On May 30, 2025, we had the honor of presenting at the University of the Ryukyus on culinary diplomacy and Okinawa, specificially how Okinawan cuisine serves as a lens for understanding regional identity, international dialogue,…
Food and Culture
Teaching at the University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
This spring and summer, I have the incredible opportunity to teach at the University of the Ryukyus in Okinawa, Japan, as part of my Fulbright experience. I’m currently teaching three courses that focus on American…
Packaging and Place: Omiyage as Gastrodiplomacy, Presentation
I was graciously hosted (by Keri :)) to give an engaging talk on “Packaging and Place: Omiyage as Gastrodiplomacy,” as part of the NTU Food Studies Seminar series. Drawing on my current research as a…
Fulbright Mid-Year Conference, 2024-2025
It was wonderful to reunite with fellow Fulbright Lecturers at the 2024 Mid-Year Conference in Osaka! We reflected on our first six months of teaching and living in Japan, sharing insights to make the most…
Exploring Kyoto, Japan spring 2025
Kyoto is such a special traditional city in Japan. Beautiful in every way! Highlights from our time: Fushimi Inari Torii Gates, Arashiyama Bamboo forests, Gion district, shrines and temples, tofu, bakeries, and strawberries. We walked…
Presentation for Tokyo Sustainability Research Seminar: Singapore and Japan Alternative Protein
We were delighted to give a presentation for the Sustainability Research Open Seminar 3: Food and Agriculture in the World, hosted by the West Tokyo Joint Center for Sustainability Research and Implementation on March 15,…
A Taste of Japan: Fresh, Flavorful, and Full of Tradition
Japan’s cuisine is a celebration of seasonality, simplicity, and balance. From vibrant market-fresh vegetables to carefully crafted bento boxes, every bite reflects a deep-rooted respect for ingredients. And when the New Year arrives, the food…
Exploring Future Food
I was honored to be the keynote speaker at the Cultured Food: Innovations for a Sustainable Future conference at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology (TUAT), on January 17, 2025. I shared insights on “Singapore…
Yokohama Marathon 2024
We ran the Yokohama Marathon (26.2 miles / 42.195 kilometers) on October 27, 2024, making it our sixth marathon. There were over 27,000 runners, including only 343 international participants—my sister and I among them. The…
Exploring Tokyo- Asakusa and Ueno districts
We had a fantastic family trip exploring Tokyo. We stayed in Asakusa, so we got to enjoy the Sumida River, the Tokyo Skytree, the historic Senso-ji Temple, and Ueno Park. Our Airbnb was tucked in…