News

Dr. Mary Ruth McDonald, professor in the Department of Plant Agriculture, was the recipient of the 2021 Outstanding Researcher Award presented by the Canadian Phytopathological Society (CPS). The award was recently published in the Canadian Journal of Plant Pathology here.

The CPS presents annual awards to acknowledge the achievements of its members. The Outstanding Researcher Award is the most prestigious award of the society and recognizes outstanding contributions to applied and basic research in plant pathology in Canada.

Amber Zupan completed her undergraduate degree in animal biology at the University of Guelph. She is completing a master of science in animal biosciences focusing on animal nutrition. Her current research is looking at the minimum fibre requirement for feedlot cattle and improving the prediction of ruminal pH. Amber looks forward to working full-time with Grober Nutrition after graduation.

Annet Laan is a recent graduate of the Bachelor of Commerce, Food and Agriculture Business program. During her undergrad, she completed her co-op work terms with Farm Credit Canada (FCC) and was offered a full-time position after graduation where she now works as a loans analyst. We recently chatted with her to learn more about her role and experience at the University of Guelph.

Serena Viola’s research on accessing culturally significant foods in rural Ontario provides some food for thought.

As a capacity development and extension student, her research is looking at how to make rural communities more inclusive. She believes that food is a crucial starting point.

“When people make and prepare food, it really translates to culture and that is home,” says Serena. “Food can be viewed as an opportunity to build on the importance of cultural representation and inclusivity in rural communities.”

Master's student Lola Jung is passionate about working with animals. She’s an equine enthusiast and is interested in equine physiology, the pathology of osteoarthritis, and feed efficiency in the production animals. When she isn't pursuing research in the lab, she can be found biking around Guelph, spending time on her family farm or gardening.

Brock Levac is a master’s student in the Department of Food Science. His research focuses on the synthesis of betalains released during the spoilage of fresh food. Brock's passion for food science began while working at a distillery during his undergrad. In his spare time, he enjoys an active lifestyle and can be found at the gym, running or participating in yoga class. 

Food prices have been on the rise since last year, and U of G food and agricultural economists say Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has only made the situation worse.

Drs. Mike von Massow and Alfons Weersink, both professors in the Ontario Agricultural College within the Department of Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics, said the invasion will have short-term effects on the global food supply chain and possible long-term consequences, too. 

Food safety and mitigating foodborne illness is top priority for Brenda Zai, M.Sc. food science student. Her sense of curiosity, desire for critical thinking and inclination to be in a lab and research-based environment led her to pursue graduate studies at the University of Guelph (U of G).

“During my food science undergrad at U of G, I thoroughly enjoyed food microbiology, which is what I'm specializing in right now and it's really exciting,” says Brenda.

Oil and food prices are rising because of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and so are the prices of fertilizer.  

Those increased prices could have dire effects including malnutrition, said a University of Guelph researcher.  

Dr. Manish Raizada is a professor in the Department of Plant Agriculture in the Ontario Agricultural College. His lab focuses on developing low-cost technologies that reduce the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers and pesticides to grow corn and other crops, by replacing the products with more natural, biological resources. 

A passion for golf and learning led Carl to the Turfgrass Management program at the University of Guelph. Carl is involved with various organizations across campus including the Korean Student Association and Guelph Turf Club, in addition he works at the Gryphon Centre Arena. Carl plans to travel to Western Canada to complete his internship at a golf course in British Columbia.