Soo-Yeun Lee

Associate Professor, Sensory Science

Research Interests

Applications of sensory methodologies in product evaluation; Sensory evaluation methodology development; Relating sensory and instrumental measures; Novel product development and assessment; Concept testing by focus group and conjoint analysis

As a sensory scientist, Dr. Lee’s research program revolves around two main goals which are to 1) apply appropriate sensory analysis methods that meet the project goals and fit the needs of the products being evaluated and 2) develop novel sensory techniques by understanding the methodological basis of sensory tests to add to the basic knowledge in the field of sensory science. Sensory science is a comparatively young discipline, which is constantly developing through findings from cutting edge research. Many problems still exists in the appropriate utilization of sensory techniques due to vast amount of time and resources required for proper testing and lack of basic understanding in the sensory science basis of the researchers who perceive sensory analyses to be an appendix to their research. Through solid training in both sensory science and food chemistry, Dr. Lee brings in expertise from both disciplines to her research. Her current research program can be categorized by three specific research foci: 1) multidimensional soy flavor research, 2) innovative research in mouthfeel of carbonated beverages, and 3) sophisticated consumer concept testing for novel products. Each of the research focus impacts not only the sensory science discipline but also the whole food science discipline, as new discoveries are made in the food systems that are assessed.

Selected Publications

Kappes, S.M., Schmidt, S.J., Lee, S.-Y. (2006) Descriptive analysis of cola and lemon/lime carbonated beverages. Journal of Food Science, 71(8):S583-589.

Kappes, S.M., Schmidt, S.J., Lee, S.-Y. (2006) Mouthfeel detection threshold and instrumental viscosity of sucrose and high fructose corn syrup solutions. Journal of Food Science, Journal of Food Science, 71(9):S953-956.

Kappes, S.M., Schmidt, S.J., Lee, S.-Y. (2007) Relationship between physical properties and sensory attributes of carbonated beverages. Journal of Food Science, 72(1):S001-011.

Wan, V.C.H., Lee, C.M., Lee, S.-Y. (2007) Focus Group Research on Biodegradable and Edible Films and Coatings. Journal of Sensory Studies, 22(3):353-366.

Lee, C.M., Lee, S.-Y. (2007) Consumer Insights on Healthy Breakfast Cereal – A Focus Group Research. Journal of Sensory Studies, 22(4):417–432.

Lee, C.M., Moskowitz, M.J.M., Lee, S.-Y. (2007) Expectations, Needs and Segmentation of Healthy Breakfast Cereal Consumers, Journal of Sensory Studies, 22(5):587–607.

Yeu, K.S., Lee, Y., Lee, S.-Y. (2008) Consumer Acceptance of Laboratory Developed Soy-Based High Protein and Fiber Multigrain Breakfast Cereal. Journal of Food Science. 73(1): S20–S25.

Pruneda, E., Peralta-Hernández, J.M., Esquivel, K., Lee, S.-Y., Godínez, L.A., Mendoza, S. (2008) Antioxidant properties of Mexican oregano-soy based edible films, Journal of Food Science. 73(6):C488-C493.

Teaching

Courses recently taught:

FSHN 302 - Sensory Evaluation of Foods

FSHN 595 - Advanced Topics in Sensory Science

Latest Degree

Ph.D. in Food Chemistry, University of California, Davis, 2001

Awards

Lipton Fellowship from IFT (Institute of Food Technologist) (1998-99); IFT scholarship (1999-2000); NAFSA fellowship for Korean students (1998-2000); First Prize in the Sensory Evaluation Division Graduate Student Paper Competition in IFT (2000); First Prize in the Food Packaging Division Graduate Student Poster Competition in IFT (2001)

Biographical Sketch

Dr. Soo-Yeun Lee graduated with a B.S. in Food Engineering at the Yonsei University in Seoul, Korea in 1994. She received her Ph.D. in Food Science with emphasis on Food Chemistry and Sensory Science at the University of California, Davis in 2001. Dr. Lee’s research portfolio is expanded by her commendable effort in collaborative research with colleagues in her department for various products such as wine, chocolate and corn zein based gums. Dr. Soo-Yeun Lee lives in Champaign with her husband Dr. Youngsoo Lee who also works in the Department of FSHN and her beautiful daughter named Jenna.