DPTC News
The latest happenings in the Dairy Products Technology Center
2015 Volume 5, Issue 1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Coca-Cola, Fluid Milk Innovation and the Cal Poly DPTC Connection
|
|
A former researcher at the Cal Poly Dairy Products Technology Center is now the chief science officer of Fairlife, a dairy company that has gained national attention recently for its partnership with Coca-Cola.
Shakeel ur-Rehman worked at the DPTC from March 2000 to March 2003 as a research scientist with Professors Nana Farkye, Rafael Jimenez and Phil Tong. While at Cal Poly, he researched uses of fractionated milk from membrane separation processes.
Ur-Rehman said the research he did at Cal Poly helped hone his overall technical leadership at Fairlife milk, where he also helped launch such products as Core Power, Athlete's Milk and H-E-B MooTopia. Fairlife's latest venture has gained national headlines. In February, Coca-Cola announced that it would make a major foray into the milk business with a national launch of Fairlife milk. The milk contains more protein and calcium and half the sugar of standard milk. It is also lactose free. For more details on Fairlife, visit: http://fairlife.com. Before ur-Rehman joined Cal Poly, the DPTC conducted a number of projects involving membrane separation of milk and its application to other foods. This work, scientific expertise, and the associated infrastructure to support it helped develop and accelerate ur-Rehman's direction of research and development activities. While at Cal Poly, ur-Rehman met Mike McKloskey, CEO of Select Milk Producers, which led to a partnership between the two. Funding from dairy producers and dairy processors makes it possible for the DPTC to train future industry leaders such as ur-Rehman. To read more about ur-Rehman and his time at Cal Poly, visit
Winter 2013 issue of DPTC E-News.
|
|
| Shakeel ur-Rehman conducting research and sensory evaluation. |
|
|
|
|
|
Nana Farkye Retires From Cal Poly
|
|
Professor Nana Farkye retired from the university in 2014 to pursue other interests, after a 25 year career at Cal Poly. Farkye made significant contributions to the development of the Dairy Products Technology Center. They include conducting cheese and dairy research, teaching dairy chemistry, coaching the Dairy Products Judging Team, serving as a faculty advisor to the Cal Poly Creamery, and mentoring a host of graduate and undergraduate students.
"Nana has been a committed teacher, scholar and valuable colleague who made a lasting impact on the dairy and food industry through his many students now in leadership positions, as well as his research, which has been adopted to improve dairy foods and related processes," said colleague Professor Phil Tong. The DPTC wishes him the best as he takes on new challenges and adventures.
|
|
|
Where Are They Now?
|
Melissa Hsu
Research & Development Scientist
Quaker Foods North America, a division of PepsiCo
617 W. Main St.
Barrington, IL 60010
Phone: 847-304-2434
melissa.hsu@pepsico.com
Melissa Hsu obtained a master's degree in dairy products technology in 2013 with the help of her faculty advisor, Professor Phil Tong. Her thesis project involved the study of treatments to modify the shelf life (proteolysis and texture) of pasta filata cheese. She received a bachelor's degree in food science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign prior to coming to Cal Poly. For the last two years, she has worked as a research and development scientist at Quaker Foods North America, a division of PepsiCo.
|
|
|
| Professor Phil Tong and Melissa Hsu |
|
|
 |
| Melissa Hsu with Quaker Protein Baked Bars which she helped develop and launched into the national marketplace. |
|
Hsu interned at Quaker Foods for a year before pursuing a master's degree in dairy products technology. She also interned with Kerry Ingredients and Flavours in the sweets and confectionery lab, and dairy pilot plant.
Hsu said her time at the DPTC was a benefit.
