Affiliations
Affilated Scientist, Monell Chemical Senses Center
Assistant Professor; Sensory Science, Texas A&M University
Education
Ph.D., Food Science, University of Tennessee
Dr. Rer. Medic, Otorhinolaryngology, Technical University of Dresden
Research Summary
Dr. Robert Pellegrino is an Affiliated Scientist at the Monell Chemical Senses Center and Assistant Professor of Sensory Science at Texas A&M University. Following his postdoctoral training at Monell, he established an independent research program that explores how the brain constructs flavor from the complex interactions of smell, taste, and texture.
His research combines sensory psychophysics, behavioral science, and computational approaches to investigate how the chemical composition, structure, and timing of sensory signals shape flavor perception and influence food preferences and eating behavior. By studying both individuals with typical chemosensory function and those experiencing smell and taste disorders, his work seeks to uncover the mechanisms that underlie perception while informing strategies to improve nutrition, health, and quality of life.
Dr. Pellegrino’s research extends beyond the laboratory through collaborations that translate chemosensory discoveries into practical applications. He is the author of the forthcoming Rediscovering Flavor: A Practical Guide for Smell Loss (Springer Nature), which applies evidence-based sensory science to help individuals living with smell loss rediscover the enjoyment of eating. His work exemplifies the integration of fundamental research with real-world solutions that improve everyday life.
He continues to collaborate with Monell investigators while directing the Texas A&M Sensory Science Facility and serving in leadership roles within the Global Consortium for Chemosensory Research (GCCR) and the International Society of Neurogastronomy (ISN).
Research Interests
- Olfaction and flavor perception
- Multisensory integration
- Food choice and eating behavior
- Psychophysics
- Chemosensory dysfunction
- Computational and predictive sensory science
Recent Highlights
- Author of Rediscovering Flavor: A Practical Guide for Smell Loss (Springer Nature, forthcoming), a practical resource designed to help individuals experiencing smell loss rediscover the enjoyment of food.
- Director of the Texas A&M Sensory Science Facility, supporting collaborative consumer, analytical, and instrumental sensory research with academic and industry partners.
- Continues to collaborate with Monell scientists while serving in leadership roles with the Global Consortium for Chemosensory Research (GCCR) and the International Society of Neurogastronomy (ISN).
Keywords
olfaction, psychophysics, behavioral analysis, olfactory dysfunction
