Sungeun (Sung Eun) Choi

Education

Ph.D., Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea in Food Science (1999)

M.S., Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea in Food Science (1993)

B.S., Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea in Food and Nutritional Sciences (1991)

Experience

Dietetic Intern, Department of Nutrition, University of Massachusetts, Amherst (2007-2008)

Research Scholar & Lecturer, University of Massachusetts, Amherst (2004-2008)

Visiting Researcher, Department of Anthropology, University of California, Santa Barbara (2003-2004)

Postdoctoral Researcher, Screening & Toxicology Center, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, South Korea (2000)

Honors & Awards

Fulbright Specialist: Food & Nutrition Area (2024-2027) – Sponsored by the U.S. Department of States with funding provided by the U.S. Government and administered by World Learning

Stefan Bernard Baumrin Travel Award for Associate Professors, CUNY (2020, 2023 & 2024)

“Salute to Scholars”, Certificate of Recognition, CUNY (2013)

William Stewart Travel Award, CUNY (2010)​

Research Interest

My research integrates Food Sensory Science with Nutritional Science, focusing on taste perception and health. I study cultural influences on taste/food preferences and develop taste-tailored dietary interventions for obesity and diabetes, optimizing food formulations through sensory evaluation.

Publications

Choi, S. & Choi, J. (2024). Exploring food preferences as a pre-step for developing diabetes-friendly options in adults with diabetes and prediabetes. Foods, 13(20), 3276, 15 pages.https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13203276

Choi, S. & Park, T. (2023). Feasibility and acceptability of miracle fruit application prior to the consumption of sour-tasting foods as a weight-loss strategy in adults with diabetes or prediabetes: A randomized crossover trial. Appetite, 191, 107046.     https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2023.107046

Choi, S. & Lee, K. (2023). Ethnic differences in attitudes, beliefs, and patterns of meat consumption among American young women meat eaters. Nutrition Research and Practice, 17(1), 73-90. https://doi.org/10.4162/nrp.2023.17.1.73

Seo, J., Park, S., Choi, S., Lee, M. & Strauss, S. M. (2023). Development and modification of a culturally tailored education program to prevent breast cancer in Korean immigrant women in New York City. Journal of Cancer Education,38, 913-923. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-022-02207-2

Choi, S. & Lee, Y.^† (2022). Comparison of meal skipping, snacking, and body weight perceptions among urban college students: On-campus living alone vs. Off-campus living with parents in New York, USA. Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture, 37(2), 109-119. https://doi.org/10.7318/KJFC/2022.37.2.109

Choi, S. & Garza, J. (2021). Consumer likings of different miracle fruit products on different sour foods. Foods, 10(2), 406, 15 pages. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10020406

Choi, S. & Garza, J. (2020). Effects of different miracle fruit products on the sensory characteristics of different types of sour foods by Descriptive Analysis. Journal of Food Science, 85(1), 36-49. https://doi.org/10.1111/1750-3841.14988

Choi, S. (2019). Chapter 3: Food Evaluation. In S. Edelstein (Ed.), Food Science: An Ecological Approach, 2nd edition (ISBN:978-1-2841-2230-5), Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publisher.  https://www.amazon.com/Food-Science-Ecological-Sari-Edelstein/dp/1284122301/ref=dp_ob_title_bk

Gangadharan, A, Choi, S., Hassan, A., Ayoub, N., Durante, G., Balwani, S., Kim, YH., Pecora, A., Goy, A., Suh, K. S. (2017). Protein calorie malnutrition, nutritional intervention and personalized cancer care. Oncotarget, 8(14), 24009-24030.  https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.15103

Choi, S. (2016). Comparison of soup stock preparation and soup product consumption behavior in an ethnically diverse population. Journal of Culinary Science & Technology, 14 (3), 234-262.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15428052.2015.1110544

Choi, S. (2015) Taste preference evaluation: the first step toward a successful weight loss strategy. Journal of Obesity and Weight Loss Therapy, 5(4), e117 doi: 10.4172/2165-7904.1000e117

Choi, S. (2015) Comparisons of 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) sensitivity, food liking, and food intake between vegetarian and non-vegetarian women. Journal of Obesity and Weight Loss Therapy, 5(2), 255. http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2165-7904.1000255

Choi, S., Chan, J.† (2015) Relationship of 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) taste intensity and chili pepper use with body mass index, energy intake and fat intake within an ethnically diverse population. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. 115(3), 389-396. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jand.2014.09.001

