About

Lauren Shimek is the food science innovator and technical build guide for the Food & Beverage practice at IDEO. Based in Palo Alto, Lauren brings both technical and scientific expertise to projects that span the supermarket aisles from frozen foods to shelf-stable meals.

Prior to IDEO, Lauren developed breakthrough technologies and new products at General Mills. She worked in snacks, bakeries and food service, and meals (including Progresso 50% Reduced Sodium soups, for which she led product development from concept to market).

A self-professed foodie, Lauren brings a personal enthusiasm for food and food culture to IDEO via her monthly Eater’s Digest newsletter and her personal blog, Foodspiration.com. She is actively involved with the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), a national professional organization, and is the adviser for the national IFT Student Association. She has a PhD in food science and a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from the University of California at Davis.