Maheshwari Viragi

Maheshwari Viragi has worked in various roles in the food science and research industry since 2016. In 2016, they were an Intern at the Institute of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology in Pune, where they evaluated the bioactivity of phytochemicals in Ayurvedic medicinal plants for diabetes. From 2018 to 2019, they held a Graduate Tutor position at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, as well as a Graduate Research Assistant and Graduate Teaching Assistant position. In 2019, they were an R&D Intern at Rich Products Corporation and a Project Assistant at the Midwest Dairy Foods Research Center. Since 2020, they have been a Senior Research Associate at Nobell Foods and a Research Associate at Rich Products Corporation. In their roles, they have conducted research, developed and optimized novel separation methods for protein isolation and purification, evaluated functionality of plant-protein isolates, conducted lab experiments and sensory testing, and formulated hummus with 11g of protein per serving.

Maheshwari Viragi obtained a Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in Biotechnology from Savitribai Phule Pune University between 2014 and 2018. Maheshwari then went on to pursue a Master's degree in Food Science from the University of Minnesota, which they completed in 2020. Additionally, they hold certifications in Food Defense Awareness and Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (Human Food) from the Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance (FSPCA).