This comprehensive food packaging course covers essential topics such as the fundamental functions and definitions of packaging; the interactions between food, packaging, and the environment; and the properties of various packaging materials. Students explore current packaging trends, techniques for determining food shelf-life, and specialized packaging methods for dry, moisture-sensitive, heat-processed, and frozen foods, as well as beverages. The course also delves into advanced concepts like Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP), sustainable packaging practices including material reduction and recycling, and an overview of food packaging laws and regulations.

The position of Junior Specialist provides technical or specialized expertise in the planning and execution of research projects in a food chemistry laboratory. The junior Specialist stays apprised of the research area and maintains technical competence in the designated area(s) of specialization. The role of this position is to provide specialized expertise in food chemistry research in the laboratory of the Principal Investigator Dr. Selina Wang. The Junior Specialist is actively and significantly engaged in research including various projects that are related to food quality and analytical chemistry method development.

The position of Junior Specialist provides technical or specialized expertise in the planning and execution of research projects in a Biosafety Level 1 (BSL-1) Laboratory. The Junior Specialist stays apprised of the research area and maintains technical competence in the designated area(s) of specialization. The role of this position is to provide specialized expertise in microbial food safety research projects of the laboratory of the Principal Investigator Dr. Christopher w. Simmons.

The position of Junior Specialist provides technical or specialized expertise in the planning and execution of research projects in a Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) Laboratory. The Junior Specialist stays apprised of the research area and maintains technical competence in the designated area(s) of specialization.

The position of Specialist has a narrow focus in a specialized area and provides technical or specialized expertise (e.g. with instrumentation and research equipment or with social science research methods) in the planning and execution of a research project. The Specialist stays apprised of emerging issues and problems and maintains technical competence in the designated areas of specialization. With in this defined area and when appropriate, the Specialist is expected to provide leadership, facilitate teamwork, and develop collaborative relationships with colleagues. Normally, Specialists do not have Principal Investigator (PI) status but may obtain permission by exception an /or collaborate with a PI in preparing research proposals for extramural funding. The Specialist is evaluated for merit and promotion using three basic criteria outlined below.

This course: (1) provides students with preparation for intercultural experiences globally and within the United States, and (2) prepares students to be successful in a variety of global academic settings.

The position of Junior Specialist provides technical or specialized expertise in the planning and execution of research projects in a Biosafety Level II Laboratory. The Junior Specialist stays apprised of the research area and maintains technical competence in the designated area(s) of specialization. The role of this position is to provide specialized expertise in microbial food safety research projects of the laboratory of the Principal Investigators Dr. Linda J. Harris and Erin DiCaprio. The Junior Specialist is actively and significantly engaged in research involving isolation and characterization of foodborne pathogens (Salmonella, shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), and norovirus) from environmental and food samples as part of a project that seeks to understand the prevalence, distribution, and survival of foodborne pathogens in the produce growing environment and in harvested products. The Junior Specialist is responsible for setting up and executing experiments and conducting quality control and data management procedures. The Junior Specialist will have the opportunity to have creative input into the design of and selection of experiments to meet the study objectives. They will also assist with routine day-to-day lab duties including lab safety duties, supplies acquisition, and will lead undergraduate assistants.