Punyatoya Mohapatra, Ph.D.
Title
Global Customer Engagement Manager
Company
AFB International
Panel discussion:
Cats are unique creatures: New nutrition research — Though a smaller part of the overall pet food market, cat food represents a growth segment globally, as more pet-loving consumers turn to cats as companions. Product development is starting to catch up, emphasizing that cats are not small dogs; they have their own unique nutritional and health needs. What does the latest research show? Topics and experts include:
- Long-term effects of diet format on body weight, body composition and insulin sensitivity in the cat — Emma Bermingham, Ph.D., AgResearch
- Holistic approach to measuring palatability in wet cat diets — Susan Jojola, Ph.D., and Punyatoya Mohapatra, Ph.D., AFB International
- Potential benefits of supplementing dietary choline to cats — Alexandra Rankovic, University of Guelph
Experience:
Punyatoya Mohapatra, Ph.D., has been with AFB International for over seven years. She joined AFB in 2013 where she has been part of the R&D team leading various teams including analytical chemistry, product development and innovation. She has represented AFB at various conferences including Pet Food Forum, International Society of Olfaction and Electronic Nose, American Chemical Society and Institute of Food Technologist to share AFB’s research on palatability. In her current role, she works with AFB’s customers around the globe to understand their needs and share product knowledge and promote AFB’s existing and new products to customers. Mohapatra graduated from North Dakota State University with a Ph.D. in agricultural and biosystems engineering after earning her master’s degree in food engineering from Thailand and her bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering from India.
