- Dr. Cristobal Onetto has joined the Departments of Food Science and Technology and Horticulture and Crop Science at the Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) as an assistant professor in enology and fermentation sciences. He will be based at our Wooster campus starting February 1, 2026. Click here to learn more about Dr. Onetto.
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Rinky Ghosh, graduate research associate and doctoral student in the Department of Food Science and Technology, has been named a 2026 Presidential Fellowship recipient. The Presidential Fellowship is the most prestigious award given by the Graduate School to recognize the outstanding scholarly accomplishments and potential of graduate students entering the final phase of their dissertation research or terminal degree project. Rinky is advised by Dr. Yael Vodovotz.
- Several faculty members from the Department of Food Science and Technology have been named to the 2025 World’s Top 2% Scientists list, compiled by Stanford University and Elsevier. This global ranking recognizes researchers whose work is among the most cited worldwide — a testament to their impact on advancing food safety, nutrition, and sustainability. Honorees include Dr. Martha Belury, Dr. Osvaldo Campanella, Dr. Emmanuel Hatzakis, Dr. Monica Giusti, and Dr. Rafael Jiménez-Flores.
- The Foods for Health Research Initiative (FFH), led by FST faculty member Dr. Devin Peterson, hosted its annual research meeting on November 13 at the Energy Advancement and Innovation Center. FST graduate students Isabel Gugger, Berenice Montano, Sakura Sugiyama, and Aaron Wiedemer delivered flash talks selected from their poster abstracts, and FST faculty Dr. Jessica Cooperstone, Dr. Emmanual Hatzakis, and Dr. Devin Peterson presented during the FFH Initiated Research session.
- Dr. Rafael Jiménez-Flores spoke to the historical and health risks of unpasteurized milk in this WYSO feature: ‘Why Ohio scientists — and some dairy producers — are against legalizing raw milk.’
- Congratulations to Jeffrey Eiseman who placed 1st in the student poster competition given by the Cereals and Grains Cincinnati section at the Cereals and Grains Association 2025 Chemistry, Quality, and Technology conference. Jeffrey is a PhD student and is advised by Dr. Emmanuel Chatzakis.
- Congratulations to Mackenzie Hudson, a second-year Food Science & Technology major, on earning her American FFA Degree — the highest honor in the National FFA Organization.
- Congratulations to Manpreet Kaur on receiving an Outstanding Graduate Research Award. This award recognizes and celebrates graduate student success in publishing high quality research in a timely manner. Manpreet is a PhD student and is advised by Dr. Sheryl Barringer.
- Taylor Beck and Harmeen Prasher recently presented their research at the Berry Health Benefits Symposium. Taylor is a PhD student who is advised by Dr. Yael Vodovotz and Harmeen is a PhD student advised by Dr. Monica Giusti. In its 20th year, the biennial symposium features scientists from across the world reporting on their latest research and the newest health benefits offered through berry consumption.
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Rinky Ghosh and Hrithik Shetty presented their posters at the European Federation of Food Science and Technology (EFFoST) conference in Portugal. Rinky presented on “Development of Flexible and Compostable PHBV Films Using Coffee Waste and Eggshell Reinforcement,” and Hrithik presented on “Optimizing Texture of Plant-Based Meat Analogs Using a Machine Learning Model of High-Moisture Extrusion.” Rinky is advised by Dr. Yael Vodovotz and Hrithik is advised by Dr. Osvaldo Campanella.
- Dr. Monica Giusti shares insights on the challenges of replacing artificial dyes with natural colors in the article “Will people be able to tell a difference eating food without artificial dyes?” published by USA Today. Dr. Giusti's research was also featured in an article by the Washington Post.
- Recent FST graduate and current OSU Extension Educator, Dr. Allison Howell, attended the American Public Health Association Annual meeting in Washington D.C. to present a poster titled “Food Safety Risks from Foodservice Operations in Franklin County, Ohio: Does Operating within a Low Income or Low Access to Supermarket Census Tract Affect Risk of Exposure to Foodborne Illness?” co-authored by Dr. Nicole Arnold as part of the Food and Nutrition Section’s meeting program.
- The Flavor Research and Education Center (FREC) held its 15th annual meeting, where students presented research updates on 12 FREC projects to attendees representing 12 member companies.
- Dr. Nicole Arnold shared food safety tips in an article titled “How to thaw your turkey safely in time for Thanksgiving.”
- The Food Industries Center welcomed industry professionals, FST staff members, and graduate students on October 21–23 for the Cleaning and Sanitation Basics + Advanced CIP Workshop. This hands-on training strengthened food safety systems through practical tools, microbiology insights, and real-world applications. Participants engaged in multiple applied sessions from Dr. Ahmed Yousef, Steven Simmons, Gary Wenneker, and Shruthy Seshadrinathan from the department, as well as expert speakers from both industry and academia.
- Dr. Valente Alvarez was invited by the U.S. Dairy Export Council to present in a three-city series across Colombia in early October. His sessions highlighted the functional use of U.S. dairy ingredients in yogurt formulation. The events brought together food industry professionals for practical learning experience.
- We recently welcomed Thallia Blight and Rick Kirk to the department. Thallia joined the department as an Administrative Associate and Rick joined our department as the Instructional Labs & Dairy Pilot Plant Manager.
Upcoming Events:
December 3 FST Department Seminar
Dr. Grace Lewis, Assistant Professor at University of Wisconsin-River Falls and Dairy Innovation Hub Affiliate at University of Wisconsin-Madison
4-5 pm Parker Food Science and Technology Room 118
December 12 – 18 Autumn Semester Exams
December 19 FST Autumn Semester Graduation Party
3:00 – 4:00 pm Parker Food Science and Technology Lobby
January 12 First Day of Classes Spring Semester
