Ishka Bless

Ishka Bless

Higher Degree by Research Candidate

School of Agriculture, Food and Wine

Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology


Ishka is a joint PhD candidate at the University of Adelaide and University of Nottingham. Her doctoral research explores sensory-driven strategies for improving consumer acceptance of insects as food. Ishka is also passionate about science outreach and communication. Alongside her research, she can be found regularly presenting at schools and community events.

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 in countries such as Australia and the United Kingdom - limiting their adoption into everyday diet. My research explores sensory-driven strategies for improving consumer acceptance of insects as food in Australia and the United Kingdom. 

  • Journals

    Year Citation
    2024 Bless, I., Bastian, S. E. P., Gould, J., Yang, Q., & Wilkinson, K. L. (2024). Development of a lexicon for the sensory description of edible insects commercially available in Australia. Food Research International, 190, 114574.
    DOI
Year Grant
2021 University of Adelaide Research Scholarship
2022 Charlick Endowment Fund
2022 Inspiring SA Arts and Science Grant
Year Course Role
2022 FOOD SC 3028 Food Sensory Evaluation of Foods Marking
2022 OENOLOGY7019WT Sensory Studies Teaching and marking

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