FQL Scientists

Brian C. Bowker, Research Chemist
Studies the new technoloies to prove and assess meat quality in muscle foods.

Stephent R. Delwiche (Steve), Research Agricultural Engineer
Studies the methods for non-destructive measurement of physical, biochemical, and morphological properties of grains and their constituents. Characterization of the kernel-to-kernel variability in the composition of grains using spectrophotometer techniques.

William S. Conway, (Research Leader) Research Plant Pathologist
Postharvest pathology of fruits. Studies fungal virulence factors important in postharvest decay and the use of bacteriophages to reduce populations of foodborne human pathogens on fresh-cut produce.

Wayne M. Jurick, II, Research Plant Pathologist
Studies interactions at the cellular and molecular levels between plant pathogens and fresh or fresh-cut fruits and vegetables. Identifying and deciphering the regulation of microbial factors affecting the quality of fresh-cut produce.

Gene E. Lester, Research Plant Physiologist
Studies the enhancement of postharvest quality of fruits and vegetables and evaluation of commodity treatments of quarantined pests.

Robert A. Saftner, Research Plant Physiologist
Research focuses on integrating alternative approaches to maintaining the quality and food safety of fresh-cut produce, particularly fresh-cut apple, cantaloupe, and honeydew products.

Bruce D. Whitaker, Research Plant Physiologist
Physiology and biochemistry of fruits and vegetables. Studies the role of membrane components and natural products in the bioregulation of fruit and vegetable ripening, senescence, and storage disorders.

Tianbao Yang, Plant Physiologist
Studies molecular biology of fruits and vegetables for maintaining quality by studying genetic mechanisms controlling fruit ripening and softening.