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All living things depend on the sustainability of the earth’s resources, and understanding how to protect and better manage those limited resources is crucial to our survival. Critical environmental issues like water pollution, food shortages and rising temperatures could have a catastrophic effect on our ability to meet basic human needs in the near future. Experts in the Faculty of Land and Food Systems are working on solutions to many of these challenges.

Our researchers are studying everything from climate change and storm water management to the relationship between food, nutrition, diet and health. The research discoveries being made here have the potential to reach across borders for world-wide applications.

We are also sharing what we’ve learned with the next generation of scientists - our students. They come to us with a strong sense of global responsibility, passionate about creating positive and lasting change on issues of importance. We believe that by providing them with the opportunity to learn outside the traditional classroom - taking part in a community-based experiential learning project or studying overseas - we can enhance their education and help them develop to their full potential.

 

 

Research Centres

Research Facilities

The Faculty of Land and Food Systems offers unique hands-on learning sites for graduate students, in addition to traditional labs where food science, food processing, and nutrition and health research take place.

UBC Farm is 24-hectare site on UBC Vancouver campus, which is a living laboratory that contains agricultural, forest, and transitional landscape areas for interdisciplinary field research. The Centre for Sustainable Food Systems (CSFS) located at UBC Farm is a unique research centre that aims to understand and fundamentally transform local and global food systems towards a more sustainable, food secure future.

The Dairy Education and Research Centre, located a 2-hour drive from UBC Vancouver campus, is an internationally recognized dairy cattle research centre supporting the development and adaptation of new technologies for the dairy industry in British Columbia and beyond. The Centre has a large research herd that can provide sufficient numbers of experimental animals at a given physiological stage to meet most research requirements. These features support a vibrant critical mass of students, postdoctoral fellows, staff, visiting scientists, and faculty. A 10,800 square-foot student residence building opened in September 2015, which allows students and researchers to live on-site at the Agassiz, B.C. research station, and more closely monitor their research projects in dairy cattle welfare, animal reproduction, and resource recovery.

The Wine Research Centre has sites at both UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan campuses, with modern and fully equipped laboratories. Researchers in the Wine Research Centre also have access to the outstanding research facilities in the Michael Smith Laboratories (MSL) which is conveniently located adjacent to the Centre. The MSL has established itself as a force in the global biotechnology research community. Research areas include grapes, vineyards, and soils; wine and fermentation; winery performance and sustainability; and wine territory competitiveness.
 

 

Research Highlights

In the Faculty of Land and Food Systems, our researchers are focused on finding viable solutions to pressing global crises and are known worldwide for their innovation and leadership in areas such as food science, dairy reproduction and animal welfare, sustainable agriculture, and community health and nutrition.

Our researchers have attracted millions of dollars in research funding from sources including Genome Canada, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Michael Smith Scholar, the Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC).

Our experts are conducting ground-breaking research in many areas including:

  • animal biology, health, and welfare;
  • ecofriendly alternatives in pest management;
  • food technology, genomics, and safety;
  • food processing and food waste management;
  • plant and soil health;
  • watershed management;
  • food security and sovereignty;
  • community health and nutrition;
  • agricultural land use and impact.

