Department of Physics and Astronomy

The SPICE (Sustainable, Physics-Inspired Culinary Education) Lab explores the sustainability of cooking and the larger food system through the lens of physics.

The SPICE Lab is divided into two parts. The first half is a science laboratory for researching the energy efficiency of cooking, such as determining the thermodynamic properties of cookware and cooktop options that are most energy efficient.

The second half of the SPICE Lab is a combined recording studio and kitchen with live energy-monitoring equipment for the cooking devices and outlets. This will be used to augment the instruction of courses (including PHY 2220: "The Physics of Food and Cooking"), hosting synchronous zoom cooking classes and producing pre-recorded cooking demonstrations for additional outreach & education opportunities.

The research and outreach in this space will help people better understand the climate change mitigation strategies that exist in our kitchens and food system. The empowering part of these strategies is that all people can begin to do these today in their own kitchens - no policy changes or new equipment required. And over time this growing collaborative of engaged climate food advocates can then impact policy, large-scale purchasing decisions and larger climate solutions.

Read the full SPICE Lab announcement on the College of Arts and Sciences website here.