Welcome New Faculty and Staff Members | | |
Dr. Brian E. Farkas
Dr. Farkas was appointed Dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources last April and will join the Department of Animal and Food Sciences as a faculty member. As many people now know, this is a true homecoming as Brian received his bachelor’s degree in food science … some years ago … from our department!
Prior to joining CANR, Dr. Farkas served for four years as Chief Science Officer for McCormick and Co., Inc., a global Fortune 500 company based in Baltimore, Maryland. In this role, he was responsible for the company’s global research and development organization. He led R&D strategy and execution through people, process, and technology to meet short- and long-term business needs. Dr. Farkas also was responsible for enterprise-wide thought leadership; for directing scientific research, product and packaging development; advancing health and wellness platforms; and developing opportunities in the design and implementation of artificial intelligence.
Prior to McCormick, Dr. Farkas served as Head of the Department of Food Science at Purdue University, where he managed operations and set the vision and direction of the program, which included more than 300 students, staff, and faculty members. Before Purdue, Dr. Farkas spent 19 years at North Carolina State University where he was named an Alumni Distinguished Professor.
Dr. Farkas is a Fellow in the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) and has received numerous awards including the IFT William V. Cruess Award for Teaching and the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) Food Process Engineering Research Award. He is a member of IFT, ASABE, American Institute of Chemical Engineers, and American Chemical Society and has served on several advisory boards including the Board of Directors for IFT. He is currently a member of the Tuskegee University Food and Nutritional Sciences Advisory Board.
Dr. Farkas holds a Doctorate of Philosophy in Engineering and a Master of Science in Food Science with a concentration in Food Engineering, both from the University of California, Davis, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Food Science from the University of Delaware.
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Dr. Muhammed Shafeekh Muyyarikkandy
Dr. Muyyarikkandy is a veterinarian and microbiologist serving as Assistant Professor of Interdisciplinary Food Animal Product Quality and Food Safety. His academic journey commenced with a degree in Veterinary Medicine from Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University in India. He advanced his expertise by obtaining both a Master of Science and a Ph.D. in Animal Science, specializing in Food Microbiology and Safety, from the University of Connecticut, Storrs.
His research is deeply rooted in the One Health paradigm, emphasizing the intricate connections among human, animal, and environmental health. A significant focus of his work involves exploring host-pathogen interactions and developing strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance, particularly concerning foodborne pathogens. His innovative approach includes utilizing dietary interventions in animal models, such as chickens and mice, to make it harder for hidden infections to survive and spread. This methodology holds promise in mitigating antibiotic resistance in foodborne bacterial pathogens.
In addition to his research endeavors, Dr. Muyyarikkandy is actively engaged in academic pursuits through teaching and mentorship. He offers courses, such as Current Topics in One Health (ANFS 448/648), which promote interdisciplinary learning and collaboration. His professional affiliations include memberships in the American Society of Microbiology, the American Society of Nutrition, the Poultry Science Association, and the Conference of Research Workers in Animal Diseases. Dr. Muyyarikkandy’s unwavering dedication to integrating research, education, and practical applications continues to make a substantial contribution to the advancement of microbiology, nutrition, and animal health.
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Ms. Elyssa Doner
Ms. Doner joined the Department of Animal and Food Sciences in Fall 2020 as an adjunct instructor in Equine Therapeutics. In Fall 2024, Ms. Doner accepted a temporary full-time position as Lead Instructor of Equine Sciences. Her professional qualifications stem from 30 years in education as a teacher and administrator and 50 years of direct involvement in the equine industry. Ms. Doner’s professional experiences include five years as Carousel Park and Equestrian Center's Equestrian Program Supervisor; earning a Post-Master’s Certification in Equine-Assisted Learning, an Associate’s Degree in Equine Management, and professional certifications, including Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor from PATH International, Pennsylvania Qualified Therapeutic Instructor, Council for Education and Certification in Therapeutic Horsemanship, and Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning from PATH International. Ms. Doner is also the founder of IdyleWild Equestrian, LLC and currently manages 16 horses and oversees all horsecare, business, and legal aspects of Blue Rock Farm, a 117-acre boarding facility located in West Chester, Pennsylvania.
