Brock Kuhlman, PhD, currently serves as a Senior Research Scientist at King's Hawaiian, starting in May 2024. Prior to this role, Kuhlman worked as a Senior Scientist at Plantible Foods from January 2023 to July 2024 and completed a PhD in Wine Biotechnology at Stellenbosch University from January 2018 to February 2023. Kuhlman also has extensive experience in the food industry, having owned z'Nacht GmbH and Square State Limited, where services focused on food science and product formulation for small and medium-sized manufacturers. Additional culinary expertise includes positions as Executive Chef at the US Embassy Tokyo and BKK Bagel Bakery, and as Sous Chef at Sonoma Restaurant & Wine Bar. Kuhlman's academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Bakery Science and Cereal Chemistry from Kansas State University and a Diploma in Culinary Arts from L'Academie de Cuisine.