USDA-CSREES Funding for Graduate Research Fellowships (3)

Patulin in Apple Products

The Department of Food Science & Human Nutrition is seeking three qualified and motivated graduate students to perform important research while working toward a graduate degree in Food Science.  A novel, integrated project encompassing the areas of analytical chemistry, microbiology, food processing and producer education/outreach will focus on the mycotoxin patulin in an effort to mitigate levels of the fungal toxin in locally processed apple products and improve the safety of Maine agricultural products.  These positions are available immediately and will remain open until filled.

Ph.D. Fellowships (2)

One student will work to develop a sensor for patulin detection while using traditional analytical instrumentation and methods (HPLC/MS/MS & GC/MS) to validate the newly developed technology. 

The second student will identify fungal strains associated with regionalized patulin production using traditional and newer microbiological techniques, as well as study the effects of varied processing methods on patulin levels in apple cider. 

Benefits include a stipend of $24,000/year, tuition waiver and 50% of the student health insurance premium for 3 consecutive years of full-time study.

MS Fellowship (1)

Student will focus on Cooperative Extension outreach, working with processors to reduce patulin levels in Maine cider and will assist in the microbiological and processing studies. 

Benefits include an $18,000/year stipend plus tuition waiver and 50% of the student health insurance premium for 2 consecutive years of full-time study.

Qualified applicants will have a background and previous degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Engineering, Biology or Microbiology. 

Minority students are strongly encouraged to apply.

Interested students should contact Dr. Vivian Wu, Project Director at the address below:     

University of Maine                                                   Phone: (207) 581 - 3101

Dept. of Food Science & Human Nutrition Fax:   (207) 581 - 1636

5735 Hitchner Hall                                                   

Orono, ME 04469-5735

e-mail: Vivian.Wu@umit.maine.edu

Please review graduate student application guidelines posted on the web site referenced below or contact The Graduate School directly to receive application materials:

http://www.umaine.edu/graduate

The Graduate School                                   Phone:  (207) 581 – 3218

University of Maine                                       Fax:    (207) 581 – 3232

5782 Winslow Hall                                        e-mail: graduate@maine.edu

Orono, ME  04469-5782