Academic Personnel

Welcome to Assistant Professor Andrew Gravelle

Please welcome Food Science and Technology's newest faculty member, Assistant Professor Andrew Gravelle.  Andrew comes to us from the University of Guelph, where he earned his Ph.D. in Food Science this year.  His M.S. and B.S. degrees were in Biophysics, also at the University of Guelph, after which he was a Research Associate in Food Science for seven years, 2011-2017, just prior to his doctoral degree studies from 2018-2021.   

Selina Wang - 2021 Academic Federation Excellence in Research Award

Congratulation to FST's Dr. Selina Wang, Associate Cooperative Extension Specialist in Fruit and Vegetable Processing, for being selected for the 2021 Academic Federation Excellence in Research Award!  The award recognizes the outstanding scholarly research efforts and accomplishments of Academic Federation members.  There will be an upcoming UC Dateline story featuring all the awardees, but for now, congratulations to Selina and her lab!  

Job Announcement - Postdoctoral Scholar

A postdoctoral research scholar position is available in Dr. Luxin Wang’s microbial food safety lab in the Department of Food Science and Technology at the University of California Davis. The primary responsibility of this position will be to conduct studies that will increase our knowledge on the effects of antibiotic treatments on the microbiota present in aquaculture systems and the stress responses of common foodborne pathogens using next generation sequencing technologies. The responsibility of the candidate will be to perform and participate in all aspects of research projects: ordering equipment and supplies, designing sampling protocols, conducting field sampling and data collection, performing DNA extraction and library preparation, delivering data analysis using novel bioinformatics tools, writing reports, and preparing manuscripts for refereed journal publication. Projects will incorporate a range of experimental (cellular and molecular), informatics, and theoretical/computational approaches. Supervision and interaction with graduate and undergraduate students working on the project is also expected.

The Phaff Yeast Culture Collection on "After Dark" Series

The Phaff Yeast Culture Collection will be part of the weekly Thursday evening “After Dark” series at the Exploratorium this Thursday March 12, from 6:00 to 10:00 PM. Visitors can learn how we use yeast to make many different fermented foods and beverages, view microbes from some foods and beverages under the microscope, see and smell different species of yeast, and learn about the current research going on at the Phaff Yeast Culture Collection.

Mechanical Vineyard Pruning Possible Without Replanting

One of the major concerns regarding mechanical vineyard pruning is the time and cost associated with replanting a vineyard in a manner that would accommodate the process. However, a report from University of California Cooperative Extension researchers that was published in HortTechnology demonstrates that replanting is not necessary. Research conducted in Madera County found that growers can mechanize their operations by retraining vines without suffering any fruit loss or decline in quality.

Trends in Vineyard Irrigation: A Who's Who in Vineyard Water Management Honors Larry Williams

Larry Williams has remained busy since he retired last July from UC Davis after 36 years in the Department of Viticulture and Enology. Last Thursday was no different. Williams was honored at an all-day seminar on vineyard irrigation and vine water management at UC Davis. Williams invited the speakers, including former graduate students and colleagues. Williams prepared two presentations of his own, including one with 141 slides on the highlights in vineyard irrigation over the past 36 years.