John E. Hayes is a Professor in the Department of Food Science and Director of the Sensory Evaluation Center at Penn State University. His research focuses on sensory and consumer science, specifically examining various aspects of ingestive behavior, flavor perception, and individual differences in tasting abilities. His work has extended to understanding the implications of sensory science on drug delivery systems, consumer acceptability, and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on chemosensory perception. Dr. Hayes has contributed significantly to the field through numerous peer-reviewed publications, highlighting the complexities of taste biology and the biobehavioral frameworks surrounding food choice. He holds a Ph.D. in Nutrition from the University of Connecticut and has completed postdoctoral research at Brown University, focusing on alcohol and behavioral genetics. His dedication to sensory science has earned him multiple prestigious awards, further solidifying his expertise and commitment to advancing this critical field of study.