J. Wyatt Brown, Ph.D. 
Research
Faculty Webpage

Grants

Dr. Wyatt Brown with Drs. Keith Vorst and Jay Singh of Industrial Technology at Cal Poly, and Dr. Elliot Ryser of Michigan State University were recently awarded a $600,000, 3-year USDA, CSREES, National Integrated Food Safety Initiative grant.  The project entitled, “Predictive Growth Models for Escherichia coli O157:H7 on Fresh-Cut Produce during Transport and Cold Chain Distribution” will start Winter, 2010 and will actively monitor the time/temperature fluctuations that occur during commercial transport of leafy greens in various distribution systems, and then use these data to develop and validate a predictive mathematical model for changes in E. coli O157:H7 populations that are likely to occur during commercial distribution of leafy greens.  The model will be integrated with current risk assessments to better define the risks associated with the consumption of ready-to-eat bagged salad products. Data gathered during this research will also be used to provide training for packaging and distribution professionals on preventing food-borne illness through the monitoring and traceability of “at risk” product during transport and distribution.  The information will be critical for establishing best handling practices and scientifically- based “best used by” dates which will reduce the risk of food-borne illness.

An article about the USDA, CSREES, National Integrated Food Safety Initiative grant was published in the on-line RFID Journal on October 9, 2009.

Dr. Brown was awarded a California Agricultural Technology Institute grant, for 2006-2008, with Dr. Keith Vorst of Industrial Technology, in the amount of $150,000.  The research investigated the suitability of sustainable biopolymer packaging for value-added (pre-cut) produce.

Recent Presentations

Sustainable Packaging:  The Packaging Research Consortium and Research at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, United Fresh 2009, Las Vegas, April 23, 2009.

Two oral presentations on research at the Symposium of the International Association of Applied Packaging Institutes (IAPRI), Bangkok, Thailand, June, 2008.

Recent Publications

Brown, W., S. Palmer, K. Vorst, and J. Singh.  2009.  Feasibility of using biodegradable films with vertical-form-fill-and-seal machines.  Journal of Applied Packaging Research 3.1: 1-14.

Curtzwiler, G., K. Vorst, W. Brown and J. Singh.  2009.  Characterization of virgin-RPET composites.  Journal of Applied Polymer Chemistry, in press)

Ianneo, C., W. Brown, and K. Vorst.  2009.  Potential migration of ε-caprolactam to water and wine as affected by transportation and storage.  Jour. of Testing and Evaluation, in press.

Curtzwiler, G., K. Vorst, S. Palmer and J. W. Brown.  2008.  Characterization of current environmentally-friendly films.  Journal of Plastic Film and Sheeting, 24(3-4): 213-226.

Coelho, J. D. Hannings, J. W. Brown and M. Ritter.  2005.  Improving handling and rooting of Thunbergia elata.  Combined Proceed. Internat. Plt. Propagators Soc.  55:16-20.

Brown, J. W.  2004.  New packaging technology may provide boost to vegetable growers, shippers.  CSU Ag. Research Initiative Report #02-3-017, California Agricultural Technology Institute, California State University, Fresno