Ligia da Cunha Moreira, PhD

Ligia da Cunha Moreira, PhD is a dedicated meat and food scientist with extensive expertise in meat quality, sensory science, product development, data analysis, and project management in Animal Science. Currently serving as a Senior Scientist at Kerry in Beloit, Wisconsin, she leverages her strong research background and hands-on experience to drive innovation and deliver actionable insights in meat and processed food systems. Her professional approach blends scientific rigor with creativity, enabling her to solve complex challenges while fostering collaborative team environments.

Dr. Moreira earned her Ph.D. in Animal Sciences, specializing in meat science and data analysis, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her academic and professional work includes leading research projects and grants focused on livestock health, meat quality, and production optimization. She has managed multi-year initiatives such as USDA and Dairy Innovation Hub projects, overseeing experimental design, data collection, budget management, timelines, and regulatory compliance. Her expertise in project management ensures that animal science initiatives are efficient, ethical, and results-driven, translating research into practical solutions for the industry.

Beyond her scientific and technical accomplishments, Dr. Moreira is recognized for her leadership and mentorship. She leads trained sensory panels, manages external panelists, and collaborates with global teams to maintain methodological excellence and explore innovative research approaches. A passionate advocate for professional development, she is actively involved in industry and academic organizations, sharing knowledge, promoting collaboration, and fostering growth for emerging scientists. Her work reflects a commitment to advancing the meat and food science industry while positively impacting communities and colleagues alike.

• Applied Sensory and Consumer Science Certificate Program
• Descriptive Panel Leadership
• Morgridge Entrepreneurial Bootcamp (MEB)
• Igniter
• Certified Peer Reviewer
• Innovation to Market (I2M)
• Processos Tecnológicos II - Salsichas, Mortadelas e Linguiças cozidas
• AMSA Food Safety & Science Certification
• Advanced HACCP/Preventive Controls
• Sanitation: Management of Cleaning and Disinfecting in Food Environments
• Developing and implementing HACCP

• University of Wisconsin-Madison - PhD
• Universidade Federal de Goiás - MS
• Universidade do Estado de Mato Grosso - BSA

• Student Research Travel Grants
• 2019 UW International Meat Science Travel Award
• Allen International Graduate Scholarship
• Grant recipient: Baldwin Wisconsin idea seed project grants
• MPSC, Inc., Rinse & Chill grant
• National PhD Scholarship recipient: Sciences without Borders – Capes - Brazil

• Wisconsin Section IFT
• UW-Madison Postdoctoral Association
• Wisconsin Association Of Meat Processors Inc
• Animal Sciences Graduate Students Association
• Rochdale International Cooperative House