Brendan Niemira Ph.D. – Innovations in Food Safety: Cold Plasma Science with (#95)

Last Updated on September 14, 2024

About Brendan Niemira, PhD

Brendan Niemira, PhD is a Lead Scientist with the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service. He leads a team of 30+ scientists, engineers, technicians, postdocs, and students in Wyndmoor, PA., developing tools to kill human pathogens on produce, meats, poultry, shellfish, and other foods. However, his focus and passion are developing and validating cold plasma, high-intensity monochromatic light, irradiation, and other nonthermal food safety treatments for fresh and fresh-cut fruits and vegetables.

Dr. Niemira has published over 180 peer-reviewed research articles, book chapters, and critical reviews. He is the co-editor and author of a well-regarded reference text and holds two patents.

Sponsor:

• • Canadian Food Innovation Network: CFIN’s Food Innovation Career Hub is a one-stop shop for food professionals, students, and employers. This community is home to anyone interested in a career in food tech or actively seeking talented employees for their food business. The Food Innovator Career Hub lets you search job openings, access original content, and connect with a growing community of food professionals and mentors.

Other things we mentioned in this episode:

• Brendan Niemira’s LinkedIn
• Brendan Niemira’s USDA Profile
• USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS)
• Cold Plasma + Oranges

Timestamps

(0:00) Introduction
(1:04) Dr. Niemira introduces himself
(1:55) How Niemira progressed into Cold Plasma
(5:27) What a lead researcher does at the ARS
(9:40) What is cold plasma
(17:05) How to implement cold plasma
(23:23) How to justify research?
(29:08) Commercialization of cold plasma
(31:57) Cost of the system
(41:24) Growth opportunities
(45:46) IFT Opportunities
(53:22) Advice for students going into food safety

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