In addition to creating and teaching Introduction to Equine Therapeutics (ANFS 420), Ms. Doner collaborated with the now retired Dr. Amy Biddle to establish UD’s Equine Therapeutics Certificate program. This certificate provides students with the education and experience to pursue PATH International certification as therapeutic riding instructors and/or equine specialists in mental health and learning. Additionally, in Spring 2023, Ms. Doner expanded opportunities for students pursuing the Equine Science Minor by creating and teaching a course in equine business management. This course—Equine Management (ANFS 426)—is now offered as the equine capstone experience. Ms. Doner is looking forward to continuing the enhancement of the equine minor and facilitating the establishment of Webb Farm as a PATH International premier accredited therapeutic riding center.
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Mr. Peter Mann
Mr. Mann joined the department this past fall as the Lab Coordinator for the Allen Biotechnology Laboratory. Mr. Mann earned his B.S. in Animal Science in 2022, and he continued his UD academic journey with Dr. Yihang Li, studying chicken enteroids and earning a master’s degree in 2024. Mr. Mann’s major responsibilities include coordinating the use of the building and maintaining the facilities, as well as providing support for the research that takes place there. Mr. Mann is a member of Baltimore’s Marching Ravens, playing clarinet this year and looking to play alto saxophone for them next year. He enjoys reading, playing and arranging music, and spending time with his two dogs, Domino and Hershey.
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Retirement of Dr. Calvin Keeler, Jr.
Dr. Keeler retired from the University of Delaware at the end of December. He joined the faculty of the Department of Animal and Food Sciences (then called the Department of Animal Science and Agricultural Biochemistry) in 1987. He originally conducted molecular biology research on pseudorabies virus (a herpesvirus of swine). Rapidly learning that there are a lot of chickens in Delaware, he refocused his research efforts on infectious laryngotracheitis, a respiratory herpesvirus of poultry. Over the years, he enjoyed productive collaborative research efforts with Dr. John Dohms and Dr. Jack Gelb, Jr., working on avian mycoplasma, avian bronchitis virus, and avian influenza virus. Although initially concentrating on the molecular biology of these avian pathogens, he expanded his research focus to a broader examination of the avian innate immune response. More recently, he used high-throughput nucleic acid sequencing techniques to examine the complex respiratory microbiome of poultry suffering from respiratory disease complex.
“Our incredible students make being a faculty member at the University of Delaware the best job in the world,” notes Dr. Keeler.
He enjoyed advising hundreds of pre-veterinary medicine students and mentoring dozens of degree with distinction students and numerous master’s and Ph.D. students. A highlight of his career was teaching Introduction to Animal Diseases (ANFS 332) for 14 years. Since 1989, he also taught Principles of Molecular Genetics (ANFS 470/670).
For three years, beginning in the midst of the Covid outbreak in 2021, Dr. Keeler served as the Interim Dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Although missing his research and teaching activities, “this was an amazing opportunity to help lead the College through a challenging period.”
He is looking forward to completing a few manuscripts and sailing the upper Chesapeake with his wife and son.
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Remembering Dr. William J. Benton
Dr. Benton, retired Professor of Animal Science, passed away on December 10, 2024. During his career he made significant contributions to the field of poultry health and was an early pioneer of Marek’s disease research. Read more about Dr. Benton’s accomplishments and impact.
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New Service and Collaboration Opportunities for the
Food Industry
In 2021, the department established a Food Sensory Evaluation Laboratory in Worrilow Hall. This facility has been actively used for instruction in Introduction to the Science of Food (ANFS 159), Animal and Food Sciences Exploration (ANFS 111), Fundamentals of Food Science (ANFS 305), Food Analysis (ANFS 429/629), and most recently, a course dedicated to Sensory Evaluation of Plant and Animal-Based Food Products (ANFS 367).
Building on that original concept, we have since established a Food Sensory, Characterization, and Novel Processing (FSCNP) Center that offers contract sensory evaluation studies for regional food processors. The center offers discrimination, affective, and descriptive sensory analyses to support food product development and quality assurance efforts. The Sensory Evaluation Laboratory is located within the Genuardi Food Innovation Laboratory complex in Worrilow Hall and includes individual testing booths with lighting control, facilities for food preparation and storage, data collection instruments, and data management systems. The center has requisite approvals for conducting research with human subjects. The student body is actively engaged in participating in food sensory studies. The center also has the ability to reach consumers outside of the university community. Currently, the center is collaborating with industry to conduct studies related to food sensory evaluation, new product development, product reformulation, shelf-life studies, and new food processing treatments.
