Food Safety in Direct to Consumer Markets - Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates Internship
This is a unique opportunity for undergraduates interested in careers in food systems. The Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates Internship (REEU). Selected undergraduate fellows will be paired with a WSU Faculty mentor for a 10 week summer internship. Participants will learn valuable skills, through research and extension activities, and receive a generous stipend, travel support, and lodging. Interns will work independently throughout the summer on a research or extension project with the guidance of their mentor and, at the end of the internship period, present the results at the Undergraduate Research Symposium at the WSU main campus in Pullman, WA.
USDA NIFA AFRI REEU Food Safety in Direct to Consumer Markets
Background
Direct to consumer markets include restaurants, farmer’s markets, U-picks, and retail institutions (e.g. grocery stores, Co-Ops) where food is delivered directly to consumers. Although there are often food safety regulations in place for many of these types of businesses, the regulations often do not cover activities such as retail holding of produce, and many very small farmers are not covered by new produce safety regulations due to the size of their business. This independent research project will focus on possible routes of microbial contamination of produce at the retail level.
Description
The undergraduate research and extension fellow will work directly with the Statewide Food Safety Specialist, Dr. Stephanie Smith, and Postdoctoral Scientist, Dr. Aleksandra Checinska at WSU School of Food Science, in Pullman, WA. The intern will collect microbiological samples from retail sources for testing. Samples will focus on retail bins and shelving that hold produce for sale, and water quality of spray water used to maintain produce freshness. Samples will be processed to determine the overall microbial load and pathogenic microbial load in both the spray water, and retail produce bins and shelving. The intern will also test a variety of produce for the pathogenic microbial load on the produce at the retail level, and identify which microorganisms are present. Additionally, the intern will assist in a variety of other tasks relating to food safety including development of educational programming and extension resources.
Fellowship Details
- Mentor: Dr. Stephanie Smith
- Location: WSU School of Food Science, Pullman, WA
- Dates: May 29 – August 3
- Stipend: $4,500. (Housing Provided. Costs of Travel Covered.)
Objective
To develop both hard and soft skills related to research and extension while addressing food safety needs in direct to consumer markets. This may be achieved by:
- Conducting original research that adds to the current body of food safety knowledge.
- Assisting with the development of educational courses aimed towards training food handlers in direct to consumer markets.
- Provide educational information in a variety of forms (extension publications, reports, videos, online course modules).
Responsibilities and Expectations
The fellow will meet regularly with mentor throughout the summer fellowship.
The fellow will be expected to complete an individual summer research project that will be presented at the WSU Undergraduate Research Symposium in Pullman, WA. This project will include a significant effort to be familiar with current literature related to the research project. In addition, the fellow will assist with the creation of extension resources that may include newsletter content, instructional online videos, workshops, and fact sheets. Along with the rest of the summer fellowship cohort, the fellow is required to attend the 1-week on-farm experience at the Quillasacut Farm School in Rice, WA at the beginning of the fellowship period.
Required Qualifications
Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student in a 4-year or 2-year postsecondary institution. Basic computer software proficiency (ie. Microsoft Office). Self-motivated.
Desired Qualifications
Educational experience in biology or microbiology.
Additional application info: http://foodsystems.wsu.edu/reeu-application/