Biography:
Dr Palmer is a lecturer in the field of Consumer Sciences at the University of Zululand at kwa-Dlangezwa campus. She holds a Masters Degree in Consumer Sciences: Food and Nutrition. Her research interests are in food product development (value adding), indigenous knowledge systems and nutrition.
Lecture ‘s the following modules:
- Introduction to Nutrition
- Community Nutrition and Food Security
- Foods (Honours)
- Hospitality Law
Qualifications:
MS. Cons. Sci. Food and Nutrition (DUT), Masters in Applied Sciences: Consumer Sciences Food and Nutrition
Research interests:
Her research interests are in both food and nutrition. She is currently specialising in food product development and value addition with nutritional quality as a focal point. Current research that she has engaged in include product development using Moringa olifera, sorghum flour, millet flour and buckwheat flour. The intent of these projects has been to use underutilized nutrient rich ingredients to develop food products for different consumer profiles. Her PhD study is on the development on processed goat meat products for the emerging consumer which focuses on product innovation and advanced sensory evaluation.
On a global platform, Mrs Palmer’s product a millet, sorghum and moringa cereal was selected as the winning product in the University International SouthVation competition 2021.
Awards
- Developed a Moringa, sorghum and millet cereal that won a global award for food innovation (UI- SouthVation 2021).
- VC’s Excellence in Teaching and Learning Award ( First runner up in the Emerging academic category, 2021)
Professional membership:
- South African Association for Food Science and Technology (SAAFosT)