Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition
Extension
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1571
Healthy Heart Beats
October-December 2007Vol 29, Issue 4
Spotlight
Marisa Bunning, Ph.D.
Marisa Bunning, Ph.D., recently joined the faculty in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Colorado State University (CSU) as an assistant professor and Extension food safety specialist. Food has always been a favorite interest, but she took a detour through plant sciences before finding her way to food science and safety. Marisa graduated from Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma, with a B. S. in botany and went on to get an M. S. in plant physiology at Oklahoma State University. Marisa has had a variety of interesting work experiences including assisting with plant collections at the Harvard herbarium and working as a guest researcher at the Centers for Disease Control lab in Fort Collins. At CSU Marisa has collaborated on several interdisciplinary research projects involving produce crops. This research deals with the examination of nutritional and sensory profiles of locally grown vegetables and assessing consumer opinions about produce purchases. Her Ph. D. research focused on the evaluation of different types of lettuce, but that interest has expanded to include other leafy vegetables. This fall she is gathering information about unusual leafy greens that might grow well in Colorado - taking a botanical approach to the study of fruits and vegetables.
When wearing her Extension hat, Marisa particularly enjoys helping consumers find answers to their questions and solutions to their food preparation problems. Working in the area of food safety has been rewarding and challenging at the same time. Because pathogens, people, and food production methods undergo changes, new challenges are sure to arise. She has recently been working on the development of outreach materials regarding the safe handling of fresh produce and information about shopping at farmers' markets. Another current project is the updating of CSU's Food Processing Support Services Laboratory. The lab has been undergoing updating and renovation with the installation of new computer equipment and appliances, but has continued to be in operation for the analysis of local food products. The best experience in "learning the ropes" with this position has been the chance to learn from experts in food safety, food science, and outreach programs.
Marisa's husband, Mike, will retire from the Air Force next July. As a military family, the Bunnings have lived in a number of interesting locations-California, Alabama, Massachusetts, Hawaii, Spain and Turkey-before deciding to make Fort Collins their permanent home. All three children, Abbey, Josh, and Luke, graduated from Rocky Mountain High School but have now scattered to three different time zones. The family manages to stay connected with the help of cell phones, email, Skype, and Travelocity which is especially nice now that she has a new grandson who lives across country.
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