Department of Chemistry and Physics
S-STEM Programs
USDA Funding. Dr. Tao, Associate Professor of Chemistry, has received funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for projects involving detection of food-borne pathogens as well as monitoring ammonia in feedlots. The goal of the first project, SEED, is to help improve food safety inspection programs by developing a cost effective method for detection of bacteria in food samples. Dr. Tao is also heavily involved in optical fiber chemical sensor (OFCS) technology. He has developed OFCS ammonia sensors that will be used in real time, in situ (in place), continuous monitoring of trace ammonia in feedlots.