Overview
Dr. Hualu Zhou brings a wealth of knowledge and innovation to the food industry through her 20% extension appointment at the University of Georgia. Dr. Zhou’s extension efforts are dedicated to securing competitive extramural funding, disseminating cutting-edge research through publications and blogs, and directly supporting Georgia-based, regional, and national food industries. By collaborating with the Food Product Innovation and Commercialization (FoodPIC) center and other industry partners, she helps drive forward the future of food innovation.
With access to a wide range of state-of-the-art facilities, including a food-grade kitchen and pilot plant, Dr. Zhou works to meet the complex needs of modern food production and research. Her hands-on approach and dedication to both innovation and sustainability make her an essential asset to food producers looking to stay ahead in an evolving marketplace.
Services Offered
Extension Publications
Protein Showdown: Comparison of Plant-based and Animal-based Foods – Discover the key differences in nutrition, sustainability, and processing (Coming Soon).
Oat Okara: Nutritious By-product of Oat Milk Processing – Under review, offering insights on sustainable use of by-products in oat milk production.
Workshops and Educational Programs
Instructor for the Better Process Control School, specializing in “Cleaning of Continuous Systems,” equipping industry professionals with the knowledge they need to maintain food safety standards.
Co-Host and Presenter at the 36th Georgia Peanut Tour, Hot Topics Sessions, where Dr. Zhou shared her expertise on “Sustainability in the Global Peanut Industry: Challenges and Potential Solutions” and presented her innovative work on “Peanut Skin-Powered Plant-Based Milks.”
Technical Support for R&D
Product Development: Dr. Zhou partners with FoodPIC and industry clients to develop and improve products, including pecan milk, tiger milk, peanut butter and polyphenol-enriched food products.
Sample Testing Services: Offering cutting-edge testing for protein functionality, polyphenol content, food digestibility, particle size, surface charge, and microstructure analysis to support product development and quality control.
Consulting Services
Dr. Zhou is available for consulting services tailored to food industry professionals looking for expert guidance on:
Food emulsions and delivery systems
Encapsulation technology for improved ingredient stability
Extraction and utilization of polyphenols
Plant protein analysis
Physicochemical properties of food products
Food digestion models for enhanced nutrient delivery
Highlight Activities
Moderator and Presenter for the 36th Georgia Peanut Tour, Hot Topics Sessions – leading discussions on global sustainability challenges and sharing innovative processing methods.
Organizer of the Flavor of Georgia competition, supporting local food entrepreneurs in showcasing their products.
Why Work with Dr. Hualu Zhou?
Whether you’re looking for expert consultation, innovative solutions for product development, or specialized testing services, Dr. Zhou provides the tools and knowledge to support your goals. Her extensive expertise in food emulsion technology, encapsulation, and plant-based food systems, combined with her passion for sustainability, positions her as a leader in the field. Dr. Zhou is dedicated to helping businesses create products that are not only innovative but also sustainable and scalable.
Quick Links
Contact Me
For inquiries, technical support, or consulting services, please reach out to me via the email (hualuzhou@uga.edu).