The center also is equipped with food processing equipment and food analytical tools to process food products by a large-capacity extruder, spray dryer, and freeze dryer, and to conduct food analyses for food texture, chemical composition, and rheological properties.
Industry members with an interest in partnering with UD’s FSCNP Center can contact the Center Director, Dr. Juzhong Tan, at jztan@udel.edu or 302-831-2524.
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Program Updates
Increasing Academic Options
With a goal of giving our undergraduates more academic options, the department recently added 4+1 (B.S. + M.S.) offerings to each of our four undergraduate majors. Students now can add a non-thesis M.S. in Animal Science or Food Science with one additional year of study following the completion of their undergraduate degrees. Visit the college’s advanced degree programs webpage to learn more.
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26 Years of New Zealand Study Abroad
In January 2025, Dr. Lesa Griffiths and Ms. Susan Truehart Garey headed to New Zealand with 40 undergraduates. This marked 26 years of our New Zealand program on which we have taken 400 students. If you are thinking about a New Zealand Alumni Reunion – maybe associated with Ag Day, please contact Dr. Griffiths at lesa@udel.edu.
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Awards and Recognition
Faculty and Staff
Mr. Larry Armstrong, Webb Farm Manager, received two prestigious awards in the spring of 2024, the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Excellence in Service Award and UD’s Distinguished Community Advocate Award. The CANR award recognizes superior work ethic, noteworthy performance, outstanding and meritorious service, and positive impact on the goals of the department and college. The university-wide award recognizes an individual staff member who is committed to creating a workplace culture of belonging by advocating for everyone's voice to be heard, while demonstrating enthusiasm and optimism to create a positive, inclusive, and supportive work environment for the UD community. Many ANFS alumni have been impacted by Mr. Armstrong’s unwavering commitment to our students and programs.
Dr. Lesa Griffiths, Professor of Animal Science, was awarded the Honors Program Teaching Excellence Award in May 2024. Dr. Griffiths was also honored in the Spring of 2024 with a Most Valuable Professor (MVP) recognition from the UD Men’s Lacrosse Team (an award nominated by student-athletes).
Dr. Calvin Keeler, Jr. received the Delmarva Chicken Association’s (DCA) Edward H. Ralph Medal of Achievement for his support and contributions that benefit Delmarva’s $4.4 billion chicken community. This award, named after DCA's first full-time executive director, goes to a non-elected person for outstanding service on behalf of Delmarva’s chicken community. Dr. Keeler also received the University of Delaware Medal of Distinction in 2024 for his valuable contributions to the University of Delaware.
Dr. Kali Kniel, Professor of Microbial Food Safety, was awarded the Career Distinguished Service Award from the Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association of Delaware during Delaware Ag Week in January 2025.
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Students
ANFS graduate students took first-, second-, and third-place in the Ph.D. category of CANR’s annual Student Research Symposium. In first place was Abdallah Hadimundeen, advised by Dr. Yihang Li, who presented on Effects of Early Life Stress on Intestinal Development and Enteroendocrine Hormone Expression in Broiler Chickens. In second place was Brenna DeRocili, advised by Dr. Kali Kniel, who presented on Surveillance and AMR detection of Microbial Communities in Farms across the Mid-Atlantic. Jiddu Joseph, advised by Dr. Shafeek Muyyarikkandy, received third place for his presentation on Evaluation of the Antibiotic-Potentiating Efficiency of Methyl Trans Cinnamaldehyde against Salmonella enterica Typhimurium.
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In the undergraduate category of CANR’s Student Research Symposium, Delaney Oeth, an undergraduate student who conducts research with Dr. Thomas Schaer at the University of Pennsylvania, was awarded second place for her presentation on An In-Vitro Biocompatibility and Ex-Vivo Histological Analysis of Porous AA-MMA Copolymer Scaffold in the CANR Student Research Symposium.
