Team
Rod Heath
General Manager
Leading, developing and delivering the ‘education’ pillar of Monash Food
Innovation (MFI). Training and teaching industry executives and Monash
students in innovation, consumer behaviour and food marketing. Consulting to
industry to inform future strategic product development direction.
Depth of industry experience spanning everyday food, chocolate, sport, toys,
alcohol and health from multinationals to SME’s. (Kraft, Cadbury Schweppes,
CUB). Disciplines included Marketing, New Product Development and Sales.
Bachelor of Business (Marketing)
Abhishek Banerjee
Design & Innovation Lead
Abhishek is the Design & Innovation Lead at Monash Food Innovation. A Monash University alumnus with honours in Industrial Design, he now has over six years of experience specialising in the FMCG sector. His diverse background spans automotive design, virtual reality start-ups, and strategic brand design. At MFI, Abhishek directs the end-to-end innovation process, from initial client engagement and strategic scoping to final project delivery. He oversees MFI's advanced consumer insights prototyping capabilities, including the Virtual Store and the MFI x Objective 3D Advanced Prototyping Hub, transforming client ideas into tangible, market-ready solutions. He has successfully led projects and built relationships with many of Australia's leading brands. A passionate advocate for human-centred design, Abhishek is dedicated to bridging the gap between creative innovation and commercial reality, constantly exploring new technologies to drive the future of the food and beverage industry.
Aadi Krishna
Engagement Coordinator
Aadi is passionate about communications and client engagement. She holds a Master's degree in Media and Communications, providing her with a strong foundation in strategic communication and digital media. Aadi excels at collaborating with team members and project managers to solve complex issues, devise innovative solutions, and ensure seamless project execution. With experience in client liaison and engagement, she specialises in project management within New Product Development (NPD), fostering strong client relationships, understanding their needs, and delivering tailored solutions that drive project success. She also manages social media and digital platforms, coordinates events, and ensures effective communication across all channels. Before joining MFI, Aadi worked as a Social Media Coordinator for 2 years, mastering digital marketing, content creation, and audience engagement.
Cathy Meredith
Senior Administrative Coordinator
With over 20 years of administrative and global mobility experience at Monash University, Cathy brings a wealth of expertise to Monash Food Innovation (MFI). She has primarily served in the Faculty of Law and Faculty of Arts, assisting staff and students and coordinating international short-term and semester-length programs. Cathy's roles have included various personal assistant positions, highlighting her exceptional communication skills across all levels. As the Senior Administrative Coordinator at MFI, Cathy oversees the daily administrative operations, ensuring all processes run efficiently and effectively. She manages the hub's website and web content, keeping the online presence current and engaging. Cathy is also responsible for supporting project management, facilitating communication between departments, handling logistical arrangements, maintaining records, and providing comprehensive administrative support to the MFI team.
Carlson Ham
Industrial Designer
Carlson is our Industrial Designer at Monash Food Innovation and Monash University Alumni with a Bachelors in Industrial Design. Carlson harmoniously utilises innovative design to bring product concepts to life, with experience in mobility design, graphic design, and prototyping. Additionally, a passion for prospective technology and smooth project execution.
Naish Dalal
New Product Development Scientist
Naishad Dalal is an accomplished food scientist with a Master’s degree in Food Science and Technology from RMIT University. With over a decade of technical and manufacturing experience in Australia’s dairy industry, Mr. Dalal brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. His areas of specialization include powdered beverages, infant formula, Ready to Drink (RTD) beverages, child nutrition, and plant-based products.
As the founder of the Food Entrepreneurship Academy established in 2021, Mr. Dalal leads the Academy as the Academy Director and Principal Food Technologist. Under his leadership, the Academy has successfully launched more than 110 products for 35 startups. Mr. Dalal is also a co-founder of Pipan Foods, a children’s health supplements and snack company established in 2018, where he currently holds the position of Technical Director.
Mr. Dalal’s passion lies in food entrepreneurship, food innovation, human nutrition, and bringing concept ideas to life as real food products. His diverse background and expertise make him a valuable asset to any food start-up looking to launch innovative products.
Sahar Omidnia
New Product Developer
I am a Food Technologist skilled in New Product Development (NPD) and innovation with a proven track record of leading development of award-winning products in Australia. I take a practical, results-driven approach that bridges the gap between an innovative briefs and commercially viable solutions. Whether you want to create a brand new product or seeking solution for existing one, I help tick all these boxes from prototyping, source your functional ingredients, connect you with relevant contract manufacturers, meet your budget and timelines, and guide you through the entire development process . I am passionate about healthy snacking, ready to eat meals and functional ingredients.
Louise Bennett
Co-Director
Louise has over 25 years of research experience in the science of food and health, with leadership of the Monash Master of Food Science and Agribusiness, that launches graduates into industry and research-based careers. Louise recognises the diversity of food across the globe, and is passionate about translation of research for securing food supply to people and maximising its value for industry.
Sushil Dhital
Co-Director
Sushil caries fundamental and applied research on elucidating the structure-property-function-health relationships of food and food ingredients. His stronghold and research interest are on relating the plant molecular structures to macroscopic properties with relevance to food, health, and product development.