Ishka Bless
Higher Degree by Research Candidate
School of Agriculture, Food and Wine
Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology
Combining a professional background in social enterprise and community services with undergraduate studies in Food Science and Nutrition (Hons) at UNSW, I am interested in human-centred approaches to sustainable food transitions. I am particularly motivated to address the social, cultural and sensory challenges associated with edible insect consumption in Western food cultures.
As a part of the University of Adelaide-Nottingham Joint PhD Program, my research uses food and consumer science methods to investigate the barriers to and facilitators of entomophagy among Western consumers. Practically, this work aims to inform pathways for increased uptake of edible insects as an alternative protein in Western food cultures.
Entomophagy (the practice of eating insects) may play a significant role in future food security, providing an alternative source of protein with a low environmental footprint. Despite this potential, edible insects have poor acceptance among Western consumers - limiting their adoption into everyday diet. Using the theories of planned behaviour and diffusion of innovation as a theoretical framework, my research will explore the individual, cultural, personal and practical barriers to and facilitators of entomophagy, as well as designing and evaluating consumer-specific intervention strategies for accelerated adoption. The sensory properties of commercially available edible insects will also be established, providing a guidance tool for marketing, consumer education and product development. Practically, this work aims to inform pathways for increased uptake of edible insects as an alternative protein in Western food cultures.
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Appointments
Date Position Institution name 2021 - ongoing PhD Candidate University of Adelaide / University of Nottingham -
Language Competencies
Language Competency English Can read, write, speak, understand spoken and peer review -
Education
Date Institution name Country Title 2021 University of New South Wales Australia Bachelor of Science (Hons) -
Research Interests
University of Adelaide Research Scholarship
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