College of Engineering

Faculty - Chemical and Biological Engineering

Darrell Donahue

---

Contact Information

Phone:
581-2728

Email/Web:
Send an Email

Education B.S. (Zoology and Chemistry) North Carolina State University, 1981 - M.S. (Biological and Agricultural Engineering and Mathematics) North Carolina State University, 1986 - Ph.D. (Engineering and Operations Research) North Carolina State University, 1992

Research interests

Near-infrared Spectroscopy of Wild Blueberries

We are using near-infrared spectroscopy (light in the 600 – 2100 nm wavelength) methods to evaluate the quality of blueberries for the fresh-pack and frozen blueberry market. The purpose of this research is to design a objective evaluation system that can be used in-process-line to determine quality of blueberries for market.

Biosensor Development for Flow through Liquid Food Systems

We are using antibody-antigen methods to develop biological sensors to detect pathogens in liquid food systems. Our platform is either quartz microbalance systems or standard paper system for delivering these sensors. Our goal is to have an in-process-line detection system for liquid food systems that will result in detection of pathogens.

Quantitative Risk Assessment of Food Systems

Quantitative risk assessment (QRA) uses mathematical equations, numerical data, and expert opinion to create a computer simulation of reality. These stochastic computer models allow interested individuals to explore various risk management options. QRA is useful because it allows risk managers to "see the forest" without being an expert on every different kind of tree. Risk managers can examine different technical solutions to a problem quickly using computer-based models, while also using their expert judgment on the social, political and economic factors that also influence how policies are perceived. We are involved in developing computer simulation QRAs for food production systems.

