Connor Balfany

Lead Advisor:  Dr. Slavko Komarnytsky

Home Department: Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences

Research Summary: As an alumni of the Plant Pathways Elucidation Project (P2EP), Connor’s research in plant protein extraction was awarded first place amongst the 2017 research cohort. After graduating from Gustavus Adolphus with degrees in biology and international management in 2018, Connor spent two years teaching biology at an international school in Thailand before returning to the United States to pursue his PhD under the guidance of Dr. Komarnytsky. Connor’s research continues developing novel methods of plant protein isolation and functional modification, with an emphasis on applying these techniques to reducing agricultural waste and increasing sustainability.