The Food Files

Food Preservation: Canning Foods at Home

William McGlynn, horticultural processing specialist at the Oklahoma State University Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center, describes the canning process to prevent spoilage. In this episode of The Food Files, William discusses appropriate types of jars, lids and necessary tools. 

Rooted in Research - Caitlin Karolenko

Caitlin Karolenko, a Ph.D. student, focuses research on validating biltong processes while at the Oklahoma State University Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center. In this episode of The Food Files podcast, Caitlin explains why she enjoys research in the agriculture industry. The goal is to make a safe product for consumers while helping manufacturers grow.

Rooted in Research - Ravi Jadeja

Ravi Jadeja, food safety specialist, works on preparing Oklahoma pecan processors for FSMA and third-party audits through research and technical assistance at the Oklahoma State University Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center. In this episode of The Food Files, Ravi discusses how the project explores the use of natural antimicrobials in combination with mild heat as an alternate antimicrobial treatment for in-shell pecans. The goal is to invest more into research to make food healthier, taste better and last longer.

Rooted in Research - Nurhan Dunford

Nurhan Dunford, oil/oilseed specialist, focuses research on pecan shell extraction at the Oklahoma State University Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center. In this episode of The Food Files, Nurhan explains her passion for overcoming challenges and learning new things. The goal is to add value to underutilized agriculture materials produced in Oklahoma through processing. 

Rooted in Research - Peter Muriana

Peter Muriana, food microbiologist, focuses research on sodium nitrite, a regulated food preservative used for curing processed meats, at the Oklahoma State University Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center. In this episode of The Food Files podcast, Peter explains the importance of having no artificial ingredients in processed meat products.

Rooted in Research - Darci DeVous

Darci DeVous, graduate research assistant, focuses on food and microbiology research at the Oklahoma State University Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center. In this episode of The Food Files, Darci describes the process of finding a good antimicrobial treatment for humus. The goal is to provide the food industry with beneficial, problem-solving solutions.

Rooted in Research - Parker Christman

Parker Christman, graduate research assistant, focuses on research in the fruit and vegetable processing lab at the Oklahoma State University Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center. In this episode of The Food Files, Parker describes creating a guide for new processing facilities that are wanting to become federally inspected. The goal is to help new processing facilities apply for USDA grants.

Rooted in Research - Tim Bowser

Tim Bowser, food process engineer, strives to help in-state clients optimize their potential through research at the Oklahoma State University Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center. In this episode of The Food Files, Tim explains research on the texture measurement of protein bars to extend the shelf life. The goal is to provide clients with technology to improve food safety while making high-quality, low-cost products.

Rooted in Research - Dani Bellmer

Dani Bellmer, food process engineer, contributes to biosystems and agricultural engineering research at the Oklahoma State University Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center. In this episode of The Food Files, Dani explains the degradation of compostable plastics and the common challenges for breaking down plastics. The goal is to find an effective pretreatment process for the compostable plastics before they are sent to a commercial compost facility to enhance their rate of degradation.

Student Spotlight - JD Fox

JD Fox has worked in the meat pilot plant at the Oklahoma State University Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center for over a year after transferring from a community college. In this episode of The Food Files, JD discusses a typical work day and his favorite aspects of the job, which includes promoting small businesses to help consumers.