Trevor Lim Wei Ping is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Food Science at Purdue University under the supervision of Dr. Bruce Applegate. Trevor has worked in numerous areas of research associated with food safety during his graduate education. However, the main focus of his doctoral work is further research on the application of a novel thermal treatment process to extend the shelf-life of refrigerated beverages and to determine the mechanism of bacterial inactivation. This novel treatment process will allow producers more flexibility in distribution after production and allow consumers to reduce their food waste due to prolonged shelf-life. Trevor's contributions have provided key improvements which have facilitated the commercialization of this process, resulting in its current use by a major milk producer in Puerto Rico. Furthermore, Trevor has demonstrated the utility of this technology for a range of products including: coconut water, orange juice, and apple juice.

Trevor received his undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences but because he pursued undergraduate research in food science, he brought a unique range of skills to his work. He consistently expands his skill sets by both training new additions to the lab and working in other areas of research. An example of this is his presentation on phage-based detection of pathogens in Nantes, France at the International Bioluminescence and Chemiluminescence Society biannual meeting in 2018 and numerous presentations at the annual Center for Food Safety Workshops. Furthermore, he has enthusiastically volunteered his time since joining Dr. Applegate's research group by participating in the Science Bound and Purdue Agriculture Science Academy programs as part of a constant effort to increase the participation of underrepresented groups. He has enthusiastically participated in many facets of the programs in both giving presentations and facilitating hands on lab exercises. Upon completion of his degree, he intends to pursue opportunities in the beverage industry.

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