"Although I am not currently working directly with dairy products, like when I was completing my thesis, I have worked with dairy ingredients in new product formulations. I also developed some skills from the DPTC that are applicable to my current position," she said "Keeping a good lab notebook and record of everything I did during my research was critical to writing and defending my thesis. The skill of record keeping is also very important in the food industry since you never want to forget any important discoveries - good or bad - during a project. Troubleshooting and problem solving are also important traits I learned at the DPTC. There are many situations at work when I need to work either independently or collaboratively with cross-functional teams to come up with solutions to issues we face together."
|
Hsu remains in touch with DPTC. She attended the Dairy Ingredients Symposium held in Shell Beach in March 2014. Her advice for students is: "Write your literature review early in your graduate career. Making friends with your classmates will make grad school very enjoyable. I plan to keep in touch with the friends I met at the DPTC. Enjoy the scenery of San Luis Obispo, as there are not many towns like it!"
Tong is pleased by how Cal Poly led to her success. "It is very gratifying to learn that the training Hsu obtained in her graduate program has given her lifelong skills she can use in her career," he said. "It was great to see her back at our symposium last year and know she is happy and doing well."
Hsu said mentors like Tong are crucial for student success and industry growth. "I've had great mentors throughout my career-at Kerry Ingredients, Quaker, DPTC, and back to Quaker again," she said. "People who are willing to teach and answer questions without judging how trivial the questions are have been extremely positive influences for my career. Entering an industry, with little experience, can be very daunting. Great mentors constantly encourage you despite any mistakes. After all, that's how you learn!
|
|
In Memoriam: Gene Starkey
|
|
|
Professor Eugene Edward "Gene" Starkey, 88, passed away in November 2014.
Starkey was a great friend and mentor to many students, faculty and staff. In addition to many accomplishments and significant impact on the dairy production sector, he was the key individual who brought industry and the university together to start the Dairy Products Technology Center. His steady, positive encouragement was very helpful during the center's start-up years, and he helped build a strong foundation that allows the DPTC to expand and grow over its first two decades. Starkey secured funding to construct the 19,000-square-foot facility that houses the majority of Cal Poly's research, teaching and outreach activities in dairy products technology. Even in retirement, Starkey was an avid DPTC supporter. Starkey and his wife of 60 years, Jean, regularly welcomed students, faculty and staff into their home for social gatherings. He was a special person, a great leader and cherished friend who will be missed. Yet, he leaves an indelible, positive mark that will benefit future generations.
|
|
|
Outreach
|
The 16th Cheese Short Course I, Dairy Products Technology Center,
March 2014
 
Students take part in the hands-on cheese-making lesson.
The 16th annual Dairy Ingredients Symposium, The Cliff's Resort, Shell Beach,
March 2014
|
|
| Symposium attendees listen to a presentation. |
Vietnamese dairy industry leaders and USDA Cochran Fellows receive training in dairy science and applications, June 2014
 |
| Professor Phil Tong with members of the Cochran Fellowship Program at the campus entrance. |
 |
| Cochran Fellows tour Cal Poly DPTC laboratories and learn about the latest research to improve the properties of dairy ingredients. |
Daylong workshop on production and appreciation of artisan cheeses,
August 2014
 |
| Professors Phil Tong and Rafael Jimenez-Flores instruct an artisan cheeses class at Rinconada Dairy in Santa Margarita. |
|
|
Upcoming Events
|
27th annual Cheese Short Course I
Designed to teach participants the basic scientific information and practical skills needed to understand and manufacture cheese. The course includes one day of hands-on cheese making.
Location: Cal Poly Dairy Products Technology Center, San Luis Obispo, Calif.
Date: March 17-20
Cost: $695 (view program & register)
18th Annual Artisan Farmstead Cheese Short Course
Basics of quality cheese manufacture with emphasis on artisan/farmstead cheese manufacture. Includes 1 day of hands-on cheese making activities, cheese sensory evaluation, and other considerations in starting a small scale cheese making business.
Location: Cal Poly Dairy Products Technology Center, San Luis Obispo, Calif.
Date: Aug. 31-Sept. 3
Cost: $725 if registered by Aug. 14, $775 if registered after Aug. 14
|
|
Awards and Recognitions
|
Professor Phil Tong received American Dairy Science Association Award of Honor in recognition of outstanding and consistent contributions to the welfare of the association and/or distinguished service to the association, July 2014.