Choi, S. (2014). Racial differences in the effect of 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) intensity and food liking on body mass index between African Americans and Asian Americans. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 114(6), 938-944. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jand.2013.11.015

Choi, S. (2013). Chapter 3: Sensory Evaluation. In S. Edelstein (Ed.), Food Science: An Ecological Approach. (ISBN:978-1-4496-9477-7) Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publisher.
http://www.amazon.com/Food-Science-An-Ecological-Approach/dp/1449694772

Malin, S.K., Nightingale, J., Choi, S., Chipkin, S.R., Braun, B. (2013). Metformin modifies the exercise training effects on risk factors for cardiovascular disease in impaired glucose tolerant adults. Obesity (Silver Spring), 21(1):93-100. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/oby.20235

Choi, S. (2012). Optimum amounts of vegetables to flavor chicken head soup base. Korean Journal of Food Culture, 27(1), 57-65. http://dx.doi.org/10.7318/KJFC.2012.27.1.057

Choi, S. (2011). Optimization of preparation conditions and analysis of food components for chicken head soup base. Korean Journal of Food Culture, 26(5), 468-477.​

Grants Funded

Choi, S. (Principal Investigator) & Moran, P. (Co-PI) (2024) – Effect of preference-maximized cooking classes on the willingness to comply with diet recommendations among adults with type 2 diabetes ($5920.80). Funded by the Professional Staff Congress-City University of New York (PSC-CUNY) 55 Grant.

Choi, S. (Principal Investigator) & Choi, J. (Co-PI) (2023) – Assessing Taste Preference, Food Liking, and Food Safety Perception in People with Diabetes or Prediabetes for Developing Diabetic Healthy Eating Plan ($4,900). Funded by Queens College Foundation 2023 Research Enhancement Award.

Choi, S. (2020). Principal Investigator – Nutritional analysis and evaluation of ethnic soup recipes in bestselling cookbooks from 10 food culture groups ($3,499.45). Funded by the Professional Staff Congress-City University of New York (PSC-CUNY) 51 Grant.

Choi, S. (2019). Principal Investigator – Effects of Miracle Fruit supplement on hedonic responses and food intake in diabetic patients ($3,497.60). Funded by the Professional Staff Congress-City University of New York (PSC-CUNY) 50 Grant.

Choi, S. (2018). Principal Investigator – Effects of prior Miracle Fruit administration on the flavor profile and consumer liking of selected food items($3,499.40). Funded by the Professional Staff Congress-City University of New York (PSC-CUNY) 48 Grant.

Choi, S. (2012). Principal Investigator – Comparative analysis on preparation method and acceptability for soup stocks among different dietary cultures. ($18,523.66). Funded by the Youlchon Foundation Grant, Seoul, South Korea.

Choi, S. (2012). Principal Investigator – Comparison of health-related behaviors between regular hot chili pepper users and non-users. ($3,500). Funded by the Professional Staff Congress-City University of New York (PSC-CUNY) 43 Grant.

Choi, S. (2011). Principal Investigator – Comparison of taste perception and food preference between meat eaters and non-meat eaters ($3,500). Funded by the Professional Staff Congress-City University of New York (PSC-CUNY) 42 Grant.

Choi, S. (2010). Principal Investigator – Relationship of taste perceptions to eating patterns and risks of obesity among African-Americans and Asian-Americans ($3,500). Funded by the Professional Staff Congress-City University of New York (PSC-CUNY) 41 Grant.

Choi, S. (2010). Principal Investigator – Healthy dietary practices in Northeast Asian culture ($5,000). Asian American and Pacific Islander Community Studies (AAPICS) Program, Asian/American Center, Queens College.

Courses Taught

FNES 101: Science of Foods (undergraduate class)

FNES 104: Social, Cultural, and Economic Aspects of Foods (undergraduate class)

FNES 307 W: Experimental Foods (undergraduate class)

FNES 707: Cultural and Ethnic Foods (graduate class)

FNES 796 & 797: Research in FNES  I & II (graduate class)

Course Developed

FNES 390.3: Healthy dietary practices in Northeast Asian culture

Licenses and Certifications

Registered Dietitian – Commission on Dietetic Registration (2008)

ServSafe Certification (2008)

Dietitian in the Republic of Korea (1991)

Membership in Professional Societies

American Society for Nutrition (ASN), Scientist Member

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT)

