A pragmatic, science-forward nutrition and regulatory consultant and trainer, Dr. Jennifer van de Ligt is also the founder of Food Edge Solutions. She has an extensive background in critical infrastructure protection, food defense, scientific and regulatory affairs, food and feed product development, and human and animal nutrition with industry, academic, government, and global perspectives. She helps drive product development and enhance regulatory compliance within and across food and feed industry organizations, and her expertise is valued by the food and beverage, infant formula, dietary supplement, animal feed, and pet food sectors. 

Jennifer most recently served as the FDA Senior Advisor for Intentional Adulteration where she was the Sector Risk Management Agency coordinator for the Food and Agriculture Critical Infrastructure. She also previously held a professorship at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, directed the Food Protection and Defense Institute, and led global scientific and regulatory affairs across the food and feed portfolio of Cargill. She has led global product launches, research and development of novel ingredients, scientific substantiation of product claims, and development of intentional adulteration vulnerability assessments and mitigations. Jennifer has held leadership positions in numerous trade and scientific organizations, coauthored or sponsored peer-reviewed publications and reports, and holds more than 130 global patents and patent applications.

Jennifer holds a PhD in Nutrition and Animal Science from the University of Kentucky, MS from the University of Illinois, and BS from North Carolina State University. She lives in Minnesota and enjoys reading, cooking, and taking long walks.