Siman Liu, a PhD student in the Department of Nutritional Sciences, has received a competitive fellowship from the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR).

The fellowship provides approximately 30 annual awardees with professional development and career guidance, as well as financial support.

Liu will receive a total of $30,000 over three years as a fellow. FFAR provides half the funding, and external sponsors cover the remaining half. Liu is sponsored by New England Sea Farms, the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR), and Connecticut Sea Grant.

Liu’s research focuses on how fermentation can transform seaweed into a probiotic yogurt that supports gut health as a nutrient-rich sustainable food source.

Seaweed farming is a rapidly developing industry in New England, including along Connecticut’s coastline. Seaweed is an attractive option for many reasons. For example, it has relatively few inputs – like fertilizer or water – compared to other crops. Plus, it sequesters carbon and heavy metal pollutants. Seaweed is also a valuable source of important vitamins and minerals like iodine, tyrosine, riboflavin, thiamin, and iron, as well as antioxidants and fiber.

“Seaweed farming is a regenerative, low-input solution with the potential to improve ocean health and reduce reliance on land-based agriculture,” Liu says.

Despite this, seaweed has not yet gained widespread popularity in the U.S. where it is not a familiar ingredient.

“By incorporating seaweed into yogurt – a familiar and scalable format – my research helps improve acceptability while enhancing the nutritional and economic value of both local dairy and aquaculture products,” Liu says.

Liu aspires to eventually translate this research into a scalable consumer product through a startup company she plans to establish herself.

“My goal is to build a company that bridges science, sustainability, and local economic development – beginning with underutilized seaweed from Connecticut’s coastal farms,” Liu says.

This work relates to CAHNR’s Strategic Vision area focused on Ensuring a Vibrant and Sustainable Agricultural Industry and Food Supply.

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