Graduate Degree Programs

Research Supervisors in Faculty

Name Research Interests
Barichello, Richard Agricultural economics
Black, Jennifer Human nutrition and dietetics; Community Health / Public Health; food banks; food environments; Nutrition; Public health; school food environments; social determinants of health
Black, Thomas Andrew Biometeorology; Soil physics; Microclimate modification
Cardwell, Ryan
Carrillo, Juli Plant-insect interactions; Agroecology; Invasive species; evolution; Ecology; community ecology; Environmental Change; Plant evolution; Population Ecology
Castellarin, Simone Enology and viticulture; Horticultural crop growth and development; Crop physiology; Fruit ripening; Secondary metabolism; Environmental stresses; Viticulture
Cerri, Ronaldo Animal and dairy sciences; Animal behaviour; Animal developmental and reproductive biology; Animal physiology; Agricultural Machinery and Technology; Animal Production; Animal Reproduction; Biotechnology and Activity monitors; Dairy cattle reproduction; Endocrine Regulation; Endometrium-conceptus cross communication; Estrous cycle physiology in cattle; Inflammation and stress; Production medicine in dairy cattle
Cohen, Tamara understanding the interplay between different lifestyle behaviours; how eating behaviours relate to weight management; Obesity
Cornelis, Jean Thomas Earth and related environmental sciences; Pedology; Biogeochemistry; Soil-Plant Interactions
Dee, Derek Environment and natural resources economics; Food sciences (including food engineering); Natural resource management; Agri-food Transformation Products; aspartic proteases; Biological and Biochemical Mechanisms; Biophysics; Enzymes and Proteins; food chemistry; food proteins; funtional amyloid; meat analogues; Nanomaterials; Nutriceuticals and Functional Foods; prions; protein aggregation; protein engineering; Protein Folding; protein nanofibrils; Proteins; psychrophilic enzymes
Frommel, Andrea Animal physiology, environmental stress; Sustainable Aquaculture; climate change; Early development in fish; Alternative feeds in aquaculture; Fish physiology
Guan, Leluo Functional Genomics, Animal Microbiome
Gulati, Sumeet Agricultural economics; Economics of Human Wildlife Conflict; Economics of Urban Transportation; Effectiveness of Carbon Taxes; Effectiveness of Environmental Policy; International Trade and its Effect on the Environment; Political Economy of Environmental and Trade Policy
Jessri, Mahsa Human nutrition and dietetics; Community Health / Public Health; Epidemiology; Nutrition; Health Policies; Lifestyle Determinants and Health; Health Promotion; Health Prevention; Statistics and Probabilities; Preventive Medicine; Artificial Intelligence; Chronic Disease Prevention; clinical epidemiology; Dietary Assessment; Dietary Pattern Modeling; Dietetics; Machine Learning; Nutritional Epidemiology; predictive analytics; Public and Population Health; Simulation
Jovel Ayala, Eduardo Ethnobotany, mycology, natural product chemistry and Aboriginal health
Karakochuk, Crystal Dawn Human nutrition and dietetics; Nutrition; Global Health and Emerging Diseases; Hematology; Biochemical markers of iron status; Clinical dietetics; Determinants and causes of anemia; Inherited blood disorders (sickle cell, thalassemia, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency); International nutrition; Maternal and child nutrition; Micronutrients (namely iron, folic acid, and zinc); Risk-benefit of micronutrient supplementation
Kitts, David Food chemistry and toxicology, cellular and molecular mechanism, oncology
Knipfer, Thorsten
Kontogiorgos, Vasileios Food colloids, gels, foam and emulsions; Food chemistry (including fermentation); Food rheology, food texture and sensory evaluation; Nutraceuticals, functional foods and bioactive; food chemistry; Physical chemistry of foods; Food colloids; Food emulsions; Food polysaccharides; food proteins
Krzic, Maja Soil sciences; Soil health; Soil management; Soil science education
Lamers, Yvonne Human nutrition and dietetics; Nutrition; Nutrients; Biological and Biochemical Mechanisms; Breast Feeding and Infant Nutrition; Clinical Chemistry; Maternal and child health; Micronutrients; Newborn Screening; Nutritional Biochemistry; Nutritional Biomarker; Periconceptional folic acid supplementation; Pregnancy; Prenatal Supplements; Toddler Nutrition; Vitamins
Martens, Tabitha
McAusland, Carol Interactions between globalization and public good provision, impacts of trade liberalization on environmental politics, potential use of trade policy to stem damages from exotic species introductions and biological invasions Environmental impacts of international trade, implications of skilled labor migration for the global provision of public goods
Measday, Vivien Chromosome segregation in the budding yeast using molecular biology and genomic tools
Middleton, Georgia Public health nutrition policy; Children and families; Parenting and caregiving; Food and eating environments; Food insecurity; Shared eating occasions; Qualitative methodology and methods

Pages

Graduate Student Stories

Nicole Davies

Doctor of Philosophy in Integrated Studies in Land and Food Systems (PhD)

Revitalizing Indigenous agricultural food systems through a community-led restorative research model

Lulu Pei

Doctor of Philosophy in Human Nutrition (PhD)

