Scientist in Residence Brings Real-World Taste Research to the Classroom

Upper School science students recently had the opportunity to engage with Dr. Patrice A. Hubert, a distinguished scientist with a strong background in the chemical senses and nutrition, during her time as our 2025 Kleckner Scientist in Residence last week. Dr. Hubert brought her postdoctoral research at Monell Chemical Senses Center on taste perception directly into the SCH classroom, offering students a unique glimpse into how scientists conduct their scientific inquiry. 

Dr. Hubert's activities with students centered around the very questions she explored in her research: how people perceive and prefer tastes, with a particular focus on sweetness. Junior Kristyanne Pagbaya, who interned with Dr. Hubert for two months last summer (pictured with her group at Monell at right), was able to revisit their work on taste perception during class last week. Pagbaya said it was exciting to be able to reconnect with her mentor, who guided her and other 11th-grade Biology students through hands-on explorations of sweet taste and preference. These activities mirrored the sweet taste testing that adult participants undertook in her formal research, allowing students to experience firsthand the nuances of sensory perception.

Beyond simple taste tests, Dr. Hubert facilitated discussions about how our perceptions of sweetness and other tastes might influence our food choices and, potentially, our health. She connected these concepts to the broader goals of her research—to understand how these variations could inform more culturally sensitive healthcare recommendations and ultimately improve diet quality across diverse populations.

“The impact of Dr. Hubert's presence extended beyond individual taste experiences,” said Scott Stein, chair of the Upper School Science Department. “She empowered students to think like scientists, encouraging them to consider the variables involved in taste perception and the importance of studying these differences across diverse groups. By sharing the real-world application of her work, Dr. Hubert illustrated how scientific research can contribute to a deeper understanding of human behavior and health.”

Dr. Hubert also led an afternoon workshop for Pre-K-12 science teachers, looking at taste, smell, and food preferences. She brainstormed with teachers possible ways to incorporate this into all subjects at all grade levels.

The Kleckner Scientist in Residence Fund, named for longtime beloved science teacher Florence Kleckner, supports the visit of a nationally renowned scientist to SCH Academy every year. The Science Department has welcomed a scientist in residence since 2007.