The Food Science Innovation Hub offers a wide range of services designed to support researchers and industry partners. We provide expertise in sensory testing, shelf-life evaluation, and food microbiology to help companies and innovators improve product quality and safety. Our team supports meat and poultry processing, fermentation, culinology, and food safety initiatives, while promoting sustainable practices and addressing challenges like food insecurity. Through strong industry partnerships, we collaborate on applied research, workforce training, and real-world problem-solving. We also support entrepreneurship by mentoring students and start-ups focused on value-added products and innovative food solutions.

Sensory Testing

Difference testing

Consumer preference testing

Trained descriptive panel

Statistical interpretation and reporting

Product Development

Ingredient solutions for extended shelf-life and improve yield

Federally inspected meat processing capabilities

Microbiological Testing

Spoilage organism detection

Microbiome profiling

Pathogen inoculation and challenge studies

Shelf-Life Testing

Refrigerated and frozen product evaluations

Microbiological, oxidative, and sensory shelf-life studies

Statistical Analysis

Protocol development and experimental planning

Sample size, power analysis, and economic evaluation

Analytical Chemistry

Gas and liquid chromatography for meat and ingredient analysis

Document Preparation

Professional literature reviews

White papers and research summaries

Technical protocol writing

Get In Touch

Food Science Innovation HUB

Dr. Wes Schilling
Professor of Food Science
Willliam L. Giles Distinguished Professor
Reed Family Endowed Professor
Mississippi State University
Fellow of the American Meat Science Association
Email: schilling@foodscience.msstate.edu
Office Phone: (662) 325-9546
Office Address:
Mailstop 9805
Herzer Bldg., Rm 106
Mississippi State, MS 39762

Sadie White
Research Associate II (L,P,S)
Office Phone: (662) 325-7698
Location:
112 James E. Garrison Sensory Evaluation Laboratory

Robin Pigg Wright, MBA
Business Manager, Food Science Innovation Hub
Email: robin.pigg@msstate.edu
Office Phone: (662) 325-2641
Location:
250 Herzer Building, 945 Stone Blvd.