Setareh Tavakkoli: bridging cultures and advancing food science

Setareh Tavakkoli’s journey into the world of food science is one deeply rooted in both passion and purpose. From a young age, the kitchen was her favorite classroom. Long before she entered any formal lab, she spent countless hours experimenting with flavors, textures, and ingredients, captivated by the way food could transform not just a meal, but a mood, a memory, and even a moment of connection. What began as a childhood fascination with cooking gradually evolved into a scientific curiosity: Why do certain ingredients behave the way they do? How can we improve food quality, safety, and nutrition at a deeper level?

This curiosity led Setareh to pursue a bachelor’s degree in food science and technology at the Isfahan University of Technology in Iran. There, she immersed herself in the fundamentals of food processing, microbiology, quality control, and nutrition. Determined to expand her horizons and engage with global perspectives on health and food systems, she went on to earn her master’s degree in food and health at the University of Padua in Italy, an experience that proved transformative both academically and personally.

Her academic path was not without its hurdles, but challenges only strengthened Setareh’s resolve. With a foundation in scientific methodology and a growing interest in health-focused research, she found herself drawn toward the intersection of sustainability, food chemistry, and public health. She especially enjoyed exploring how individual components, like phytochemicals and micronutrients, play critical roles in the flavor, stability, and nutritional value of food.

Setareh's hands-on research experience is a cornerstone of her work. Among her proudest achievements is co-authoring a peer-reviewed scientific article in the journal Plants, where she and her colleagues investigated the bioactive properties of chlorophylls derived from sugar beet leaves, an underutilized by-product of food processing. This project reflected not only her technical skills in laboratory research but also her commitment to sustainability and circular food systems. Turning food waste into functional ingredients is a theme she continues to explore with both scientific rigor and creative enthusiasm.

In addition to her research, Setareh is passionate about science communication and content creation. She currently works as a content writer at Meer, where she brings complex scientific topics to life in an engaging, relatable way for a wider audience. Her goal is to make food science accessible and inspiring, not only to professionals and students in the field but also to anyone who wants to better understand the food they eat and the systems that produce it.

What truly drives Setareh is the desire to contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future through food. Whether it's developing innovative ingredients, optimizing food safety practices, or advocating for waste reduction, she sees her work as part of a larger mission: to improve quality of life and ensure equitable access to nutritious food. She believes science should serve people, and food, as one of the most universal aspects of human life, offers a powerful vehicle for social good.

Beyond the lab and the page, Setareh is a culturally curious and globally minded individual. Her life and education across Iran, Italy, and the Netherlands have exposed her to a rich diversity of culinary traditions and scientific approaches. She loves incorporating elements from various cultures into her cooking and scientific thinking alike. This international experience has made her adaptable, open-minded, and empathetic, qualities she considers vital for collaboration in today’s interconnected world.

Setareh is also multilingual, fluent in English, Farsi, Italian, and Turkish. This linguistic versatility allows her to communicate across borders, collaborate with diverse research teams, and share knowledge more widely. It’s not just about speaking different languages; it’s about understanding different ways of thinking.

In essence, Setareh Tavakkoli is more than a food scientist; she is a connector, a communicator, and a change-maker. Through her research, writing, and commitment to sustainability, she exemplifies the values of innovation, inclusivity, and lifelong learning. As she continues to explore the dynamic world of food science, her mission remains clear: to use science as a tool to create a better, healthier, and more connected future.