Efficacy and adverse side effects of two forms of iron in prenatal micronutrient supplements (EASE-Iron): A randomized controlled trial

Rachel Dickens

Doctor of Philosophy in Integrated Studies in Land and Food Systems (PhD)

Indigenous food system engagement and diabetes care

Jonathan Beutler

Doctor of Philosophy in Plant Science (PhD)

Genomic surveillance and characterization of necrotrophic cereal fungi: applying nanopore sequencing for accelerated development of Pyrenophora tritici-repentis resistant wheat pre-breeding germplasm

Alysha Deslippe

Doctor of Philosophy in Human Nutrition (PhD)

EATing in a GENdered world (EatGen): How teens involved in high school sports can be empowered to make informed food choices

Steven Bristow

Doctor of Philosophy in Plant Science (PhD)

Precision irrigation under a changing climate: Preparing BC growers to monitor plant-water relations.

Hadis Mozaffari

Doctor of Philosophy in Human Nutrition (PhD)

Examining the Impact of Dietary Diversity on Type 2 Diabetes

Thomas Brenner

Doctor of Philosophy in Food Science (PhD)

Characterization of bacteriophages as an alternative treatment strategy for foodborne salmonella in the poultry industry
All Student Stories

Alumni on Success

Erin Ryan

Master of Science in Applied Animal Biology (MSc) [2021]

Job Title
Manager, Campaigns - Wildlife

Employer
Humane Society International (Canada)

Sean Xia

Master of Food Science (MFS) [2013]

Job Title
Plant Manager / Consultant

Employer
Clear Ocean Seafood Ltd./ Sirocco Food + Wine Consulting
Headshot of Jenna Buhrmann

Jenna Buhrmann

Master of Food Science (MFS) [2022]

Job Title
Research & Development Food Scientist and Brewmaster

Employer
Kindred Cultures

Elisabeth Ormandy

Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Animal Biology (PhD) [2012]

Job Title
Co-founder and Executive Director

Employer
Animals in Science Policy Institute

Andrea Goldson Barnaby

Doctor of Philosophy in Food Science (PhD) [2012]

Job Title
Lecturer and Programme Coordinator

Employer
University of the West Indies

Naomi Robert

Master of Land and Water Systems (MLWS) [2015]

Job Title
Research Associate

Employer
Institute for Sustainable Food Systems at Kwantlen Polytechnic University

Elaine Anderson

Doctor of Philosophy in Integrated Studies in Land and Food Systems (PhD) [2009]

Job Title
Regional Environmental Protection Coordinator

Employer
Correctional Service of Canada

Isaac Jonas

Master of Food and Resource Economics (MFRE)

Job Title
Founding CEO

Employer
Impact Africa
All Alumni Stories

Recent Publications

This is an incomplete sample of recent publications in chronological order by UBC faculty members with a primary appointment in the Faculty of Land and Food Systems.

 

“Frequently Asked Questions” About Genetic Engineering in Farm Animals: A Frame Analysis
Publication: Food Ethics
UBC Author(s): Daniel Weary (Applied Biology / Faculty of Land and Food Systems), Marina von Keyserlingk (Applied Biology / Faculty of Land and Food Systems)
Volume: 9
Publication Date: June 2024

View Publication
Quantitative and rapid detection of nanoplastics labeled by luminescent metal phenolic networks using surface-enhanced Raman scattering
Publication: Journal of Hazardous Materials
UBC Author(s): Tianxi Yang (Food, Nutrition & Health / Faculty of Land and Food Systems)
ISSN: 03043894
Volume: 470
Publication Date: 15 May 2024

View Publication
Development of value-added beverages using sheep and goat cheese whey and secondary whey
Publication: International Dairy Journal
UBC Author(s): Rickey Yada (Faculty of Land & Food Systems / Faculty of Land and Food Systems)
ISSN: 09586946
Volume: 152
Publication Date: May 2024

View Publication
Nature's decline and recovery — Structural change, regulatory costs, and the onset of resource use regulation
Publication: Journal of Environmental Economics and Management
UBC Author(s): Frederik Noack (Food and Resource Economics / Faculty of Land and Food Systems)
ISSN: 00950696
Volume: 125
Publication Date: May 2024

