Joseph Awika

Dr. Awika’s research focuses on the chemistry of plant derived secondary metabolites and their impact on food quality, nutrition, and human health. Specifically, he examines how the structure (size and shape) and electron affinity of bioactive small molecules affect reaction pathways relevant to food matrix properties and chronic disease prevention. Specific areas of interest include structure-function properties of flavonoids; molecular interactions of phenolics with carbohydrates and plant proteins and consequences on food polymer behavior and biological properties of the food macromolecules, including their interaction with gut microbiome; factors affecting bioavailability and metabolism of phenolic compounds as found in a food matrix; technologies to enhance functionality of food polymers (plant proteins and carbohydrates) to improve food sensory, nutritional and health quality.