UF/IFAS food microbiologist wins young researcher award

August 10, 2010

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — University of Florida assistant professor Michelle Danyluk was honored Wednesday evening with the Larry Beauchat Young Researcher Award from the International Association for Food Protection.

The award recognizes a member of the group who has shown outstanding ability and professional promise in the field of food microbiology and food safety.

Danyluk, based at the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences’ Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred, received the award at the group’s annual meeting in Anaheim, Calif. The award included a plaque and a $2,000 honorarium.

“Dr. Danyluk is most deserving of this honor. She is truly an outstanding and gifted researcher, and we could not be more proud of her accomplishments,” said Doug Archer, IFAS’ associate dean for research.

Danyluk has developed a nationally noted food microbiology and safety program in citrus and other commodities, such as almonds and tropical juices. Her multistate “farm to fork” activities include leafy green food safety initiatives and the National Tree Crop Food Safety Research Symposia.

Since joining UF/IFAS in 2007, Danyluk has attracted more than $1 million for her research and extension programs and nearly $4 million to UF research overall. Danyluk holds a doctoral degree from the University of California, Davis, a master’s degree from the University of Georgia, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Alberta, Edmonton.

The International Association for Food Protection represents more than 3,400 food safety professionals committed to advancing food safety around the world. The group includes educators, government officials, microbiologists, food industry executives and quality control professionals involved in all aspects of food production.