View Publication
Nasal delivery of encapsulated recombinant ACE2 as a prophylactic drug for SARS-CoV-2
Publication: International Journal of Pharmaceutics
UBC Author(s): Anubhav Pratap-Singh (Food, Nutrition & Health / Faculty of Land and Food Systems)
ISSN: 03785173
Volume: 655
Publication Date: 25 April 2024

View Publication
Joint environmental and social benefits from diversified agriculture
Publication: Science
UBC Author(s): Hannah Wittman (Food, Nutrition & Health / Faculty of Land and Food Systems)
ISSN: 00368075
Volume: 384
Page Range: 87-93
Publication Date: 5 April 2024

View Publication
Human milk oligosaccharide composition following supplementation with folic acid vs (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid during pregnancy and mediation by human milk folate forms
Publication: European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
UBC Author(s): Crystal Dawn Karakochuk (Food, Nutrition & Health / Faculty of Land and Food Systems)
ISSN: 09543007
Volume: 78
Page Range: 351-355
Publication Date: April 2024

View Publication
How the strength of proteins interactions affects the phase behavior of protein complexes
Publication: Food Hydrocolloids
UBC Author(s): Tianxi Yang (Food, Nutrition & Health / Faculty of Land and Food Systems)
ISSN: 0268005X
Volume: 149
Publication Date: April 2024

View Publication
Spillover effects of organic agriculture on pesticide use on nearby fields
Publication: Science (New York, N.Y.)
UBC Author(s): Frederik Noack (Food and Resource Economics / Faculty of Land and Food Systems)
Volume: 383
Page Range: eadf2572
Publication Date: 22 March 2024

View Publication
Fractionation and characterisation of pectin-rich extracts from garlic biomass
Publication: Food Chemistry
UBC Author(s): Vasileios Kontogiorgos (Food, Nutrition & Health / Faculty of Land and Food Systems)
ISSN: 03088146
Volume: 436
Publication Date: 15 March 2024

View Publication
Alginic acid-functionalized silver nanoparticles: A rapid monitoring tool for detecting the technology-critical element tellurium
Publication: Journal of Hazardous Materials
UBC Author(s): Tianxi Yang (Food, Nutrition & Health / Faculty of Land and Food Systems)
ISSN: 03043894
Volume: 465
Publication Date: 5 March 2024

View Publication
A new empirical framework to quantify the hydraulic effects of soil and atmospheric drivers on plant water status
Publication: Global Change Biology
UBC Author(s): Thorsten Knipfer (Applied Biology / Faculty of Land and Food Systems)
ISSN: 13541013
Volume: 30
Publication Date: March 2024

View Publication
The Resilient Dairy Genome Project-A general overview of methods and objectives related to feed efficiency and methane emissions
Publication: Journal of dairy science
UBC Author(s): Ronaldo Cerri (Applied Biology / Faculty of Land and Food Systems)
Volume: 107
Page Range: 1510-1522
Publication Date: 1 March 2024

View Publication
Integrated Management of Pathogens and Microbes in Cannabis sativa L. (Cannabis) under Greenhouse Conditions
Publication: Plants
UBC Author(s): Andrew Riseman (Applied Biology / Faculty of Land and Food Systems)
Volume: 13
Publication Date: March 2024

View Publication
Cuticular wax biosynthesis in blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L.): Transcript and metabolite changes during ripening and storage affect key fruit quality traits
Publication: Horticulture Research
UBC Author(s): Simone Castellarin (Applied Biology / Faculty of Land and Food Systems)
ISSN: 26626810
Volume: 11
Publication Date: 1 March 2024

View Publication
Epigenetic Effects of Resveratrol on Oncogenic Signaling in Breast Cancer
Publication: Nutrients
UBC Author(s): Barbara Stefanska (Food, Nutrition & Health / Faculty of Land and Food Systems)
Volume: 16
Publication Date: March 2024

View Publication
Association between genomic daughter pregnancy rate and expected milk production on the resumption of estrus behavior in Holstein cattle
Publication: Journal of Dairy Science
UBC Author(s): Ronaldo Cerri (Applied Biology / Faculty of Land and Food Systems)
ISSN: 00220302
Volume: 107
Page Range: 1592-1602
Publication Date: March 2024

