YK (Yao) Attipoe, MSc

Yao Korkoe Attipoe is a PhD candidate in the Food Quality and Design Group at Wageningen University & Research. His research focuses on the sustainable valorisation of food waste and food-industry side streams for the production of biodegradable bioplastics, with interest in microbial fermentation, bioprocessing, and circular material design.

He holds MSc in Food Science and Engineering, with previous research experience in the valorisation of cocoa pulp for human nutrition through enzymatic enhancement of sugar release. His current PhD project explores how selected food by-products can be converted into fermentation-ready substrates for microbial PHA production and further evaluated for bioplastic film applications. 

Across his work, Yao is interested in using food science and biotechnology to create value from underutilised resources. His broader research interests include sustainable packaging, food waste valorisation, fermentation, biopolymer production, and science communication. Through his research, he aims to contribute to more circular food systems by linking waste reduction, bioprocess innovation, and biodegradable material development.