Graduate Mentors

Nov. 1, 2017

Matthew Lucy

Lucy is known for his work on the reproductive physiology of high-producing dairy cows. His current research program examines the physiological processes regulating fertility in dairy cows and explores practical methods that evolve from this research. Early embryonic loss is one of the most-pressing reproductive problems facing the dairy industry today. His current work, therefore, focuses on early embryonic development and how uterine disease early postpartum leads to early embryonic loss. Studies range from basic (transcriptomics) to applied (whole animal field trials). Educational background Ph.D., University of Florida…

Oct. 27, 2017

Alba Argerich

My research encompasses the following key areas:   1. Nutrient Dynamics and Biogeochemical Processes in Streams: Excess nutrient loading is a major cause of freshwater ecosystem impairment. My research delves into understanding the factors controlling nutrient transport and transformation in streams throughout the year. We have developed innovative techniques, such as a smart tracer using fluorescent dye, to study water exchange between the stream channel and the hyporheic zone, shedding light on how this exchange influences water quality and ecosystem function.   2. Stream metabolism: Stream metabolism involves the balance between organic matter production and consumption in stream ecosystems, impacting nutrient cycling and carbon…

Aug. 24, 2017

Peter V. Cornish

Research in our laboratory is primarily focused on understanding the complexities of ribosome function using a variety of biophysical methods including NMR and single molecule techniques. One of our projects is in understanding translational regulation in particular the mechanism of recoding where the ribosome shifts reading frame due to the presence of specific structures within the mRNA. Recoding has been observed in all forms of life and has been shown to be essential for the viability of many viruses including HIV-1 and SARS coronavirus. We are also contributing to the ongoing effort of developing antiviral small molecules that specifically target…

Aug. 24, 2017

Donald H. Burke

Education BAChemistry and BiologyUniversity of KansasLawrence, Kan.PhDMolecular Biology/BiochemistryUniversity of California, BerkeleyBerkeley, Calif. Research Areas Ribozyme mechanism and evolution and the origin of life; antiviral nucleic acid aptamers and the molecular basis of drug resistant HIV-1. Research Description Whether we are thinking about the Origin of Life, about the Molecular mechanisms of Viral Pathogenesis, or about RNA-based therapeutics, three kinds of questions underly our work: 1) What can nucleic acids do? 2) How do their sequences and structures relate to their ability to do it? and 3) Can we engineer new biologies by expressing artificial RNAs in cells? Most of the…

July 21, 2017

Pei Liu

Liu has extensive experience in applied research, ranging from consumer consumption behaviors to food handlers’ food safety practices, in various food system settings, such as restaurants, schools, faith-based organizations, and private homes. Her research has been funded by federal and state grant agencies, and she has led three USDA NIFA Grants with a total of over $1 million. Her research contributions are evidenced by over 20 publications in prestigious journals, and she has been an active presenter of her research findings at numerous national and international conferences. Educational background Ph.D., Kansas State University Courses taught Hsp_Mgmt 1000: Food Safety…

July 21, 2017

Seonghee Cho

As a behavioral scientist, Dr. Cho’s research expertise is in developing interventions to change employees’ attitudes and behaviors which lead to positive financial impacts. She is currently conducting the financial impacts of hospitality employees on hotel guests’ delightful experience using user-generated contents. Educational background Ph.D., Hospitality Administration, University of Nevada, Las Vegas M.S., Hospitality and Tourism Management, Purdue University M.B.A., Kyung-Hee University, Korea Courses taught HSP_MGMT 2400, Fundamentals of Lodging Management HSP_MGMT 4100, Human Resources Management HSP_MGMT 4400, Hospitality Finance Management FS 8100, Topics — Strategic Human Resource Management…

July 21, 2017

Amanda Alexander

Volunteering Importance of this segment to the success of special events, festivals, and mega events Motivation Intention Generational differences Advertising and Consumer Behavior Effects of social media on service related “products” Evolution of channel choice preferences Generational differences Interactions between business and client Meetings and Conventions Marketing Influencing decision makers Effects of word of mouth Retention of annual events How services are marketed differently from products, how to overcome the idea of intangibility Educational background Ph.D., Hospitality Management, University of Missouri M.S., Hospitality Management, University of Missouri B.S., Hotel and Restaurant Management, University of Missouri Courses taught HSP_MGMT 1100, Introduction…

July 20, 2017

Bongkosh (Jeab) Vardhanabhuti

Food ingredient technology The research focuses on the application of colloid and material sciences in revolutionizing food ingredient development for enhanced food quality. This interdisciplinary approach aims to explore the intricate interactions between different materials at a molecular level, thereby enabling the creation of ingredients that contribute to improved taste, texture, stability, and health benefits in various food formulations.  Sustainable processing of food ingredients The research focuses on advancing sustainable methods in the processing of food ingredients to address environmental concerns while maintaining their functionality and sensory quality. By prioritizing sustainability, the study aims to develop and optimize processing techniques…

July 20, 2017

Azlin Mustapha

Azlin Mustapha’s research focusses on development of molecular, biological and analytical methods for food pathogen detection, and studying novel materials as antimicrobial agents. Specific examples include rapid PCR-based detection methods, applications of nanomaterials as antimicrobial agents and detection tools, and green syntheses of nanoparticles. In addition, her research also investigates the toxicity of nanomaterials and their application in food packaging and food contact surfaces. Educational background Ph.D., Food Science and Technology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Courses taught F_S 1020, World Food and You F_S 2172 Elements of Food Microbiology F_S 4370/7370, Food Microbiology F_S 4375/7375 Food Microbiology Laboratory F_S 8404/8405 Advanced…

July 20, 2017

Andrew Clarke

Educational background Ph.D., Colorado State University Courses taught FS 1030, Food Science and Nutrition FS 3190, Study Abroad FS 4344/7314, Processing Muscle Foods FS 4970, Food Product Development FS 8402, Research Methods FS 8424, Meat Investigations…