Culinary Historians of New York

Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society

The Korean Society of Food Culture

The Korean-American Scientists and Engineers Association

Professional Service

Advisory Board Member for Department of Nutrition and Food Studies, Montclair State University https://www.montclair.edu/nutrition-and-food-studies/

The 50^th President (2024-2025), Vice President (2015-2016), Council Member (2012-2020), Auditor (2020-2024), NY Metropolitan Chapter of the Korean-American Scientists and Engineers Association (KSEA)

President (2024-present), Vice President (2018-2023), Korean-American Women in Science and Engineering (KWiSE), NY/NJ Chapter, the Korean-American Scientists and Engineers Association (KSEA)

Member, Scholarship Committee, the Korean-American Scientists and Engineers Association (KSEA)

Editorial board member & manuscript peer review panel for the Journal of Obesity and Weight Loss Therapy

Editorial board member & manuscript peer review panel for the Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture

Council Member, New York Metropolitan Chapter, the Korean-American Scientists and Engineers Association (KSEA)

Advisory Committee Member, the Research Center for Korean Community, Queens College

Conference Presentations († indicates mentored Queens College student)

National and state level: Oral presentation (^#presenter)

Choi, S.^# Miracle fruit usage as a healthy sweetness enhancer in dietary interventions for obesity, diabetes, and cancer. The US-Korea Conference 2022 on Science, Technology, and Entrepreneurship. Biomedicine, Tech Group E: Food and Nutrition Session II: Food and nutritional technologies in the wake of the pandemic. Arlington, VA, August 19, 2022.

Seo, JY.^#, Park, S-H., Choi, S., Lee, M., & Strauss, S. M. Effectiveness of a culturally tailored breast cancer risk reduction program among Korean immigrant women in New York City. The Eastern Nursing Research Society’s 33^th Annual Scientific Session, March, 2021.

Seo, JY.^#, Park, S-H., Choi, S., Lee, M., & Strauss, S. M. A culturally tailored education program to reduce breast cancer risk in Korean immigrant women: Overview and participant characteristics. The Oncology Nursing Society’s 45^th Annual Conference, San Antonio, TX, April 30, 2020.

Choi, S.^# Food Technology and Women’s Identity: Past, Present and Future, Korean Women’s International Network New York Chapter, the 10^th US Eastern Region Leadership Conference, Fort Lee, NJ, October 12, 2019.

Choi, S.^# Consumer Acceptances of Prior Miracle Fruit Product Administration on Different Types of Sour Foods and Miracle Fruit Products for Future Clinical Application (Poster Theater Flash Session Presentation). Nutrition 2019, American Society for Nutrition, Baltimore, MD, June 10, 2019.

Choi, S.^# Effects of Miracle Fruit on the Flavor Profile of Selected Food Items. The US-Korea Conference 2018 on Science, Technology, and Entrepreneurship. Biomedicine, Food and Nutrition Session: Clinical Applications, St. John’s University, Queens, NY, August 2, 2018.

Choi, S.^# Authentic Korean Food, Taste of Korea I, Year of Korea event, Queens College, November 14, 2016.

Choi, S.^# Racial differences in the effect of 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) intensity and food liking on body mass index between African Americans and Asian Americans. The Biology Symposium 2016, Queens College, January 27, 2016.

Choi, S.^#, Han, A., Kim, HI., Kim, M. D. Career Development and Panelist Discussion. Young Generation Forum, the Korean-American Scientists and Engineers Association (KSEA), Northeastern Regional Conference, Edison, NJ, June 13, 2015.

Skinner, S., Choi, S., Chipkin, S. R., Braun, B., Malin, S. K. Variations in dietary fat may modify exercise training effects on insulin sensitivity and dyslipidemia in impaired glucose tolerant adults. 2015 Annual Meeting of Southeast American College of Sports Medicine, Jacksonville, FL, February 12, 2015.​

National and state level: Poster presentation (^#presenter)

Choi, S.^#, Choi, J. Comfort Food and Food Preferences of Adults with Diabetes or Prediabetes (P08-007-24). Nutrition 2024, American Society for Nutrition, Chicago IL, June 30, 2024. Current Developments in Nutrition, 8 Supplement (2), 286-287. 102835. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cdnut.2024.102835

Choi, J.^#, Choi, S. Eating out with Diabetes: Assessing Food Safety Knowledge and Dining Concerns. International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) European Symposium on Food Safety, Geneva, Switzerland, May 1, 2024.