Professors Phil Tong and Rafael Jimenez-Flores received Certificates of Excellence from Cal Poly for efforts to secure $10 million in external research funding, May 8, 2014.
Professor Phil Tong appointed section editor, Dairy Foods Division, Journal of Dairy Science, Sept. 1, 2014.
Professor Phil Tong appointed to American Dairy Products Institute's Center of Excellence, 2014.
|
|
Recent Publications
|
 Tong, P. S. 2014. "Will the next Greek yogurt please stand up?" Dairy Foods Magazine, Vol 115 (9):26. http://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/90704-will-the-next-greek-yogurt-please-stand-up
Eshpari, H., Tong, P. and Corredig, M. "Changes in the physical properties, solubility, and heat stability of milk protein concentrates prepared by partically acidified milk." Journal of Dairy Science 97:7394-7401. Tong, P.S. "Achieve the right texture in cultured dairy products." Dairy Foods Magazine, Vol. 115 (5):2. http://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/print/90454-achieve-the-right-texture-in-cultured-products, or http://digital.bnpmedia.com/display_article.php?id=1702348&id_issue=208089 Tong, P.S. "Think globally, drink locally," Dairy Foods Magazine (February): 26. (http://digital.bnpmedia.com/publication/frame.php?i=196574&p=&pn=&ver=flex) Tong, P. S. "The time is right for drinkable yogurts in the United States," (http://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/90263-the-time-is-right-for-drinkable-yogurts-to-take-off-in-the-united-states) Lammert, A., Olabi, A., Kalache, L., Brooks, K. and Tong, P.S. "Characterization of the sensory properties of whey protein concentrates," International Journal of Dairy Technology, 67 (1): 135-141.
Zheng, H., Jimenez-Flores, R., Gragson, D., and Everett, D. "Phospholipid architecture of the bovine milk fat globule membrane using giant unilamellar vesicles as a model," Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, March 26, 2014.
Hayden, C., Smith, E., Turner, D.,Keener, T., Wong, J., Walker, J., Tizard, I., Jimenez-Flores, R., and Howard, J. "Supercritical fluid extraction provides an enhancement to the immune response for orally-delivered hepatitis B surface antigen," Vaccine. 2014; 32(11):1240-6 (ISSN: 1873-2518)
Gallier, S., Shaw, E., Laubscher, A., Gragson, D., Singh, H., and Jimenez-Flores, R. Adsorption of bile salts to milk phospholipid and phospholipid protein monolayers. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 62(6):1363-1372.
Saffon, M., Jimenez-Flores, R., Britten, M., and Pouliot, Y. "On the use of buttermilk components as aggregation nuclei during the heat-induced denaturation of whey proteins," Journal of Food Engineering 132 (2014) 21-28.
Chapters in Books
Gallier, S., Laubscher, A. and Jim�nez-Flores R. "The milk fat globule membrane: Structure, methodology for its study and functionality," In "Food Structures: Digestion and Health" edited by M. Boland. Elsevier Publishing Co. 2014. |
|
Recent Presentations
|
Tong, P. S. "New and Emerging Dairy Ingredients" presented at the 2014 annual meeting and convention of the National Ice Cream Mix Association, Lago Mar Resort & Club, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Jan. 19-22, 2014.
Gallier, S. and Jimenez-Flores, R. "The MFGM: Its structure and its role in fat digestion" at the Food Structure and Functionality Forum Symposium - from Molecules to Functionality. Amsterdam, March 30 to April 2, 2014.
Tong, P.S. "Capturing consumer interest in health and wellness products - high protein cultured milk products, "presented at the Oregon Dairy Industries annual meeting, Salem, Ore., April 8, 2014.
Tong P.S. Webinar on high protein yogurt and other cultured dairy products, BNP Media, with Jim Carper, Dairy Foods Magazine, May 22, 2014, http://www.dairyfoods.com/events/892 or https://vts.inxpo.com/scripts/Server.nxpLASCmd=AI:4;F:QS10100&ShowKey=19183&AffiliateData=weblisting
Jimenez-Flores, R. "View of current and new methods of drug residue analysis in dairy," 33rd Midwest AOAC International Meeting and Exposition, Indianapolis, June 2-5, 2014.
