Postharvest Academy 2020 Archive

James R. Cranney, Jr. President, California Citrus Quality Council

As President of CCQC, James Cranney represents the California citrus industry – growers and citrus packers on technical and regulatory issues domestically and overseas. He works with government agencies, international standards setting organizations and trading partners to solve problems related to market access, sanitary and phytosanitary issues, food safety, food additive and pesticide residue regulations that may restrict or eliminate trade of citrus fruits.

Christian Aguilar, Senior Biology Scientist – Plant Pathology, Pace International

Christian leads Pace’s pathology lab. She is an integral part of Pace’s Product Development Group and is a key contributor to new product development and product improvement. Her passion centers on tree fruit pathology. She recently was a Postdoctoral Associate at the Virginia Tech, Tidewater Agriculture Research and Extension Center in Suffolk, Virginia.

Michelle Danyluk, Professor, University of Florida IFAS

Dr. Danyluk’s current research interests include microbial food safety and quality, emphasizing the microbiology of fruit juices, fresh fruits, vegetables and nuts. Her primary research focuses on contamination routes, cross contamination and mitigation strategies for Salmonella in produce and nuts, along with the produce products. She maintains an active lab of graduate students working towards degrees at both the Ph.D. and M.S. levels.

Trevor Suslow, Ph.D., VP Produce Safety, PMA, Emeritus Extension Specialist UC Davis

Previously, his CE position included statewide responsibilities in quality and safety of perishable horticultural commodities. His past and current applied research combines lab and on-farm research on E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria in conventional and organic production systems, for the purpose of identifying opportunities for optimal microbial reductions and delivery of safe food to the consumer.

Lauren M. Scott, Chief Strategy and Membership Officer, PMA

Lauren has more than 20 years of experience in the consumer products industry. Prior to PMA, Lauren worked at PepsiCo and Diageo in a variety of marketing roles related to brand management, foodservice, activation, field marketing, national promotions, cultural branding, global innovation and strategy. A self-described foodie, Lauren’s civic passions include combating food insecurities and perpetuating arts and culture.

Scott Christie, Sr. Engineering & Application Services Manager

Scott oversees Pace’s global engineering services, developing innovative technology solutions, supporting customer’s high-quality standards, and meeting the changing needs of the industry. His responsibilities include overseeing ecoFOG/FYSIUM applications and working with Pace’s account managers to ensure packing line equipment is functioning as efficiently and safely as possible. Scott has a degree in Mechanical Engineering and has experience in postharvest fruit packaging, storage and automation technologies, tree fruit production, postharvest quality control, and field agriculture.

Mary Lu Arpaia, Ph.D., Professor of Extension Subtropical Horticulture, University of California, Riverside

Mary Lu is interested in the assessment of fruit quality and productivity as influenced by both cultural management and postharvest handling of the product. Her research and extension activities reflect this interest in developing an information base on the continuum between the farmer and the consumer.