Dr Lisa Newman - Space Food

Dr Lisa Newman is a lecturer and researcher in food science and nutrition whose work explores how taste and smell shape eating behaviour. Her research focuses on improving food acceptance and nutritional outcomes, particularly for individuals with altered sensory perception, including children with fussy eating, people with autism, older adults, and those in isolated or extreme environments, like space. She uses innovative approaches such as sensory play and digital simulations to better understand and enhance how people experience food.Through her outreach activities, Lisa collaborates with organisations such as Lunaria One and Australian Lunar Experiment Promoting Horticulture (ALEPH) to explore how space-inspired education can engage students with food and science. Together, this work investigates how interacting with plants, particularly in space-based or simulated environments, can positively influence children’s willingness to try new foods and build healthier eating habits. By linking sensory science with hands-on, immersive learning, these collaborations help bring the latest research into classrooms and inspire students to see the connections between food, health, and future space exploration.Alongside her research, Lisa is a passionate educator committed to making science engaging, relevant, and accessible. Through her teaching and outreach work, she connects students with real-world applications of food science, from everyday eating experiences to challenges in unique environments like space. She aims to inspire curiosity and show students how understanding our senses can help solve practical problems, improve wellbeing, and open pathways into exciting careers in science.https://www.rmit.edu.au/profiles/n/lisa-newman  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa--newman/