View Publication
Effects of group size on agonistic interactions in dairy cows: a descriptive study
Publication: Animal
UBC Author(s): Daniel Weary (Applied Biology / Faculty of Land and Food Systems), Marina von Keyserlingk (Applied Biology / Faculty of Land and Food Systems)
ISSN: 17517311
Volume: 18
Publication Date: March 2024

View Publication
Effect of social relationships on dairy cows’ decision to move to and from an outdoor area
Publication: Applied Animal Behaviour Science
UBC Author(s): Daniel Weary (Applied Biology / Faculty of Land and Food Systems), Marina von Keyserlingk (Applied Biology / Faculty of Land and Food Systems)
ISSN: 01681591
Volume: 272
Publication Date: March 2024

View Publication
25-years of stewardship programs enhance regenerative outcomes in river delta soils of southwestern British Columbia, Canada
Publication: Geoderma
UBC Author(s): Maja Krzic (Applied Biology / Faculty of Land and Food Systems), Sean Smukler (Applied Biology / Faculty of Land and Food Systems)
ISSN: 00167061
Volume: 443
Publication Date: March 2024

View Publication
Ethicists' commentary on medical and professional challenges arising from inconsistent treatment policies within a clinic"
Publication: Canadian Veterinary Journal
UBC Author(s): Daniel Weary (Applied Biology / Faculty of Land and Food Systems)
ISSN: 00085286
Volume: 65
Page Range: 109-110
Publication Date: February 2024

View Publication
Training dairy heifers with positive reinforcement: Effects on anticipatory behavior
Publication: Journal of dairy science
UBC Author(s): Daniel Weary (Applied Biology / Faculty of Land and Food Systems), Marina von Keyserlingk (Applied Biology / Faculty of Land and Food Systems)
Volume: 107
Page Range: 1143-1150
Publication Date: 1 February 2024

View Publication
Race typing of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici using an improved differential set will accelerate genetic gains for stripe rust resistance in Canada
Publication: Plant Pathology
UBC Author(s): Gurcharn Brar (Applied Biology / Faculty of Land and Food Systems)
ISSN: 00320862
Volume: 73
Page Range: 215-220
Publication Date: February 2024

View Publication
Attitudes of western Canadian dairy farmers toward technology
Publication: Journal of dairy science
UBC Author(s): Marina von Keyserlingk (Applied Biology / Faculty of Land and Food Systems)
Volume: 107
Page Range: 933-943
Publication Date: 1 February 2024

View Publication
Environmental Factors Influencing Stem Rot Development in Peanut: Predictors and Action Thresholds for Disease Management
Publication: Phytopathology
UBC Author(s): Andrew Riseman (Applied Biology / Faculty of Land and Food Systems)
ISSN: 0031949X
Volume: 114
Page Range: 393-404
Publication Date: 1 February 2024

