Alternative Meat?!
Tufts is such a fun place to explore all kinds of interests, whether it’s through clubs, career resources, or just something totally unexpected. One of the coolest things I discovered here is how much excitement there is around alternative meat.
The Tufts Alternative Protein Project, or APP, is a student club that’s part of a global network supported by the Good Food Institute. The goal is to turn universities into hubs for alternative protein education, research, and innovation. And with Tufts being a leader in cellular agriculture and home to the Friedman School of Nutrition, it makes so much sense that we have such a strong presence in this space. We even have our own Tufts Center for Cellular Agriculture, also known as TUCCA, which the club works closely with!
What I love about APP is that it brings together students from all kinds of backgrounds. Whether you are studying engineering, biology, nutrition, policy, or sustainability, there is something for you. The club hosts so many interesting events like speaker panels, journal clubs, and hands-on workshops that explore everything from cultivated meat to fermentation-based foods. They have brought in guests from startups, research labs, nonprofits, and even big biotech companies, making the field feel super approachable no matter your major or experience level.
If you are someone who is curious about research, Tufts APP makes it really easy to get involved. They help students find opportunities in labs across campus, and they even organize tours of the Kaplan Lab. I was honestly surprised by how welcoming the research space is at Tufts. You do not need to be an expert to join. The club encourages students to jump into literature reviews, experimental planning, and all kinds of projects in areas like tissue engineering, microbial fermentation, cell line development, and bioprocessing. They also highlight fellowships and research funding opportunities, which is always helpful.
One thing that makes APP really special is how much they care about building a strong community. They are constantly collaborating with other student groups to make the alternative protein space fun, creative, and accessible. They have done events like vegan cheese tastings with the Tufts Cheese Club and even a vegan Hot Ones challenge featuring plant-based wings from Blackbird Foods. These events are such a fun way to unwind, try new things, and meet people who care about climate change, ethical food systems, and the future of sustainable nutrition.
If you are even a little curious about food innovation or just want to meet passionate people working on really exciting problems, I cannot recommend Tufts APP enough. They also share newsletters, job boards, and host career panels that help you explore all kinds of professional paths in the field.
Honestly, I never expected to learn so much about alternative protein in college, but I am so glad I did. Tufts makes it feel real, exciting, and totally within reach.