A current press launch1 introduced that the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) has employed Brendan Niemira because the group’s Chief Science and Technology Officer (CSTO). Prior to IFT, Niemira was serving because the lead scientist and analysis microbiologist at the Agricultural Research Service of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA-ARS). At USDA-ARS, which is the USDA’s chief scientific in-house analysis company, he spent greater than 25 years at and managed a staff of over 30 scientists, engineers, technicians, postdocs, and college students, that labored on innovating instruments to assist kill human pathogens discovered on poultry, produce, shellfish, meats, and different meals.1
Niemira’s work primarily focused on the popularity and creation of irradiation, high-intensity monochromatic mild, chilly plasma, and numerous different non-thermal meals security remedies utilized for recent and fresh-cut greens and fruits.
Throughout his profession, Niemira has printed greater than 200 vital evaluations, peer-reviewed analysis articles, and e-book chapters.1 In 2016, he was awarded the Department of Defense Award for Excellence in recognition of the work he had been concerned in with the USDA’s Food Safety and Intervention Technologies Research Unit. Niemira obtained his bachelor’s diploma in organic sciences from the University of Chicago (Chicago, Illinois) and his PhD from Michigan State University (East Lansing, Michigan) for botany and plant pathology.
“We are facing unprecedented challenges today across the food system as decreased investment in critical areas like research funding and staffing put our food supply at greater risk, and the world needs organizations like IFT to help lead the way and be that much-needed voice of the food science community,” he continued.1 “I have served in a variety of volunteer roles with IFT over the years and have seen first-hand how IFT is not only a critical hub for ideation and collaboration but also serves as a convener for the food science community in helping ensure a food system that is accessible and affordable for all.”
Niemira has been a member of IFT since 2003 and has earlier involvement serving on IFT’s Board of Directors and was chosen as an IFT Fellow in 2023.
Additionally, Niemira has been a presenter for dozens of analysis posters at different IFT conferences. As chair of the Biotechnology Division, he obtained the Biotech Outstanding Volunteer Award in 2015. Niemira additionally was concerned with the Annual Meeting Scientific Program Advisory Panel (AMSPAP) because the Food Microbiology monitor lead and afterward as Chair. AMSPAP helps arrange the programming and content material path for IFT FIRST, which is IFT’s annual occasion/
“Brendan brings a unique perspective to this role, shaped by his decades of scientific leadership and his deep connection to IFT as both a longtime member and service on the board,” mentioned IFT CEO Christie Tarantino-Dean. “His understanding of our community, paired with his experience at the forefront of food safety research, will add tremendous value to IFT, the members we serve, and our efforts to elevate the voice of food scientists in policy and legislative decision-making.”
Reference
- Former USDA-ars lead scientist and researcher Brendan Niemira takes over as chief science and expertise officer at IFT
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251201149277/en/Former-USDA-ARS-Lead-Scientist-and-Researcher-Brendan-Niemira-Takes-Over-as-Chief-Science-and-Technology-Officer-at-IFT (accessed Dec 9, 2025).