Xuan Li

Xuan Li, a doctoral candidate in the Biological Systems Engineering Graduate Group, focuses his research on optimizing food processing to improve food quality and safety – specifically by peeling tomatoes. Studying in the food processing laboratory in the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering under Dr. Zhongli Pan, Li is developing a more effective and sustainable method for peeling tomatoes. By using infrared heating technology, the tomatoes are peeled without using steam or chemicals – two methods widely used in the food processing industry today.

Li specifically chose UC Davis because of its academic excellence and historical reputation in food and agricultural engineering research. “I want to bridge the gap between food science and real life by developing new technologies to improve our food quality and safety,” said Li. “The graduate program at UC Davis has given me various skills in conducting research and a solid network of industry connections, both which have helped me in pursuing this goal.”

Li has spent time researching at the USDA-ARS Western Regional Research Center collaborating with various USDA researchers. He has also provided technological experience for projects between UC Davis, USDA, and food industry giant Del Monte Foods. Li understands the benefits of working with others, citing the help he has received from his peers. “Our studies require knowledge in various fields, so I also work closely with other engineers,” he shared. “Working in such an interdisciplinary group, I benefit not only by better understanding my research in a more comprehensive way, but also by figuring out new approaches in addressing challenging problems.” Li appreciates that having various perspectives not only widen his research, they also offer a higher potential for solving problems.

Funding for Li’s research has been supported by a Boyd-Scott graduate research award from the American Society of Agriculture and Biological Engineering. He has also received support from the Jastro Shields research award and the Graduate Student Association travel award, which has enabled him to travel to national conventions where he can present his research. “I’m able to communicate with numerous world-renowned scientists and build a wide professional network,” said Li.

Li works mainly with fruits and vegetables after they have been grown and harvested. However, he isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. He rents a plot at the Experimental College Community Garden, where he grows and harvests various organic fruits and vegetables. “Besides my study on how to peel tomatoes, learning how to grow tomatoes is great fun!” said Li. He has also ventured into other fruits and vegetables such as watermelons, cucumbers, eggplants, red swiss chards, and more. It’s obvious that Li is interested in the process of food production from start to finish. “My career goal is to provide innovative solutions for improving food quality and safety to enhance the value of agricultural products,” he shared. “As a young professional, I hope that all my efforts could contribute to the sustainable future of our food and agriculture systems.”

To read more about Li's research, visit this "Proud to be Green" article.

Photo: Li next to the new peeling machine the Biological and Agricultural Engineering team built. The peeling machine will be used for on-site demonstration in this coming tomato season. A video about how the machine peels tomatoes was broadcast at a Sacramento expo of food processing at Sacramento, an event hosted by the California League of Food Processor (CLFP). Watch the video. Photo credit: Bei Wang.