Professor; Food Science & Technology

Discipline: Food Chemistry

• Miyagusuku-Cruzado Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Education

Ph.D. – Food Science and Technology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.

M.S. – Bioscience and Biotechnology, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan

B.S. – Food Industry Engineering, Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Lima, Perú.

Research Interests

My research explores how nature’s chemistry can be harnessed to create safer, healthier, and more sustainable foods. I focus on developing natural food solutions and functional ingredients from plants and agro-industrial byproducts such as purple corn cob, sorghum bran, and spent products. These materials, often considered waste, hold tremendous potential to become vibrant natural alternatives to synthetic dyes and sources of valuable bioactive compounds. Much of my work centers on anthocyanins, the pigments responsible for the red, purple, and blue hues in fruits and grains, and on designing more stable derivatives that can withstand heat, light, and storage. Beyond color, I also investigate food protection strategies, from detecting harmful mycotoxins using advanced spectroscopy to exploring innovative approaches in packaging and preservation. By connecting food chemistry, sustainability, and industry innovation, my goal is to develop the next generation of ingredients that enhance not only the look and taste of food but also its nutritional and environmental value.

Overall, my research interests focus on:

1. Developing novel natural colorants, antioxidants, and flavors that can replace synthetic additives.

2. Characterizing and advancing promising novel foods to better understand their chemistry, nutrition, and applications.

3. Exploring the intersections of plant science, food engineering, and product development to create innovative food solutions.

4. Bridging traditional food science with real-world consumer products, ensuring that research translates into healthier, more sustainable options on the market.

Gonzalo Miyagusuku Cruzado
Department of Family & Consumer Sciences
PO Box 30003, MSC 3470
Las Cruces, NM 88003-8003
Fax: 575-646-1889
Email: gonzalom@nmsu.edu