Olga Padilla-Zakour

Professor Olga Padilla-Zakour is the Director of the Cornell Food Venture Center at Cornell University. She obtained her B.S. in food science from the University of Costa Rica in 1983 and her doctorate in Food Science and Technology from Cornell University in 1991. She devotes her time to mentoring students and colleagues, supporting the food industry, and conducting applied research enhancing the safety and quality of plant-based food products.

Research Focus

Research program focused on applied research in support of my extension program to add value and safety to agricultural commodities. Emphasis on developing new products/processes, improving or retaining quality in processed foods, increasing economic viability of farm-based ventures, and identifying the key the factors that affect the safety of specialty foods manufactured by small-scale processors.

Outreach and Extension Focus

• Direct the Cornell Food Venture Center, a major extension program of the Department of Food Science.
• Coordinate and develop outreach programs and extension activities to support new and established entrepreneurs in the food industry.
• Provide guidelines and assist in regulatory issues to ensure the safety of food products.
• Act as Process Authority to issue schedule process documentation for new processors’ licensing requirements (>1000 products/year). Develop and implement training programs for food entrepreneurs.
• Organize and teach Better Process Control Schools annually.
• Develop and maintain the Cornell Food Venture Center website.

Areas Of Expertise

• Food Entrepreneurship
• Food Processing
• Food Safety
• Fruit And Vegetable Processing, Juice Quality, Juice Technology. Specialty Foods

Graduate Fields

Food Science and Technology

Presentations and Activities

Use of PL and UV as part of hurdle treatments for microbial inactivation in food systems. Does the treatment order matter? International Nonthermal Workshop. October 2014. The Ohio State University. Columbus, OH.

Education

• Doctorate Cornell University - 1991
• Master of Science Cornell University - 1988
• Lic (5 year degree) University of Costa Rica - 1983

Awards & Honors

• IFT Fellow (2014) Institute of Food Technologists
• Elizabeth Fleming Stier Award (2013) Institute of Food Technologists
• William V. Hickey Memorial Award (2013) New York State Association for Food Protection
• Food Safety Award to Cornell Institute of Food Science (2010) GMA The Association of Food, Beverage and Consumer Product Companies