Food Engineering
Our food engineering scientists develop advanced thermal and non-thermal processing techniques in order to produce safe and nutritious food. These same researchers foster close collaboration with the food industry to optimize existing products and to develop new foods using emerging technologies and processes.
In order to heat food more uniformly and greatly reduce processing time, biological systems engineering researchers utilize state-of-the-art microwave technology and methods.Food engineers develop innovative packaging materials to improve the safety, quality, and shelf-life of foods for the promotion of food security. New polymers and polymer nanocomposites are being evaluated for the applications of advanced sterilization technologies. In addition, our scientists continue to develop novel non-thermal technologies in order to preserve qualities such as texture, color, shape, and taste. They are also exploring alternative non-thermal processing methods, such as high hydrostatic pressure, ultraviolet light, and pulsed electric fields, for use on fresh produce, dairy and egg-based products.
Food Engineering In the News
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Washington State University Emphasizes Food Packaging
Food science and technology matters. Professionals in the field improve availability, nutrition, and safety of the world’s food supply. They bring scientific and technological innovation to an increasingly global marketplace. They give back to the community through teaching and leadership.
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- Juming Tang inducted into the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) 2021 Class of Fellows
- Consumers will pay more for ready‑to‑eat meals made with fewer ingredients
- FEC Club wins the 2021 GPSA Excellence Award for Registered Student Organizations (RSO)
- International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) Honors Dr. Shyam Sablani
- Raspberry muffins may be in your future
- WSU researchers join $9.8M project to study low-moisture food safety
- Getting mac and cheese to Mars
- Dr. Tang is a winner of IAEF Lifetime Achievement Award
- Recent election to identify FED Rep/Representative-elect to the International Association for Engineering and Food (IAEF)
- 2019 PSIFT Student Achievement Awards
- Graduate Student Wins IFT Poster Competition Award
- BSE Faculty and Students Attend ASABE 2018 – Student Wins First Place Award
- Food Engineering Students, Graduates, & Faculty Attend IFT 2018
- WSU Microwave Technology Featured in Harvard Business Review Article
- FEC Club Visits Pacific Foods
- Center of Excellence for Food Safety receives $1M Grant Continuation from USDA NIFA
- IFT Program of the Month
- International Spotlight on Juming Tang
- Spotlight on Lignin
- PSIFT Winners
Faculty in Emphasis
Gustavo Barbosa-Cánovas, Ph.D
Shyam S. Sablani, Ph.D.
Juming Tang, Ph.D.
Fellowships
USDA National Needs Graduate Fellowship with a competitive stipend for Ph.D. studies in Food Engineering.