Biography

Susan Mayer blends her food science and technology background with human-centered design principles to approach entrepreneurship in a practical way.  Susan managed R&D in major food companies supporting both retail and food service sectors, including groups in product development, sensory evaluation, and quality systems.  Susan’s entrepreneurial experience includes creating and building a consulting business to support food companies with product development, sensory evaluation, and commercialization. More recently, Susan led the Food & Agriculture sector of RTI Innovation Advisors, providing commercialization, insights and strategic services to both entrepreneurs and established companies in agriculture and food. Susan volunteers with the Institute of Food Technologists as a Section President, Jury Chair for international awards, and as a frequent speaker at both regional and national events on topics including Design Thinking in Food Product Development, Upcycling, and Digital Technology in Food R&D.

Education

• M.S., Food Science, University of Maryland 
• B.S., Food Science, University of Maryland 

Honors & Awards

• Certified Food Scientist

Recent Publications

Ruzante, J. M., Shumaker, E. T., Holt, S., Mayer, S., Kokotovich, A., Cuchiara, M., Binder, A. R., Kuzma, J., and Grieger, K. (2022). Eliciting Stakeholder Perceptions Using a Novel Online Engagement Platform: A Case Study on Nano-Agrifoods. RTI Press Publication No. OP- 0071-2201. Research Triangle Park, NC: RTI Press.

Mayer, S., Parker, J. (2018). Using design thinking to increase sugar reduction options in consumer food products Part 1, Sugars and the design thinking framework. Agro FOOD Industry Hi Tech, 29(4).