Ralyea, Robert David

has primary specialization area

Agriculture/Natural Resources Business Management

has secondary specialization area

Consumer Food Safety

research overview

Scientists in the Milk Quality Improvement Program conduct basic and applied research in microbial food safety and food quality using classical and molecular microbiological techniques. Work in progress focuses on the microbial ecology of dairy systems, identifying specific sources of environmental contamination and use molecular techniques to help better understand the genetics, ecology, and physiology of dairy system bacterial contaminants. Current research focuses primarily around Bacillus cereus and Paenibacillus spp. Specific MQIP projects include research on Gram-positive bacteria, profiles and characteristics of spoilage microorganisms and reasons behind accelerated spoilage of chocolate milk products, tracking and detection of contaminants in the dairy industry and raw milk quality and safety.

research activities

area(s) of concentration/expertise

keywords

agricultural security
agroterrorism
dairy microbiology
food safety
milk quality

submitted impact statement

individual publications

academic article
- Results from raw milk Microbiological tests do not predict the shelf-life performance of commercially pasteurized fluid milk. Journal of Dairy Science. 94:1211-1222. 2011
- When cheese gets the blues: Pseudomonas fluorescens as the causative agent of cheese spoilage.. Journal of Dairy Science. 94:3176-3183. 2011
- Short communication: N-alpha-Lauroyl-L-arginine ethyl ester monohydrochloride (LAE) reduces bacterial growth in pasteurized milk.. Journal of Dairy Science. 92. 2009
- Molecular subtyping and characterization of psychrotolerant endospore-forming bacteria in two NY State fluid milk processing systems. Journal of Foor Protection. 70:2354-2364. 2007
- Identification & characterization of elevated microbial counts in bulk tank raw milk. Journal of Dairy Science. 84:292-298. 2001
- Molecular and phenotypic characterization of Pseudomonas spp. isolated from milk. Applied and Environmental Microbiology. 66:2085-2095. 2000
- Bacterial tracking in a dairy production system using phenotypic and ribotyping methods. Journal of Food Protection. 10:1336-1340. 1998
conference paper
- Streptococci and bulk milk bacteria counts. Natl Mastitis Council Ann Meeting Proc. 128-134. 2001
- Streptococci and bulk milk bacteria counts. National Mastitis Council Ann Meeting Proc. 128-134. 2001
conference poster
- A comparative study of the microflora contributing to chocolate milk spoilage and detection of their potential sources 2005

outreach overview

Oversees operation of the laboratories administering the Milk Quality Improvement Program (MQIP). The Milk Quality Improvement Program utilizes a Voluntary Shelf-Life (VSL) Program to analyze the sensory, chemical, and microbiological characteristics/profiles of dairy products manufactured in New York State. This program is designed to evaluate the overall quality and shelf-life of grade A dairy products and to encourage and provide support to dairy plants to maintain and improve product quality. Involved in the development, implementation, and assistance in extension training programs and workshops and development of written informational material related to dairy microbiology, production and quality control procedures. The MQIP offers individual assistance to producers and milk plant operators to help troubleshoot specific problems in an effort to improve the quality and consumer acceptability of milk and milk products. Works with NYS Agriculture and Markets in training Certified Milk Inspectors and providing annual updates for dairy specialists, conducts training programs for Dairy Processing Plant Superintendents, provides resource information for small entrepreneurs starting dairy processing businesses involving cows, goats or sheep and participates on dairy industry committees concerned with equipment, processing and the environment. He also provides resource information on dairy products to Cooperative Extension agents throughout New York State.
Oversees the Food Production and Development Laboratory , Cornell University's state of the art food research space.

service to the profession

New York State Association of Food Protection Member 2005 -
National Environmental Health Association Member 2003 -

education and training

M.S. in Food Science, Cornell University 1998
B.S. in Animal Science and Industry, Kansas State University 1996
Alfred State College 1984

awards and honors

Sign of Sustainability, 2012
2010 Food Safety Award, 2010
Outstanding Accomplishments in Extension/Outreach Award, 2005

college

CALS

research keyword

agricultural security
agroterrorism
dairy microbiology
food safety
milk quality

name prefix

Mr.

VIVO: Cornell Research & Scholarship

Ralyea, Robert David

Positions

Research Areas

Websites

Extension

has primary specialization area

has secondary specialization area

Research

research overview

research activities

area(s) of concentration/expertise

keywords

submitted impact statement

Publications

individual publications

academic article

conference paper

conference poster

Service

outreach overview

service to the profession

Background

education and training

awards and honors

Other

college

research keyword

name prefix