Message from the Chair

Hello, ANFS alumni and friends!

2020 has been like no other year. Indeed, many plans were derailed, but we look forward to building upon all we have learned and overcome to excel on every front in the coming year. Personally, I have gained a greater appreciation for all members of the Department of Animal and Food Sciences (ANFS), our alumni, and generous friends who continue to provide support and contribute to our success.

In spite of all the challenges we faced due to the pandemic, our department had many victories and new beginnings that you will read about in this issue of ANFScratchings.

For example, our expertise in virology, animal disease surveillance, one health, and microbial food safety enabled us to address needs in human testing, management, and disease monitoring for SARS-CoV-2, as well as incorporate issues surrounding this real-world threat into our curricula. The need to move to virtual learning resulted in the creation of online courses, some of which will continue to be offered, particularly in winter and summer terms, to promote greater flexibility in student scheduling. We also moved into the long-awaited, newly renovated teaching and research spaces in Worrilow Hall. We eagerly anticipate the ribbon-cutting ceremony and your visits to see the amazing spaces first hand!

For undergraduate programs, we added two new, extremely popular courses in companion animal pre-veterinary techniques. These classes provided options for continued experiential learning through externships arranged at animal hospitals throughout the region. Enrollment in our non-thesis master’s programs continues to grow, providing alternatives in graduate education in the animal and food sciences. In the coming year, we will complete a food sensory laboratory to support teaching, research and service efforts of the food science program, as well as offer a new course in cheesemaking.

The outstanding contributions and accomplishments in research and service of many members of the department were recognized this year; some are highlighted in this newsletter. Please join me in celebrating their impacts and achievements. I hope you will enjoy learning of these and the many other happenings over this past year. Please contact Anita Stofa at astofa@udel.edu to provide any updates or news that you wish to share.

Many thanks to all of the generous donors whose gifts support our students and programs, as well as the distribution of this newsletter. Keep well and we hope you will be able to visit us in person soon.

Most Sincerely,

Erin E. Connor