Biography
Dr. Brad Taylor received his B.Sc. in Food Science from BYU in 1999. He then enrolled at Utah State University to pursue graduate education in Nutrition and Food Science (NFS). He completed the NFS Ph.D. program in 2004, supported in part by a grant from the Department of Defense and USU’s licensing of food processing technologies to the private sector. While at USU, he worked on processing and modification of whey proteins and in vitro biomimetics, including surface chemistries for immobilizing proteins and liposomes for the study and characterization of adhesion mechanisms utilized by foodborne pathogens.
After graduating from USU, he joined the laboratory of the National Food Processors Association in Washington, DC as a microbiologist. His research focused on low-acid and acidified shelf-stable foods to help the industry solve regulatory, food safety, and spoilage concerns. While in DC, he was promoted to Executive Director of the Research & Education Foundation for NFPA (now GMA), revised the curriculum and organized Better Process Control Schools domestically and internationally to disseminate knowledge regarding food processing to prevent foodborne illness, including botulism. He created internship opportunities for students pursuing degrees in Food Science including opportunities to travel and support outreach in Ukraine, Mexico, and Japan.
Brad left the trade association to join the Research & Development Management Team of Mead Johnson Nutrition, the nutritional division of Bristol-Myers Squibb. Brad led teams studying, developing, and launching nutrition products for premature infants and others with special needs. This included the commercialization of the first ready-to-use milk-based formula for infants with Chylothorax or LCHAD deficiency and the first aseptic acidified human milk fortifier. He was selected to lead product development and commercialization activities in Latin America during a three year temporary international assignment in Mexico City, Mexico. There and upon returning to the US to a global role, he led and supported applied research on pre- and probiotics in infant nutrition as part of the Mead Johnson Pediatric Nutrition Institute. Mead Johnson Nutrition is currently owned by Reckitt Benckiser Group plc.
Brad joined BYU's faculty from the WhiteWave Foods Company (now Danone North America). He was previously based in Broomfield, Colorado and served as the Sr. Director of Research Sciences and Regulatory Affairs.
He and his spouse are the parents of four children and reside in Provo.
Teaching Interests
Dr. Taylor teaches courses covering topics and concepts germane to applied food chemistry & microbiology in the context of the global food supply. This includes Essentials in Food Science, Food Commodity Processing, Food Regulations, Food Safety & Quality and a graduate course focused on research in low-moisture foods.
Research Interests
Dr. Taylor's current research is focused on applied techniques for characterizing and evaluating emerging microorganisms of concern and beneficial bacteria in low-moisture food matrices.
Memberships
- International Association for Food Protection, 2004-Present
- Institute of Food Technologists, 1998-Present
Courses Taught
Winter 2019
- NDFS 250: Essentials of Food Science Section 001
- NDFS 363: Food Processing 2 Section 001
- NDFS 494R: Undergrad Research in N D F S Section 011
- NDFS 699R: Master's Thesis Section 011
Fall 2018
- NDFS 462: Food Reg & Qual Assr Section 001
- NDFS 494R: Undergrad Research in N D F S Section 011
- NDFS 631R: Selected Topics in NDFS Section 004
- NDFS 697R: Research Section 011
- NDFS 699R: Master's Thesis Section 011
Winter 2018
- NDFS 250: Essentials of Food Science Section 001
- NDFS 631R: Selected Topics in NDFS Section 001
- NDFS 699R: Master's Thesis Section 011