Laura Haugen is a seasoned food scientist with extensive experience in product development and optimization. Currently, Laura serves as a Scientist at Nestlé Health Science since December 2023 and as a Senior Product Developer at Vital Proteins since July 2020, where innovative functional products are developed and existing products are optimized for flavor, cost, and efficiency. Prior to these roles, Laura worked at Griffith Foods for eight years, taking on positions such as Senior Food Scientist and Food Scientist, leading product development for large food service clients and managing commercialization processes. Laura began their career as an Associate Food Scientist and completed a Product Development Internship at Nestlé Dreyer's Ice Cream. Academic qualifications include a Master’s degree in Professional Science in Food Science from the University of Illinois and a Bachelor’s degree in Food Science and Human Nutrition from the University of Florida.