Fariha Chowdhury Meem, Ph.D. student working under the direction of Dr. Juzhong Tan, Assistant Professor of Food Science, received the Conference of Food Engineering 2024 Student Travel Award where she presented her work on the topic of Effects of Cold Plasma Fumigation Treatments on the Inactivation of Escherichia coli on Food Contact Surfaces.
| Gabriella Strocko won an award for her poster presentation, Surveillance of Non-bacterial Pathogens and Indicator Organisms in Agricultural Water Using Digital Polymerase Reaction, in the undergraduate research competition at the Annual Meeting of the International Association for Food Protection (IAFP). Gabriella is now working towards her doctorate degree in Food Microbiology under the supervision of Dr. Kali Kniel, Professor of Microbial Food Safety. | Gabriella Strocko receives an award for her undergraduate poster presentation from Tim Jackson, IAFP President. Photo submitted by Kali Kniel. | | |
Dr. Hui Ru Tan, a postdoctoral researcher working under the supervision of Dr. Juzhong Tan, Assistant Professor, was awarded National University of Singapore’s Development Grant 2024-2025 totaling $14,813.
Sarah Slotnick, Gabriella Strocko, and Olivia Fox were recognized for their scholarly activities and research by the Philadelphia Regional Section of the Institute of Food Technologists.
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Updates from Student Organizations
Animal Science Club
Written by club president Meredith McHugh
This year has been a busy and rewarding one for the Animal Science Club (ASC)—full of a variety of experiences for members to participate in both on and off campus across all areas of the field! This past spring saw another successful Ag Day, with our tent featuring both sheep and chicks, as well as a number of demos and stations for students to engage with and educate members of the public. Several of our executive board members hosted Quizzo, where animal trivia was a hit. Club members had a fantastic time at NESA 2024—taking home both team and individual awards. Preparations for both Ag Day 2025 and NESA 2025 are well underway; the livestock judging, quizbowl, and halter training teams practiced diligently throughout the fall semester, and the club is anticipating an exciting spring semester!
As always, ASC has sponsored several events allowing students to gain hands-on experience, hear from industry professionals, volunteer in the community, and spend time with peers at social gatherings. We have continued our service partnerships with organizations like Brandywine Valley SPCA, House Rabbit Society, Humane Animal Partners, and Tri-State Bird Rescue. Our members had the opportunity to learn about veterinary medicine during speaker presentations from multiple veterinary schools, including St. George’s, Tufts, and Cornell. There’s been time for fun too, with ASC taking social trips to Cowtown Rodeo and Cook Family Farms and, of course, our annual holiday party (this year taking on a new Thanksgiving theme). Additional highlights include the beloved PAWS Destress events, which are open to all UD students; CPR Training, a new and incredibly popular event; and our annual Pumpkin Sale, which set a fundraising record this year!
The club is immensely grateful for the continued support of the entire CANR community and hope you will follow along as ASC looks forward to another wonderful year.
To keep up to date with the club, feel free to check out our Instagram (@AnimalScienceClubAtUD), and join the Facebook group “Animal Science Club Members & Alumni from the University of Delaware”!
| Members of the Animal Science Club Executive Board celebrate after a successful Ag Day 2024. Back row (from left to right): Kaitlyn Bradley, Lily Koster, Zoe Lefkowitz, Meredith McHugh, Delaney Oeth, Jessica Wilm, Nick Farro. Front row: Erin Lay, Kassy Donohoe, Francesca Holl, Isabella Ferraro | | |
Food Science Club
Written by club president Madison Thorpe
In the past year, the Food Science Club has done so much! The club always starts off the fall semester with their annual ice cream social along with a table at the involvement fair and CANR Fall Fest. We discussed the science behind different foods, in addition to holiday themed meetings!
This year we also began holding meetings in the Genuardi Food Innovation Lab Test Kitchen, where we made homemade toaster pastries and decorated sugar cookies. The club also hosted guest speakers, which included some of our alumni. We remain an active chapter of the Institute of Food Technologists Student Association (IFTSA); in April, we traveled to Penn State to participate in the Central Atlantic College Bowl Competition, where we placed second in the region. College Bowl is being hosted by Virginia Tech in the coming year, and we hope to participate once again. Following our return from College Bowl, we jumped right into planning for our Ag Day booth where we sold hot dogs, veggie burgers, and Ag Day-themed cookies. Ag Day is always a collaborative effort among all club members who work together to help raise funds for the club. More recently, we participated in a “Festive Foodies” gift exchange with other IFTSA chapters.
