Sakshi

R&D Food Technologist 3+ years of experience in food formulation, product innovation, experimental design, and commercialization across grain-based, beverage, plant-based, and functional food sectors. Skilled in applied research, pilot-scale trials, ingredient functionality, sensory and physico-chemical analysis, shelf-life evaluation, and data-driven product optimization. Experienced in translating scientific insights into market-ready food products through cross-functional collaboration in academic and industrial environments.

Assistant Professor - Food Technology - Jayoti Vidyapeeth Women's University - Jaipur, India

(2022-11 - 2024-06)

• Spearheaded end-to-end grain-based food product innovation by developing a novel Pearl millet biscuit with 100% wheat flour replacement, achieving highest sensory acceptability scores with improved Protein, iron and carbohydrate nutrition, while delivering a natural gluten-free alternative suitable for gluten-intolerant consumers.
• Developed ready-to-cook chickpea product formulations with improved shelf life by achieving up to 64% water absorption improvement through optimized soaking, autoclaving, and packaging techniques and reduced preparation time by ~95% compared to traditional cooking methods by standardizing a 10-minute hot water re-hydration process, improving practicality and fuel efficiency for end consumers.

Director - Food Distributor - Khandelwal Fruits and Vegetables Private Ltd. - Haryana, India

(2017-08 - 2022-10)

• Led commercialization of a proprietary food preservation technology by coordinating product development, market deployment, and supply chain operations, resulting in a shelf-life extension of up to 30% for fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Collaborated with distributors and business stakeholders to support successful technology adoption and expand recurring commercial partnerships by approximately 40%.
• Coordinated cross-functional activities involving product development, logistics, quality assurance, and customer requirements to support commercialization objectives.

Research Associate - R&D, Department of Fruits and Vegetables - Central Food Technical Research Institute (CFTRI) - Mysore, India

(2017-01 - 2017-07)

• Designed and executed applied research to develop plant-based biochemical fungicide formulations (cinnamaldehyde-based oil-in-water emulsions) for controlling post-harvest anthracnose disease in tomatoes.
• Planned and conducted laboratory experiments involving formulation optimization, food composition analysis, physico-chemical characterization, shelf-life evaluation, and sensory assessment to identify the most effective formulation.
• Analyzed experimental datasets and interpreted research findings to recommend EC-Emulsion Concentrate (0.5%) as the optimum formulation, extending tomato shelf life from 8 to 11 days while maintaining colour, firmness, soluble solids, acidity, sugars, and ascorbic acid.
• Demonstrated commercial scalability through validation for bulk storage, transportation, and domestic and export distribution, supporting successful technology commercialization.

Quality Control Analyst (Co-op) – Research & Development Lab - Patanjali Food & Herbal Park PVT. LTD - Haridwar, India

(2016-05 - 2016-06)

• Conducted physico-chemical and sensory analysis of beverage and functional Ayurvedic juice products, ensuring quality, taste, and stability.
• Quantified active compounds using HPTLC and validated product consistency in accordance with established quality standards.
• Gained hands-on experience operating processing and packaging equipment for beverage applications, supporting efficient production workflows.

Quality Control Analyst (Co-op) – Research & Development Lab - SAFAL, Mother Dairy Fruit & Vegetable PVT. LTD. - New Delhi, India

(2015-07 - 2015-08)

• Supported production and quality teams during beverage and dairy product processing.
• Conducted routine quality testing and assisted with process monitoring during the Banana Ripening Project.
• Ensured compliance with quality specifications and food safety requirements.

Master of Technology - Food Technology - Jayoti Vidyapeeth Women's University (2017-11)

Bachelor of Technology - Food Technology - Jayoti Vidyapeeth Women's University (2016-11)