The Food and Dairy Innovation Center is located in the Micron Center for Materials Research (MCMR) building at Boise State University. Learn more about the expertise of our full time staff below.
Contact Us to engage and learn more.
FDIC Staff
-
Owen McDougal
Director, Professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry
Dr. McDougal is the center’s founder and director. He is passionate about seeking applied science solutions to food industry challenges.
Dr. McDougal is the center’s founder and director. He is passionate about seeking applied science solutions to food industry challenges.
-
Ali Sadeghi
Senior Research Scientist
Dr. Sadeghi has an extensive background in food & dairy research, and he is currently leading the center’s work on potatoes.
Dr. Sadeghi has an extensive background in food & dairy research, and he is currently leading the center’s work on potatoes.
-
-
Morgan Fong
Research Assistant
Morgan completed her Master’s in Chemistry at Boise State in 2026 and joined the lab as a full time research assistant. She leads the Biomass work and our collaboration with Idaho National Laboratory and Schmidt Sciences.
Morgan completed her Master’s in Chemistry at Boise State in 2026 and joined the lab as a full time research assistant. She leads the Biomass work and our collaboration with Idaho National Laboratory and Schmidt Sciences.
-
Kristi Spence
Director, Communications & Strategic Initiatives
Kristi’s role with the center includes student mentorship, stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, marketing, speaking & grant writing.
Kristi’s role with the center includes student mentorship, stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, marketing, speaking & grant writing.
-
Jenny Weaver
Program Director
Jenny is responsible for administration, HR, finances, student support, grant writing, and stakeholder engagement.
Jenny is responsible for administration, HR, finances, student support, grant writing, and stakeholder engagement.
Engage with Us
Join the Team
Career opportunities will be posted here when available.