Where Food, Agriculture and Innovation MEET
The Boswell Agricultural Technology Center, within Cal Poly’s William and Linda Frost Center for Research and Innovation, brings together cutting-edge facilities for food, agriculture and technology that support hands-on learning, research and industry collaboration.
Sensory Analysis Teaching and Research Lab
This lab supports instruction and research focused on consumer perception and product acceptance. Students have the opportunity to conduct discrimination, preference and descriptive testing of products. The lab also grants industry partners the chance to collaborate through sponsored research and consumer studies.
Food Safety Labs
Designed as a biosafety level 2 (BSL-2) facility, these labs support applied food safety research. Students and researchers study pathogen behavior during processing and storage and evaluate food safety mitigation strategies relevant to the food and agriculture industries.
Teaching and Research Instrumentation Lab
This lab supports food science research through advanced analytical methods used to evaluate food composition and processing effects. Students quantify nutrients and bioactive compounds to better understand diet, health and food quality.
Oreggia Family Foundation Culinary Lab
A hands-on space where students blend culinary arts and food science through innovation, product development and entrepreneurial projects. The lab also hosts professional and guest chefs who share techniques, trends and real-world industry insights
Nutrition and Food Studies Lab
Focused on food and beverage product development, this lab includes instrumentation for analyzing nutrients and functional ingredients. It also supports research on nutrition products related to performance, recovery and metabolic response.
George P. Johnson Experience Innovation Lab
Led by Cal Poly’s interdisciplinary approach, this lab brings together design, technology, food science and marketing to create meaningful consumer experiences. Students collaborate across disciplines to develop innovative solutions for food, agriculture and related industries.