Taylor O' Bannon
State Specialized Agent
Citrus Research and Education Center
Email: taylorlangford@ufl.edu
Renée Goodrich-Schneider
Professor, Food Science
Food Science and Human Nutrition Department
Email: goodrich@ufl.edu
Michelle Danyluk
Professor Food Microbiology and Safety
Citrus Research and Education Center
Email: mddanyluk@ufl.edu
Peggy Geren Reyes
Extension Program Specialist
Citrus Research and Education Center
Email: pgeren@ufl.edu
Keith Schneider
Professor, Food Safety
Food Science and Human Nutrition Department
Email: keiths29@ufl.edu
Billy Mitchell
Education and Training Specialist
Citrus Research and Education Center
Email: w.mitchell1@ufl.edu
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Stephanie Brown
State Specialized Agent
Southwest Florida Research and Education Center
Email: stephaniebrown@ufl.edu
Morgan Madison
Education and Training Specialist
Citrus Research and Education Center
Email: morgan.madison@ufl.edu
Taylor O'Bannon, MS
State Specialized Agent-Food Safety - Email - UF Faculty Page
Taylor O’Bannon is the State Specialized Agent-Food Safety based out of the Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred, Florida. She has developed a broad foundation of food safety knowledge ranging from meats, animal food, and produce. Taylor earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Animal Sciences from the University of Florida.
In her role, she facilitates extension programming around the state of Florida in the areas of food safety and food regulations. She works to support Florida’s produce industry members, county and regional extension agents, and works closely with state and national governments to provide technical assistance, education, and training.
Renée Goodrich-Schneider, Ph.D.
Professor, Food Science - Email - UF Faculty Page
Renée is a Professor of Food Science in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at the University of Florida. Renee completed her B.S. in Chemical Engineering and M.S. in Food Science & Technology from the Cornell University and Ph.D. in Food Science & Human Nutrition from the University of Florida. Her current research and extension interests include food safety in processing and distribution systems, and the effect of processing on microbial, chemical and nutritional qualities of foods. Special areas include fruit and vegetable processing, as well as beverage and juice technology.
Michelle Danyluk, Ph.D.
Professor, Food Microbiology & Safety- Email - UF Faculty Page
Michelle is a Professor of Food Safety and Microbiology in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, at the University of Florida. She is situated in the Citrus Research and Education Center, in Lake Alfred, FL. Michelle completed her Ph.D. in food science from the University of California, Davis. Her current research and extension interests include microbial food safety and quality, emphasizing the microbiology of fruit juices, fresh fruits, vegetables and nuts. Michelle was elected a member of the International Commission on Microbiological Specifications for Food in 2016 and to the International Association for Food Protection Executive Board in 2019.
Peggy Geren Reyes
Extension Program Specialist - Email - UF Faculty Page
I am the UF Southern Center/ Citrus REC Extension Program Assistant and point of contact between the SC and the rest of the FSMA Regional Centers. I help support the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) compliant training, education, extension, outreach, and technical assistance as it relates to the produce industry.
Keith Schneider, Ph.D.
Professor, Food Safety - Email - UF Faculty Page
The main focus of Dr. Schneider’s research has been on food safety, with particular emphasis on produce safety and food defense. The University of Florida is heavily involved in improving the quality and safety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Dr. Schneider’s program has been influenced by an increase in the number and frequency of foodborne illnesses associated with the consumption of raw fruits and vegetables. His on-going research program has examined etiologic factors, contamination mechanisms, and intervention strategies, as well as the production of educational materials.
Billy Mitchell
Education and Training Specialist -Email - UF Faculty Page
Billy Mitchell is an Education and Training Specialist for Produce Safety with the University of Florida based out of Gainesville. Billy earned his master’s degree in Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communication (ALEC) from the University of GA and has worked on and managed diversified vegetable farms and composting operations. In his role with the UF Produce Safety Team, he works with Extension and other partners across Florida to provide technical assistance, education, and training.
Stephanie Brown, PhD
State Specialized Agent-Food Science - Email - UF Faculty Page
Stephanie Brown is the State Specialized Extension Agent in Food Science at the Southwest Florida Research and Education Center in Immokalee, Florida. She earned her Ph.D. in Animal Science (concentration in Food Microbiology and Safety) from the University of Connecticut. A passionate advocate for translating research into real-world solutions, Stephanie is part of the University of Florida’s Produce Safety Team, which works to advance food safety standards and best practices across the produce industry. Beyond that, Stephanie partners with numerous stakeholders across Florida and beyond on related areas—including food safety, traceability, regulations and permits, and food entrepreneurship—helping to bring science‑backed solutions to a wider audience.
Morgan Madison
Education and Training Specialist - Email
Morgan Madison graduated from the University of Florida with a master’s degree in Horticulture and Food Safety. Her primary interest is fresh produce food safety. In this role she will focus on education and training for courses such as the PSR, HACCP, and PCQI.