc. students

  • Cole Arnold, MSc student

    Goals: My goal with research is to improve the sustainability of the food system. I’m also passionate about science communication, specifically about food and nutrition.

  • Jinyang (Sally) Zhao, MSc student

Food Product Development Laboratory

  • Jacqueline Lau, BSc

    Research Assistant 2025-current

    Goal: My goal is to use scientific research and consumer science in food R&D applications, with regards to developing novel products and reformulation to create healthier and more sustainable food products. 

  • Nadia Anthony, BSc student

  • Aimy Couture, BSc student

  • Sierra Lipari, BSc student

  • Alya Nisa, BSc student

  • Asha King, BSc student

Alumni

2026

Kelly Light (PhD)

Diana Hernandez Rodriguez (MSc)

Cole Arnold (Undergraduate)

2025

Rasha Aleed Alleed (MSc)

Mile Shao (MSc)

Wansong Gu (MSc)

Ann Li (MSc Non thesis)

2024

Muriel Wong Min (MSc)

Cindy Nguyen (Undergraduate)

Omid Sadeghpour Marvi (Undergraduate)

Yingqi Zhao (Undergraduate)

2023

Amalie Younes (MSc)

YiNing Dong (MSc)

Lisa LeContellec (MSc Non thesis)

Kiandokht Barari (MSc Non thesis)

Farnaz Jozedaemi (MSc Non thesis)

Mithun Kumar Sarkar (MSc Non thesis)

Alfiya Dilawar Shaikh (MSc Non thesis)

Awena Lidec (Undergraduate)

Omid Sadeghpour Marvi (Undergraduate)

Moïra Noël (Undergraduate)

Yingqi Zhao (Undergraduate)

2022

Rami Bahlawan (MSc)

Elham Chidar (MSc)

Sabrina Cuevas Morales (MSc Non thesis)

Shuyi Shen (MSc Non thesis)

Clotilde Faure (MSc Non thesis)

Nastaran Razmjooyhassankhani (MSc Non thesis)

Jiawen Zhang (MSc Non thesis)

Evelyn Sara Alex (MSc Non thesis)

Destiny Jin (Undergraduate)

Mounyra Morssaoui (Undergraduate)

Mile Shao (Undergraduate)

Yingqi Zhao (Undergraduate)

Lichen Yang (Research Assistant)

2021

Dr Sifeddine Rafik (Postdoctoral Fellow)

Hannah Soares (MSc Non thesis)

Yalan Yu (MSc Non thesis)

Frida Daniela Martínez (MSc Non thesis)

Nitin Arora (MSc Non thesis)

Lamia Zaida (Undergraduate)

Trisha Sackey (Undergraduate)

Estee Ngew (Undergraduate)

Mile Shao (Undergraduate)

Lamia Zaida (Undergraduate)

Anas AlHourani (Undergraduate)

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2020

Dr Eugenio Spadoni Andreani (Postdoctoral Fellow)

Dr Mingqin Li (Postdoctoral Fellow)

Dr Nastaran Khodaei (Postdoctoral Fellow)

Marina Minh Nguyen (MSc)

Nitin Arora (MSc Non thesis)

 Nandini Kodamagge Taranath (MSc Non thesis)

 Diksha Rani (MSc Non thesis)

Muriel Yok Kam Wong Min (Undergraduate)

Kevin Misaiphon (Undergraduate)

Amalie Khaled Hatem Younes (Undergraduate)

Valerie Ivanova (Undergraduate)

Pratibha Sharma (Research Assistant)

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2019

Dr Asma Mdimagh (Postdoctoral Fellow)

Mingqin Li (PhD)

Eugenio Spadoni Andreani (PhD)

Marina Minh Nguyen (MSc)

Mehdi Sirouspour (MSc)

Nitin Arora (MSc Non thesis)

Rami Bahlawan (Undergraduate)

Valeryia Ivanova (Undergraduate)

Kevin Misaiphon (Undergraduate)

Lucas Wise (Undergraduate)

Ningyi Wang (Undergraduate)

Amalie Younes (Undergraduate)

