Food Science Ph.D. Student Wason Selected for Food Marketing Institute Foundation Scholarship

Fred Miller

Food science doctoral student Surabhi Wason's research focuses on enhancing the microbial safety of low moisture to improve food safety.

Surabhi Wason, a U of A doctoral student, has been selected by the Food Marketing Institute Foundation to receive a $3,000 scholarship.

Wason, who is working on a Ph.D. in food science, also received registration, travel and hotel expenses to attend the SQF Unites Conference in Orlando, Florida.

Wason's research is part of a three-year USDA-funded project aimed at enhancing the microbial safety of low moisture using novel thermal (radiofrequency) and non-thermal (antimicrobial gaseous technologies). The goal is to provide solutions for improving food safety without compromising the nutritional and sensorial qualities of food.

She is advised by Jeyam Subbiah, professor and head of the Department of Food Science and a researcher and scientist with the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, the research arm of the U of A System Division of Agriculture.

Wason plans to pursue industry-based projects and focus on the comprehensive inclusion of food safety and quality elements in production as well as quality assurance operations through implementation of international standards of food safety management systems in food industries.

"Participation in the SQF conference will allow me to connect with peers in food safety and share skills and experiences to contribute toward a better 'safe food' world," she said. "I am thankful to my adviser, Dr. Subbiah, for his continuous support and guidance."

The FMI Foundation delivers vital research, collaboration and education to address food safety, health and nutrition concerns. Established in 1996, it seeks to ensure continued quality and efficiency in the food retailing system, and is operated for charitable, educational and scientific purposes.

SQF Unites offers a wide variety of education, peer connection and engagement opportunities. Attendees learn valuable food safety insights, knowledge about the latest industry trends and establish new business relationships.

About the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences: Bumpers College provides life-changing opportunities to position and prepare graduates who will be leaders in the businesses associated with foods, family, the environment, agriculture, sustainability and human quality of life; and who will be first-choice candidates of employers looking for leaders, innovators, policy makers and entrepreneurs. The college is named for Dale Bumpers, former Arkansas governor and longtime U.S. senator who made the state prominent in national and international agriculture. For more information about Bumpers College, visit our website, and follow us on Twitter at @BumpersCollege and Instagram at BumpersCollege.