Saskia Urlass
PhD food scientist and agrifood VC investment analyst
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Summary
Seaweed-focused food scientist: Saskia's PhD and research program centre on Australian native seaweed—characterising compositional and sensory properties and translating those findings into product formulation and market opportunities. edu+1
Published researcher with expertise in aroma and flavour analysis: She has authored peer-reviewed work on algae aroma/flavour and contributed to multidisciplinary studies on gut microbiota and lipid absorption. sciencedirect+1
Bridges research and commercialisation in agrifood tech: After completing her PhD she moved into the venture ecosystem as an investment analyst at Mandalay Venture Partners, working on early-stage agrifood investments and supporting commercialisation pathways. orcid+2
Science communication and public engagement: She has presented seminars and engaged in student society activities to communicate sustainable food-system research and seaweed applications to broader audiences. uniquelyaustralianfoods+1
Active in athletics outside work: Competes in powerlifting, demonstrating commitment to sport alongside an academic and investment career. powerlifting4women
Work
Education
Projects
Writing
Unravelling the aroma and flavour of algae for future food applications
January 1, 2023A review identifying key aroma-active volatile compounds across multiple algae species, discussing how taxonomy, environment, and processing affect volatile profiles, and recommending standardised volatile analytical approaches to support algae application in future foods.
Small intestine microbiota regulate host digestive and absorptive adaptive responses to dietary lipids
January 1, 2018Co-authored research investigating how small intestinal microbiota influence lipid digestion and absorption and host adaptability to dietary lipids (research during earlier training/practical work).