Dr. Eden Eran Nagar is a Vaadia BARD postdoctoral fellow who is conducting her research in Dr. Elad Tako’s lab at Cornell University.
What is the main focus of your research?
“”My research explores how the chemistry of food and its bioactive compounds can be harnessed to improve human health, with a special emphasis on gut microbiome functionality. I study how sustainable agricultural practices, food processing, and molecular interactions shape the availability and biological activity of naturally occurring bioactives in staple foods. By integrating analytical chemistry, food engineering, and the in vivo model, my goal is to develop sustainable, health-promoting food products that support nutrient absorption, intestinal integrity, and a balanced microbiome. This work bridges fundamental chemistry with real-world agricultural and nutritional challenges, aiming to create accessible functional foods that benefit both people and the food system. “
What got you interested in your area of research?
“My interest grew naturally from my doctoral work, where I studied how the chemical structure of polyphenols and their interactions with food matrices influence stability, accessibility and physiological impact. As I deepened my understanding of how processing, structure and digestion affect bioactive behavior, I became increasingly fascinated by how food can serve as a true driver of health. I strongly believe that the path to better global health, especially in underserved or resource-limited communities, begins with the foods we eat and with the accessibility of nutritious, bioactive-rich staples. Understanding how to preserve and deliver these compounds to the gut, where they can support microbiome balance and nutrient absorption, felt like a natural and meaningful continuation of my scientific journey. “
What are your plans after your postdoc?
“I intend to continue my academic career within the Israeli academia and establish an independent research program focused on the intersection of food chemistry, sustainable food engineering and gut microbiome health. My long-term goal is to understand how the chemical and structural properties of foods influence physiological outcomes and to develop innovative food systems that promote wellbeing. I hope to advance research that links agricultural practices, processing technologies and molecular design to impactful, accessible nutrition solutions. “
What tip would you give someone beginning their Postdoctoral Research?
“Stay curious, stay collaborative, and don’t be afraid to learn beyond your comfort zone. A fellowship is an opportunity to build your scientific identity, not only through experiments, but through the people you meet, the ideas you exchange, and the questions you learn to ask. Seek mentors who challenge you, invest in relationships with colleagues across disciplines, and remember that impactful science often emerges when you allow yourself to explore new directions with courage and openness.”