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Holiday Dinner: Sensory Science Meets Comfort Food

Sensory Science Meets Comfort Food
With Speakers Michelle Reyes & Robert Wallauer from dsm-firmenich
Get ready to dive into the delicious world of mac and cheese! Michelle will reveal what really makes this classic comfort food irresistible, sharing fun findings from her sensory science research.
Discover the secret ingredients to winning over taste buds—plus tips to make your mac and cheese the star of any holiday party!
To bring the science to life, Chef Robert will prepare mac and cheese for us to sample—don’t miss this tasty experience!”
Speakers

Robert Wallauer
Corporate Executive Chef
dsm-firmenich
Bio
Corporate Executive Chef Robert Wallauer has over 20 years of experience in the food industry both in operations and manufacturing. He currently leads the culinary strategy for dsm-firmenich Taste Texture and Health North America, bringing authenticity, technique, and tradition alive through flavor. He completed his culinary training at The French Culinary Institute, New York City, and earned his MS Nutrition Education at American University, Washington, D.C. Prior to his role at dsm-firmenich, he was the Corporate Executive Chef for Unilever Food Solutions North America.
If you don’t find him experimenting in the culinary lab he is most likely toiling away in his kitchen garden in New Jersey with his family and Labrador Retriever.

Michelle Reyes, Ph.D.
Sr. Manager, Sensory and Product Insights
dsm-firmenich
Bio
Michelle Reyes, Ph.D., Senior Manager, Sensory & Product Insights is a seasoned sensory and product insights leader, driving consumer-centric innovation at dsm-firmenich.
She specializes in translating market and behavioral insights into strategic product development, fostering portfolio growth and mentoring teams to deliver impactful results.
Location
Registration Deadline – December 2, 2025
Registration Closed Add to CalendarSchedule
Tuesday, December 9, 2025 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm EST
| Networking & Appetizers | 5:00 – 6:00 PM |
| Speaker Presentations | 6:00 – 7:00 PM |
| Dinner | 7:00 – 8:00 PM |
Menu
Entree choice of:
- Chicken Piccata
- Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce
- Pasta Primavera
Fees
| Members | $55 |
| Non-Members & Walkins** | $60 |
| Students / Unemployed / Emeritus / Executive Board | $30* |
*Discounted rate applies only to members with advance registration. Non-member students and retirees and all walk-ins pay the standard non-member rate of $60.
**Walkins will not be available if all registration slots are filled.