Innovations in Food Safety: Cold Plasma Science with Brendan Niemira,PhD, Lead Scientist at the USDA's Agricultural Research Service | Ep. 95

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. 🔍 Episode Highlights: • What Brendan does as a lead scientist • Why plasma could be a game changer for food safety  • Growing your career through food organizations  Show Notes Brendan's  / LinkedIn   USDA Agricultural Research Service 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   COOL THINGS TO CHECK OUT 📖 Explore FoodGrads Career Guides (Ebooks) 📜 Get Career Advice (Blog)   CONNECT 🐦 Connect on Twitter 📸 Connect on Instagram 💼 Connect on LinkedIn 🎵 Connect on TikTok 📹 Subscribe on YouTube   SPONSORS Canadian Food Innovation Network:  Check out CFIN's Career Hub to learn more about CFIN's free membership, their Food Innovator Career Hub, and how can you can join the fastest growing food business community in the country.    SAY THANKS 💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 🟢 Leave a rating on Spotify