Marika Houde (Research Assistant)

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2018

Dr Lan Liu (Postdoctoral Fellow)

Jin Li (PhD)

Emily Mason (MSc, co-supervision Dr Lamia L’Hocine)

Chloe Derouet (MSc Non thesis)

Heloise Piaud (MSc Non thesis)

Pratibha Pratibha (MSc Non thesis)

Rami Bahlawan (NSERC USRA, Undergraduate)

Kelly Light (NSERC USRA, Undergraduate)

Ningyi Wang (Undergraduate)

  • 2017

    Dr Nausheen Sadiq (Postdoctoral Fellow)

    Andrea Hill (PhD)

    Juan Tamayo Cabezas (PhD)

    Erin Davis (MSc)

    Meng Yuan Chen (MSc)

    Lucas Wise (NSERC USRA, Undergraduate)

  • 2016

    Dr Nastaran Khodaei (Postdoctoral Fellow)

    Marika Houde (MSc)

    Amal Sahyoun (MSc Non thesis)

    Qiao Ling (MSc Non thesis)

    Marina Minh Nguyen (NSERC USRA, Undergraduate)

    Elodie Margarido (Undergraduate)

    Louis Villard (Undergraduate)

  • 2015

    Dr Marya Aziz (Postdoctoral Fellow)

    Nastaran Khodaei (PhD)

    Amanda Waglay (PhD)

    Neeyal Appanah (MSc)

    Afshan Malick (MSc)

    Prabhjot Maan (MSc Non thesis)

    Ravneet K. Gill (MSc Non thesis)

    Loic Bourdon (Undergraduate)

    Sonia Périllat-Amédée (Undergraduate)

  • 2014

    Dr Juan Carrillo Montes (Postdoctoral Fellow)

    Dr Sooyoun Seo (Postdoctoral Fellow)

    Mengxi Li (MSc)

    Audrey Noacco (MSc Non thesis)

    Charlotte de la Rue (Undergraduate)

    Gayae Kim (Undergraduate)

    Laure Salles (Undergraduate)

    She Hi (Research Assistant)

  • 2013

    Sooyoun Seo (PhD)

    Shi He (MSc Non thesis)

    Yi Wang (MSc Non thesis)

    Leanne Willson (MSc Non thesis)

    Sabrina Young (MSc Non thesis)

    Anaïs Bernichan (Undergraduate)

    Elise Bourcier (Undergraduate)

    Marina Orieux (Undergraduate)

    Jing Xin Tian (Undergraduate)

  • 2012

    Feng Tian (PhD)

    Christelle Bou Mitri (PhD, co-supervision Dr S. Kermasha)

    Chia-Ning Chang (MSc Non thesis)

    Chijioke Nwankpa (MSc Non thesis)

    Yi Wang (Undergraduate)

    Abser Imam (Research Assistant)

  • 2011

    Alexis Chatagnier (Undergraduate)

    Feng Guo (Undergraduate)

    Emilie Latournerie (Undergraduate)

    Masumeh Nazanin (Undergraduate)

    Catarina Pietropaolo (Undergraduate)

    Alexis Valadon (Undergraduate)

    Afshan Malick (Research Assistant)

    Sarah Nasr (Research Assistant)

  • 2010

    Lotthida Inthanavong (MSc)

    Jessica Couto (MSc)

    Maria Pflucker (MSc Non thesis)

    Jacques Arthur Ang Houle (Undergraduate)

    Sebastien Haumaitre (Undergraduate)

    Afshan Malick (Undergraduate)

    Sarah Nasr (Undergraduate)

    Francine Ngaleu (Undergraduate)

    Meghan Lalonde (Research Assistant)

  • 2009

    Ankoer Goel (MSc Non thesis)

    Fahad Azam (Undergraduate)

    Sabrina Lu (Undergraduate)

    Sabine Le Neindre (Undergraduate)

    Adeline Bayle (Undergraduate)

    Hêla Hacine-gherbi (Undergraduate)

    Narimane Mati (Undergraduate)

    Nicola Bray (Undergraduate)

    Karen Villarmino (Undergraduate)