Choi, S.^# Hedonic and Calorie Reduction Effects of Prior Miracle Fruit Application on Meal Intakes in Korean American Adults with Diabetes or Prediabetes: A Randomized Crossover Trial (P-06-015-23). Nutrition 2023, American Society for Nutrition, Conference, Boston, MA, July 22, 2023. Current Developments in Nutrition, 7 Supplement (1), 100852. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cdnut.2023.100852

Seo, JY. ^#, Park, S-H., Choi, S., Strauss, S. M. Long-Term Effectiveness of Virtual Breast Cancer Prevention Education Program: A Quasi Experimental Study With 1-Year Follow-Up. The Eastern Nursing Research Society’s 35^th Annual Scientific Session, Philadelphia, PA, March 23 – March 24, 2023. PRP 152, March 23, 2023. 2:09 PM – 2:24 PM. (A2 International/Immigrant Health)

Choi, S.^#, Gambino, E. ^†, Hirsch, M. ^†, Servellon Herrera, M. ^† Comparison of calories, fat, and sodium contents of soup recipes in 108 English-written bestselling cookbooks from 10 food culture groups. Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo^®(FNCE) 2022, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Orlando, FL, October 9, 2022. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. 122(9) September 2022 Supplement 1, A-15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jand.2022.06.052

Seo, JY. , Park, S-H., Choi, S., Strauss, S. M. Virtual Breast Cancer Prevention Education Program among Korean Immigrant Women during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The Eastern Nursing Research Society’s 34^th Annual Scientific Session, Providence, RI, March 31 – April 1, 2022.

Choi, S. & Navarro, M †. Effects of miracle fruit supplement on hedonic responses to different types of sour food in Asian Americans with diabetes or prediabetes. Nutrition 2020, American Society for Nutrition, Virtual Conference, June 1-4, 2020. Current Developments in Nutrition, 4 Supplement (2), 743, https://doi.org/10.1093/cdn/nzaa052_012

Choi, S.  Tepp, R.†, Lee, K, Cho, M. Cross-cultural differences in attitudes, beliefs, and patterns of meat consumption between American and Korean female college students. 2019 Annual Meeting & Expo of New York State Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Syracuse, NY, April 6, 2019.

Skinner, S., Choi, S., Chipkin, S. R., Braun, B., Malin, S. K. Variations in dietary fat associated with insulin sensitivity and appetite following exercise in impaired glucose tolerant (IGT) adults. 2015 Annual Meeting of American College of Sports Medicine, San Diego, CA, May 28, 2015.

Choi, S. Relationship of 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) taste sensitivity to alcohol and caffeine intake among ethnically diverse college students. Annual Experimental Biology 2015 Conference, Boston, MA, March 31, 2015.

Lee, K.†, Choi, S. Comparison of genetic taste sensitivity to 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP), sweet taste preference, and sweet food intake between meat eaters and non-meat eaters. Annual Food & Nutrition Conference of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association), Houston, TX., October 21, 2013

Lee, Y. J.†, Choi, S., Relationship of college students’ residence to frequency of meal skipping and snacking pattern. Annual Food & Nutrition Conference of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association), Philadelphia, PA., October 7, 2012.

Choi, S., Dell Italia R.T.† Effect of acculturation on dietary behavior and body mass index among Asian Americans and African Americans in the NYC area. Annual Conference of New York State Dietetic Association, Rye Brook, NY, May 13, 2011.

Malin,S.K., Choi, S., Thistle, L., Braun, B. Effects of exercise training and/or Metformin treatment for 12 weeks on body weight and food intake in individual with prediabetes. Annual Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo of the American Dietetic Association, Boston, MA, November 7, 2010.

Choi, S., Malin, S. K., Devine, E. R., Braun, B. Effects of exercise training and/or Metformi treatment on body weight and food intake in individual with prediabetes. Annual Conference of Massachusetts Dietetic Association, Norwood, MA, March 26, 2010.

Morin, H. R., Devine, E. R., Choi, S., Wortsmann, J. L., Braunstein, N. S., Toong, K. K., Surtherland, D. Z. Does nutrition education decrease alcohol intake among college freshmen? Annual Conference of Massachusetts Dietetic Association, Norwood, MA, March 27, 2009.