In the following year, we hope to host more alumni guest speakers in addition to possible industry tours. Club members continue to gain valuable experiences through internships and positions at UDairy Creamery, Herr Foods, Robertet Flavors, McCormick & Co., and more. Follow us on Instagram at @udfoodscienceclub.
| From left to right: Madison Thorpe, Alex Falcone, Gabriella Strocko, Sarah Slotnick, and Dominique Henry at the IFT College Bowl Competition | | |
Pre-Veterinary Club
Written by club president Claire Keck
Last spring the Pre-Veterinary Club continued successful events and added new speakers, fundraisers, and opportunities for experience. We shadowed the Veterinary Centers of America (VCA), offering veterinary hours to students who do not have the ability to drive off campus. We also sold merchandise for the first time in a few years, raising money for the club and spreading our name around campus! We had a very successful Ag Day, raising more than $800 and having great student involvement.
The club had a great start to the school year with an increase in numbers of active members, having one meeting reaching 81 attendants! We have continued our relationship with VCA, sending more students week by week. We are continuing to include fun in our meetings with trivia, snacks and question-and-answer sessions. We are currently planning our first trip to the American Pre-Veterinary Medical Association Symposium in Tennessee this March. Along with this, we are starting a peer mentoring program within the club, we plan to continue selling new merchandise and stickers, and we will create more opportunities for club members to get involved and obtain hours for veterinary school.
| Pre-Vet Club executive board members (from left to right) Macy Wilcox, Isabelle Mast, Paige Andrade, Meredith McHugh, Claire Keck, Gabby Parisi, Grace Plut, Madelyn Fagan, Amalia Taveras | | |
Thank you!
The department is pleased to recognize alumni, faculty, staff, parents, students, organizations, and friends who supported the department during calendar year 2024. The following list includes donors who designated gifts to the department and its affiliated areas from January 1 through December 31, 2024. To join our list of supporters, please visit our giving page.
AAAP
Angela Ferrari-Aldieri and Daniel Aldieri
Angelina T. Santiago
Ann S. Billek '88
Bank of America Charitable Foundation
Bertha Gross-Bondarovschi '91M
CAF America
Candice L. Hoffman and Alfred L. Pennesi
Carolyn J. Littel '83
Carter Williamson
Christina Mahone
Christopher L. Yochim
Christopher M. Sammelwitz '84
Christy L. Mannering '15 '20M
Crystal Hayes Kortz '98
Daniel P. '84 and Veda J. Moore
Dean C. Belt '68M
Deborah Orr Poppel '90 and Stuart D. Poppel
Denise and Zane Williamson
Dennis and Anne Johnson
Donald J. Wagner '73 and Estelle K. Tulloss Wagner '73
Erin Pisano
Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund
Geraldine P. Melascaglia
GS Donor Advised Philanthropy Fund for Wealth Management
H. Wesley Towers Jr. '64 and Saralee Webb Towers '65
Heidi and Michael Frego
James E. McCann '90
Jennifer Cleveland McEntire '99
Johnson & Johnson Foundation
Kelly Howard Sakiewicz '95 and Brian A. Sakiewicz '14M
Kyle C. Ball '19
Larry A. II and Boonbungearn B. Cogburn
Laurie J. Jones '05
Linda A. Olsen
Linda W. McCleary
Lisa Chang '21 '24M
Liza Conlon Davidson '82
Lorry Chang '20
Maureen Hermes-Kane '85
Meghan Fitzpatrick Morrell '12
Nancy Shaffer-End '80 and David W. End
Nanette Scimeme Loftus '90
Patricia A. and David T. Brinley
Patricia J. Kohl Davis and Thomas P. Davis
Paul I. Amerling '93
Philadelphia IFT
Richard A. Drake '90
Richard E. and Nancy B. Fowler
Ryan T. Casto '24
Stephen F. Sylvia '90
Tanya F. Gressley
Terry Meade
Theodore P. Haenlein
Theresa Courtney Dzik '90 and John C. Dzik
Usha Vyas '24PhD
USPOULTRY Foundation
Wayne I. Anderson '73
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