Bruce M. Chassy

Associate Executive Director, Campus Biotechnology Center
Assistant Dean, Biotechnology and Outreach, College of ACES; Professor of Food Microbiology

Research Interests

Molecular biology and biotechnology of lactic acid bacteria used in food and dairy applications.

Dr. Chassy’s research interests focused on the development of recombinant DNA techniques and HOST-VECTOR systems for the genetic manipulation of food microorganisms, and the regulation and biochemical mechanism of sugar transport mediated by the PEP-PTS. He also worked on control of gene expression and metabolic regulation in lactic acid bacteria used for food fermentation.

Selected Publications
Chassy, B. (2007) “The history and future of GMOs in food and agriculture.” Cereal Foods World, Vol. 52, 4, Bioengineered foods and genetic engineering. pp 169-172

Teaching

Courses recently taught:

NUTR 510 - Food Safety, Biotechnology and GMOs

FSHN 595 - Food Safety and Biotechnology

FSHN 596 - Seminar in Nutrition

Latest Degree

Ph.D. Cornell University (1966)

Biographical Sketch

Dr. Chassy received his A.B. in Chemistry from San Diego State University in 1962, and his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Cornell University in 1966. Dr. Chassy worked as a Research Chemist for the National Institute of Dental Research, National Institute of Health for 21 years before he came to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign as the Head of the Department of Food Science. Following that department’s merger with the Division of Foods and Nutrition, Dr. Chassy was appointed Head of the new Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition. He served in that role until May 2000 when he accepted his present position. Dr. Chassy has served as a member of a number of professional societies during the past ten years, including the FDA Food Advisory Council; Councilor for the Institute of Food Technologists and past Chair of the IFT Biotechnology Division. He served as a NIH Visiting Professor, received the U.S. Public Health Service Special Recognition Award, was named in Who’s Who in Science and Technology, and was an ASM International Visiting Professor. Dr. Chassy has also been a member of Phi Tau Sigma, Sigma Xi, the New York Academy of Science, American Men of Science, and held a Fulbright Distinguished Lectureship in Spain.

Note