Dr James Cowley

I am an early career researcher currently working as a Food Product Development Fellow for the School of Agriculture, Food and Wine. The goal of our program is to complement University of Adelaide's plant breeding programs by developing new and innovative food products and processes for these breeding outputs.

I have expertise in the areas of plant science and food science. I recently (Oct 2020) completed my PhD in the School of Agriculture, Food and Wine under the supervision of Prof. Rachel Burton and Dr Tina Bianco-Miotto where I explored natural variation in the seed composition of the Plantago genus as a source of novel food ingredients and nutritional supplements. Following my PhD I worked for three years on an ARC Linkage Project developing breeding and characterisation technologies for psyllium (Plantago ovata).

My research interests are focussed on the valorisation of novel and underutilised crops including Plantago, Salvia, industrial hemp and sorghum. We know our favourite novel crops could never replace wheat or rice, but I am interested in how we could supplement traditionally nutrient-poor staples like bread or pasta with these incredibly nutrient-dense seeds that could be produced on marginal lands of Australia. I also have a keen interest in the relationship between dietary fibre structure and both in-food and in vivo functions.

I am very passionate about science education, science communication (follow me on twitter at @jamesmcowley!) and citizen science. In 2017, I was honoured to be recognised by the University of Adelaide for my work with Children's University's Regional Lecture Series program and awarded the Vice Chancellor's Student Volunteer of the Year Award. Watch the video below by Children's University Australia where I talk about study, making mistakes and following your passion.