Publications

• Wentworth, D.S., Skonberg, D., Donahue, D.W., and Ghanem, A. 2004. Application of Chitosan Entrapped b-galactosidase in a Packed Bed Reactor System. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 91(2): 1294-1299.
• IOM. 2003. Scientific Criteria to Ensure Safe Food. Institute of Medicine, The National Academies. Washington, DC: National Academies Press. (Co-author: D. W. Donahue).
• Wentworth, D.; Skonberg, D; Donahue, D; and A. Ghanem. 2003. Chitosan-Immobilized b-Galactosidase and its Application in a Packed Bed Reactor. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, in press.
• Benoit, P. W. and D. W. Donahue. 2003. Non-cultural Enrichment: Methods for Rapid Separation and Concentration of Bacteria in Food: A Review. Journal of Food Protection, 66(10):1935-1948.
• Donahue, D. W., N. Canitez, and A. Bushway. 2002. Evaluation of a Low-cost UV treatment for Apple Cider. Journal of Food Processing and Preservation, in press.
• Ziegler, C. R., D. W. Donahue, F. A. Drummond, and S. N. Smith. 2002. The Ecological Economics of Insecticide Use Associated with the Maine Potato Industry Based Upon a Producer Survey. Journal of Alternative Agriculture, 17(4):159-166.
• Wentworth, D. S., D. W. Donahue, and R. M. Seymour. 2002. Economic Analysis of Composting Crab Processing Waste. Compost Science and Utilization, 10(1): 47-56.
• Skonberg, D. I., D. W. Donahue, R. C. Bayer, E. Floreto, and J. G. Riely. 2001. Quality Evaluation of American Lobsters Fed Diets Containing Crab Processing Waste. Journal of Aquatic Food Product Technology, Vol. 10(2):17-29.
• Seymour, R.M., D. W. Donahue, M. Bourdon, J. R. Evans, and D. Wentworth. 2001. Intermittent Aeration for In-vessel Composting of Crab Processing Waste. Compost Science and Utilization, 9(2):98-106.
• Ziegler, C.R., D.W. Donahue, F.A. Drummond, and S.N. Smith. 2000. Agrelation: a computerized decision-making tool for Colorado potato beetle population management and environmental quality concerns. Maine Agricultural and Forest Experiment Station Technical Bulletin No. 176.
• Donahue, D. W. and P. W. Benoit, B. J. Lagasse, and W. R. Buss. 2000. Sensory, Instrumental and Neural Network Evaluation of Maine Wild Blueberries for the Fresh Pack Market. Postharvest Biology and Technology 19: 221-228.
• Benoit, P. W., D. W. Donahue, A. A. Bushway, J. A. Storey, and T. M. Player. 2000. Surfactant Application System to Prevent Anthocyanin Leakage of IQF Blueberries. Journal of Food Quality, 23(3):271-282.
• Long, D. W., F. A. Drummond, E. Groden, and D. W. Donahue. 2000. Modeling Beauveria bassiana Horizontal Transmission. Agricultural and Forest Entomology, 2:19-32.
• Long, D. W., F. A. Drummond, E. Groden, and D. W. Donahue. 1999. Modeling Insect-Pathogen Dynamics. Trends in Entomology, 2:55-62.
• McKeage, K. K, D. K. Skinner, R.M. Seymour, D. W. Donahue, and T. Christensen. 1999. Implementing an Interdisciplinary Marketing/Engineering Course Project: Project Format, Preliminary Evaluation and Critical Factor Review. Journal of Marketing Education, 21(3):217-231.
• Donahue, D. W., A. A. Bushway, J. M. Smagula, P. W. Benoit, R. A. Hazen. 2000. Assessment of Pre-harvest Treatments on Maine Wild Blueberry Fruit Shelf-life and Processing Quality. Small Fruits Review, 1(1):23-34.
• Donahue, D. W., A. A. Bushway, K.E. Moore, and B. J. Lagasse. 1999. Evaluation of Current Winnowing Systems for Maine Wild Blueberries. Applied Engineering in Agriculture, 15(5):423-427.
• Donahue, D. W., R. C. Bayer, J. G. Riley, A. A. Bushway, P. B. Brown, R. A. Hazen, K. E. Moore, and D. A. deBruyne. 1999. The Effect of Soy-based Diets on Weight Gain, Shell Hardness and Flavor of the American Lobster (Homarus americanus). Journal of Aquatic Food Product Technology, 8(3):69-77.
• Donahue, D. W., D. A. deBruyne, J. D. Fecteau, J. A. Storey, and R.A. Hazen. 1999. Consumer Preference and Mechanical Property Assessment of Maine Wild Blueberries for the Fresh Pack Market. Journal of Food Quality, 22(5):545-551.
• Donahue, D. W., A. A. Bushway, K.E. Moore, and B. J. Lagasse. 1999. Maine Wild Blueberries Field Winnowing Systems. MAFES Technical Bulletin # 174, University of Maine, Orono.
• Seymour, R. M., D. W. Donahue and K.K McKeage. 1999. Teaching Team-work Through Interdisciplinary Projects. Chapter One, American Institute of Chemical Engineers. February, p.1-3.
• Donahue, D. W., A. A. Bushway, K. E. Moore, R. A. Hazen. 1999. Forced Air Removal of Surface Moisture from Maine Wild Blueberries for the Fresh Pack Market. Applied Engineering in Agriculture, 15(2):147-152.
• Donahue, D. W., R. C. Bayer, and M. Loughlin. 1998. Examination of Lead Levels in the American Lobster, Homarus americanus, from Three Sites in Maine. Journal of Shellfish Research,17(4):1247-49.
• Donahue, D. W. and T. M. Work. 1998. Sensory and Textural Evaluation of Maine Wild Blueberries for the Fresh Pack Market. Journal of Texture Studies, 29:305-312.
• Donahue, D. W., R. C. Bayer, and J. G. Riley. 1998. Effects of Diet on Weight Gain and Shell Hardness of New-shell American Lobster, Homarus americanus. Journal of Applied Aquaculture, 8(2):79-85.
• Garland, M. P. and D. W. Donahue. 1998. Review of Potential Pasteurization Methods for Apple Cider. MAFES Bulletin # 847, University of Maine, Orono.
• Donahue, D. W., J. A. Chalmers, and J. A. Storey. 1998. Evaluation of In-vessel Composting of University Postconsumer Food Wastes. Compost Science and Utilization, 6(2):75-81.
• Bayer, R. C., J. G. Riley, and D. W. Donahue. 1998. The Effect of Dissolved Oxygen Level on the Weight Gain and Shell Hardness of New-shell American Lobster, Homarus americanus. Journal of the World Aquaculture Society, 29(4):491-493

Back to Faculty - Chemical and Biological Engineering