At Queens College: Poster presentation

Levine, A.†, Baig, S.†, Colby, E.†, Ross, A. †, Choi, S.  Sensory and physical properties of high fiber muffins prepared by replacing all-purpose flour with defatted coconut flour. 32nd Annual Sigma Xi Research Day, Queens College, April 13, 2018.

Cannon, A. †, Chiricella, J. †, Garcia, O. †, Wu, M. †,  Choi, S. Sensory and physical properties of brownies prepared by replacing butter with black beans. The 31st Sigma Xi Research Day, Queens College, April, 5, 2017.

Raynaud, K.†, Papis, A.†, Conliffe, J.†, Gabaldon, M.†,  Choi, S. Sensory and physical properties of low fat Macaroni and Cheese prepared by replacing whole fat cheese with nutritional yeast. The Undergraduate Research Showcase 2016, Queens College, September, 28, 2016.

Biondi, M.†, El Rowmeim, A.†, Licari, A.†, Choi, S. Sensory characteristics & physical property of pancakes prepared by replacing wheat flour with gluten free substitutes. Annual Sigma Xi Research Day, Queens College, April 23, 2015.

Bordi, A.†, Ektheerachaisakul, P.†, Haq, M.†, Tierney, K.†, Choi, S. Sensory characteristics and cooking loss of low fat meatloaf prepared by replacing beef with textured vegetable protein (TVP). Undergraduate Research Day, Queens College, October 10, 2014.

Moreno, C.†, Jamanca, A.†, Lanzisero, D.†, Wimmer, I.†, Choi, S. Sensory and physical properties of Alfredo sauce prepared by replacing whole-fat milk with reduced-fat and fat-free milk. Annual Sigma Xi Research Day, Queens College, April 10, 2014.

Coello, S.†, Meskouris, M.†, Coopersmith, R.†, Choi, S. Sensory properties and acceptability ofgingerbread cakes using applesauce as a fat substitute. Undergraduate Research Day, Queens College, October 8, 2013.

Messana, S.†, Monteverdi D.†, Asghar, N.†, Hoffmann, A.†, O’Mahony, K.†, Choi, S. Consumer sensory acceptability of glutenfree falafel prepared with rice flour and chickpea flour. Annual Sigma Xi Research Day, Queens College, March 14, 2013

Conca, A. †,  Daley, P. †, Redwood, T. †, Tejada, A. †, Choi, S. Sensory and physical properties of gluten free cupcakes prepared by replacing all purpose flour with almond flour and coconut flour. Undergraduate Research Day, Queens College, October 16, 2012.

Sommer, V.†, Kalinski, J.†, Borg, K.†, Maksym, L.†, Choi, S. Sensory and physical properties of Macaroni and Cheese prepared by replacing whole-fat cheese with reduced-fat cheese. Annual Sigma Xi Research Day, Queens College, March 22, 2012.

Whitcomb, R.†, Manzo, A.†, Schwartz, G.†, Read, S.†, Choi, S. Development of gluten-free chocolate chip cookie prepared by replacing all purpose flour with brown rice and chickpea   flours. Annual Sigma Xi Research Day, Queens College, March 31, 2011.

Kaur, N.†, Shergill, R.†, Dhaliwal, B.†, Choi, S. Consumer acceptance of blueberry muffins made with whole wheat flour. Undergraduate Research Day, Queens College, September 24, 2010.

Kim, Y.J.†, Mars, N.†, Yasmin, I.†, Choi, S. Sensory and physical properties of blueberry muffin prepared by replacing vegetable oil with applesauce. Undergraduate Research Day, Queens College, September 24, 2010.

Hwang, S.H.†, Martone, G.†, Vessa, A.†, Choi, S. Xylitol as a comparable substitute for sucrose in low sugar oatmeal raisin bars. Undergraduate Research Day, Queens College, September 24, 2010.

Glickman, E.†, Nasser, S.†, Choi, S. Development of low fat, high protein cheesecake using Greek yogurt and egg white. Annual Sigma Xi Research Day, Queens College, March 18, 2010.

Blue, D.†, Cohen, E.†, Harr, Y.†, Choi, S. Development of low fat, low calorie chocolate chip cookies prepared by replacing butter with apple sauce. Annual Sigma Xi Research Day, Queens College, March 18, 2010.

Gordillo, R.†, Kang, D.Y.†,Gouda, A.†, Choi, S. Consumer acceptability of muffin prepared by whole wheat flour. Annual Sigma Xi Research Day, Queens College, March 18, 2010.

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