Author Bio

Dr. Yaohua Betty Feng is an associate Professor of Food Science and Extension Specialist, Department of Food Science, Purdue University. Betty is committed to reducing foodborne illness and advancing food safety through risk assessment, strategic communication, and stakeholder engagement. Her research examines how cultural, social, and environmental factors influence food safety behaviors and evaluates strategies to overcome barriers and empower stakeholders, supporting science-based decision-making across the food supply chain. She has authored more than 60 peer-reviewed publications and contributed to securing over $23 million in research funding. Her expertise has been recognized through invited talks, media features, and honors including the Larry Beuchat Young Researcher Award from the International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) and several university-level awards. Betty serves on the USDA National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods (2021–2025), the editorial boards of the Journal of Food Protection, and the Science Working Group for the Partnership for Food Safety Education. She is also Vice Chair of the Food Safety Education Professional Development Group IAFP. Presentation: Active Learning Session on Postharvest Dehydration: Food Safety and Beyond 2.0: Join us for an interactive and hands-on workshop exploring the science and practice of postharvest dehydration, with a focus on food safety, product quality, and real-world application. This session will guide participants through the fundamentals of produce dehydration—from understanding the role of background factors influencing drying outcomes to evaluating pretreatment strategies that impact safety, quality, and shelf life. Participants will engage with a variety of drying methods and discuss key food safety considerations throughout the dehydration process. Through group-based activities, attendees will actively apply concepts related to drying processes, critical control points, and quality preservation. The session will conclude with an interactive trivia game designed to reinforce key take-home messages in a fun and engaging way. This workshop emphasizes active learning and practical knowledge, equipping participants with tools and insights they can confidently apply in home, educational, or small-scale food processing settings.