Hi, I'm Haoyuan (Howie) Tan,

About Me

I have a wealth of experience and knowledge in dairy science and technology, with a specialize in food structure and physicochemical properties. My background includes 8 years of interdisciplinary expertise in food processing and 4 years of specific experience in dairy technology. I am dedicated to proficient in conducting laboratory analysis techniques and imaging quantification related to food science.

Research Interests & Skills

SEM
Raman Microscope
FTIR
DSC
Chemometric Tools (MCR, PCA)
Texture Analyzer
MATLAB Imaging
MATLAB Video Processing
3D Printing
Contact Angle
Angle of Repose
POV
TBARS
Spectrophotometer
EPR
GC-MS
Lab-Scale Homogenizer
Mastersizer
Zetasizer
Rheometer
Turbiscan
CLSM

Education & Experience

For more information, please refer to my resume or CV .

  • University of Copenhagen Jun 2022 - Present
    Research Assistant
    Developed and applied analytical methods to assess dairy powder quality, focusing on lipid oxidation, lactose crystallization, rehydration, and utilized imaging techniques; provided mentorship to MSc students.
  • University of Copenhagen Sep 2019 - Jun 2022
    Master of Science in Food Science and Technology (Specialization in Dairy)
    Specialized in dairy science and technology; conducted thesis on whey protein emulsions with vegetable fat, achieving full marks; gained strong skills in food chemistry, LCA, and collaboration.
  • Nr. Vium Mejeri, Arla Foods amba Jan 2020 - Feb 2020
    Cheese Manufacture Intern
    Conducted troubleshooting project on mold growth in aging cheese; successfully identified and presented findings; gained experience in multiple areas of cheese production.
  • AKAFA, Arla Foods amba Oct 2019 - Dec 2019
    Milk Powder Manufacture Intern
    Completed job rotations in powder production; assisted in spray drying and cream sterilization lines; contributed to CIP operations and QC analysis in a dairy plant environment.
  • China Agricultural University Sep 2015 - Jun 2019
    Bachelor of Engineering in Food Science and Engineering
    Gained knowledge in food microbiology and processing; thesis on fermentation properties of Lactobacillus paracasei rated excellent; performed microbial analysis and GABA quantification.
  • Beijing Daoxiangcun Foodstuff Co., Ltd. Jul 2018 - Aug 2018
    Cakes & Snacks Manufacture Intern
    Gained hands-on experience in traditional cake and snack production; supported warehousing and packaging QA; contributed to R&D and demo preparation for customers.

Projects

Chemometric techniques offer powerful tools for analyzing complex datasets related to food science. I used Multivariate Curve Resolution (MCR) to decompose Raman spectroscopy data and track crystallization dynamics. In another case, I employed modeling and clustering methods to identify patterns and group behaviors associated with the increase of extractable fat in whole milk powder (WMP) during storage. These tools enabled data-driven interpretation of physicochemical changes and supported predictive analysis.

Modeling Clustering Multivariate Curve Resolution Principal component analysis

Image analysis is a powerful method for quantifying structural features in food systems. It enables monitoring of time-dependent changes and the identification of patterns in physical properties. The projects below demonstrate applications such as assessing particle size distribution, morphology, and evaluating milk powder wettability and solubility.

Structural quantification Time-series imaging (Videos) Matlab

I applied Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM) with selective fluorescent labeling to visualize food microstructure. In these images, lipid fractions were labeled green and protein structures red, allowing clear observation of component distribution.

Fraction imaging Microstructure analysis Fluorescent labeling

I employed Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to visualize milk powder surface morphology and monitor crystallization-induced structural changes at high resolution, revealing alterations in particle shape, roughness, and microstructural integrity.

Particle microstructure Surface morphology

The Angle of Repose is a widely recognized parameter for evaluating the flowability of powdered materials. By applying image capture and post-processing, I quantified the cone angles of milk powder to assess flow behavior and detect physical changes due to formulation or storage.

Self-designed experiment Image processing Matlab

I used 3D printing techniques to create customized experimental setups. The images below showcase a built-up petridish shelf, specifically designed for a jar container, and a layered holder enabling the separation of powder samples.

Custom prototypes Precise modeling

Contact

Feel free to contact me via E-Mail or LinkedIn.