View Publication

Pages

Recent Thesis Submissions

Doctoral Citations

A doctoral citation summarizes the nature of the independent research, provides a high-level overview of the study, states the significance of the work and says who will benefit from the findings in clear, non-specialized language, so that members of a lay audience will understand it.
Year Citation Program
2023 Dr. Zarate-Barrera combines economics and computational methods with large-scale data to understand the effects of environmental stressors on non-health-related outcomes and the causes and consequences of female empowerment in violent contexts. Doctor of Philosophy in Integrated Studies in Land and Food Systems (PhD)
2023 Dr. Madhok conducted his doctoral studies in environmental and development economics. His work documents how economic activity shapes the environment in developing nations, with emphasis on biodiversity loss, air quality, and land use change. His findings inform the design of policies that balance economic growth and environmental conservation. Doctor of Philosophy in Integrated Studies in Land and Food Systems (PhD)
2023 Dr. Williams examined the effectiveness of folic acid supplementation in children with sickle cell disease, an inherited blood disorder. The findings from his clinical trial provide evidence to inform nutritional management and supplementation practices in Canadian children living with this disease Doctor of Philosophy in Human Nutrition (PhD)
2023 Dr. Rinaldi examined public discourse and planning processes involving water science and democracy in extractive frontiers in Colombia. She found that narratives are shifting towards a more nuanced understanding of complexity, uncertainty and the role of expert knowledge at the water-energy nexus. Doctor of Philosophy in Integrated Studies in Land and Food Systems (PhD)
2023 Dr. Yan investigated the production of waxy layer on fruit surfaces that protects fruits against environmental stresses such as UV Light and dehydration. Her work revealed the critical roles of wax compounds in improving fruit quality and shelf life. Her work will have significant implications on agriculture and horticulture crop development. Doctor of Philosophy in Plant Science (PhD)
2023 Dr. Ravani Cecato studied topics in environmental economics. Her research showed that information dissemination contributes to enforcing environmental regulations. She also showed that migration is an important adaptation strategy to climate change. Doctor of Philosophy in Integrated Studies in Land and Food Systems (PhD)
2023 Dr. Sahar showed how feeding and aggressive behvaiours during the pre-calving period are associated with disease during the post-calving period in diary cattle. Using such behaviours, Dr. Sahar built predictive models that successfully identify cows at high risk of disease before they are sick. Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Animal Biology (PhD)
2023 Dr. Cochrane studied natural vs synthetic folate supplementation during pregnancy. Her results showed that maternal folate status can be maintained by using either of the two supplements, but that human milk composition is affected. These findings will inform optimal folate supplementation practices during pregnancy for healthy starts in life. Doctor of Philosophy in Human Nutrition (PhD)
2023 Dr. Solis-Becerra examined how indigenous cuisine can serve as an effective tool to achieve local Food sovereignty while preserving regional biocultural diversity. Both are key aspects in the development of sustainable food systems and food security strategies aligned with culturally respectful initiatives. Doctor of Philosophy in Integrated Studies in Land and Food Systems (PhD)
2023 Dr. Ratuski studied approaches to environmental enrichment for mice and rats living in laboratories. She tested the effects of various enrichment strategies on rodent behaviour and emotional states. Her work demonstrates how species-appropriate changes to conventional laboratory housing can promote natural behaviour and improve rodent welfare. Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Animal Biology (PhD)

Pages

Interesting Links

https://www.landfood.ubc.ca/faculty/
 

Indigenous Forest Gardens Look to Expand

Indigenous Forest Gardens Look to Expand Indigenous communities, including the Ts’msyen, Gitxsan, and Coast Salish Peoples, have successfully managed soils and cultivated foods in forests since time immemorial, and a new research partnership aims to revitalize this traditional and ancestral...

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Dr. William Valley awarded 2024 West Coast Teaching Excellence Award

Dr. William Valley awarded 2024 West Coast Teaching Excellence Award In recognition of his excellence in teaching and his commitment to the principles of equity, inclusion, and decolonization, Dr. William (Will) Valley is the recipient of one of this year’s West Coast Teaching...

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CIHR Grants Awarded to LFS Researchers

CIHR Grants Awarded to LFS Researchers Three LFS research labs were awarded funding through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). Led by Drs. Derek Dee, Crystal Karakochuk, and David Wright, the labs delve into the wide scope of applications in the Faculty’s Food, Nutrition,...

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Jennifer Heinsius, PhD Student, Animal Welfare Program

Jennifer Heinsius, PhD Student, Animal Welfare Program Why did you choose the Faculty of Land and Food Systems and how did you become interested in animal welfare? I chose this faculty since I had seen a lot of work coming from the Animal Welfare Program and thought it looked like a great...

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Flavour of The Month: Neza Coffee

Flavour of The Month – Neza Coffee Olivier Ntwali, Master of Food and Resource Economics (MFRE), 2018 What is your favorite flavour and why? My favourite flavour is Neza coffee. “Neza” means greatness, and each cup of Neza coffee is a testament to that. It’s not just a...

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Alumni Spotlight: Thomas Brenner

Alumni Spotlight: Thomas Brenner, PhD (Food Science) 2023 Thomas Brenner, PhD (Food Science) 2023 How has your experience as a UBC alum influenced your work? I had the privilege of engaging regularly with industry, academia, and government during my tenure at UBC. This exposure proved...

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