Tong, P.S. Webinar: "Formulating more healthy, high quality frozen dairy foods," June 11, 2014.
Ribeiro, M.C.E, Walsh, G.T., Gigante, M. L. and Jimenez-Flores, R. "Thermophilic spore forming bacilli: Attachment and biofilm formation on stainless steel," American Association of Animal Science and American Dairy Science Association Joint Annual Meeting, July 20-24, 2014.
Kembel, C. and Jimenez-Flores, R. "The effect of heat and extraction technique on beta-lactoglobulin hydrolysis," American Dairy Science Associations Joint Annual Meeting, July 20-24, 2014.
Sikand, V. and Tong, P.S. "Effect of storage temperature on the physio-chemical properties of skim milk powders treated with chelators," American Association of Animal Science and American Dairy Science Association Joint Annual Meeting, July 20-24, 2014.
Saffon, M., Jimenez-Flores, R., and Pouliot, Y. "Effect of heating whey proteins in the presence of milk fat globule membrane extract or phospholipids from buttermilk." Seventh International Whey Conference, Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Sept. 7-9, 2014.
Jimenez-Flores, R. "Trends in biotechnology and new activities in the Cal Poly Center for Applications in Biotechnology." California State University Program for Education and Research in Biotechnology annual meeting, Long Beach, Calif., Aug. 4, 2014.
Jimenez-Flores, R. "Strategies for prevention and removal of spores in dairy plants: scientific basis and practical examples," U.S. Dairy Export Council Spore Conference, Denver, Sept. 17-19, 2014.
Jimenez-Flores, R. "The milk fat globule membrane: structural studies," Invited speaker to Cornell University graduate seminar, Sept. 9, 2014.
Tong, P.S. "Use of chelators to improve functionality of dairy ingredients." U.S. Dairy Export Council Spore Seminar, Denver, Sept. 17-18, 2014.
Tong, P.S. American Dairy Products Institute Dairy Ingredients Workshop. Shell Beach, Calif., October 2014.
Jimenez-Flores, R. Short course on publication of peer reviewed papers in agriculture. Invited by University of Chihuahua, Mexico, Oct. 14-17, 2014.
Jimenez-Flores, R. and Wolf, M. "Wine and cheese: Science and technology today," Presented at the Science after Dark Series (CCSTEM, SLO), Nov. 12, 2014.
|
New Faces at DPTC
|
|
|  Azucena Becerril-Diez
Hometown: Mexico City, Mexico
Degree: bachelor's degree in food science Institution: Universidad La Salle MS Advisor: Professor Phil Tong |
Gabrielle Gunter
Hometown: Charleston, S.C.
Degree: bachelor's degree
in food science
Institution: Clemson University
MS Advisor: Professor Phil Tong
|
Amy Kringle
Hometown: Barron, Wis.
Degree: bachelor's degree
in food science
Institution: University of Wisconsin, River Falls
MS Advisor: Professor Phil Tong
|
Irene Kaufman
Hometown: Los Angeles
Degree: bachelor's degree
in English
Institution: UC Davis
MS Advisor: Professor Rafael Jimenez-Flores
|
Boya Liu
Hometown: Shanghai, China
Degree: bachelor's degree
in food science & nutrition
Institution: Fresno State University
MS Advisor: Professor Phil Tong
|
Ellice Tan
Hometown: Narberth, Pa.
Degree: bachelor's degree
in chemistry
Institution: University of Texas
MS Advisor: Professor Phil Tong
|
Janine Sengstack
Hometown: Santa Rosa, Calif.
Degree: second year biology student
Institution: Cal Poly
Research Advisor: Professor Rafael Jimenez-Flores
|
|
|
|
|
For questions or comments regarding this newsletter please contact Kristen Murray at:
kkmurray@calpoly.edu
|
|
| |
|
