Scott A. Morris

Associate Professor, Food Engineering and Packaging
Associate Professor of Agricultural Engineering

Research Interests

Food engineering and food packaging: Material failure and recontamination pathways in package structures. Food distribution system security. Non-destructive inspection methodologies. Production systems modeling and optimization. Information systems in large scale distribution and retail systems. 

Dr. Morris' research focuses on devising and developing new engineering technologies for the food production and packaging industries. In conjunction with the Beckman Center for Advanced Research, using ultrasound and optically computed tomography, the University of Illinois Packaging Laboratory has developed experimental technologies that are being used to evaluate defects in package seals and structures for use in preventing post-processing contamination. Current technology has been developed that can image defects as small as 0.00025" in opaque material, with higher resolution available at higher frequencies. Further research is aimed at improving signal processing capabilities as well as investigating the nanoscale transport of contaminants into food package structures. Other research is directed at packaging operations in small to medium sized companies that are often pressed to increase capacity without having sufficient capital to do so. Using computer modeling and simulation, the University of Illinois Packaging Laboratory has demonstrated that it is both feasible and profitable to implement operational modifications to increase productivity. In a major food company's packaging plant, analysis and restructuring of machine operation protocols resulted in a $1.6 million per year increase in production, with no additional capital investment. Using cryptographic techniques as well as advanced optical information technologies, preliminary investigations are being conducted into the feasibility of providing high security verification markings for structures such as food and pharmaceutical packages. This research is directed at determining whether or not it is both possible and practical to include information verifying shipment source and contents during distribution.

Selected Publications
Hupfer, K.L. and Morris, S.A. (2007) Crystallinity Changes Induced by Heatsealing of Polypropylene Packaging Films Observed by X-Ray Diffraction.

Teaching

Courses recently taught:

FSHN 460 - Food Processing Engineering

FSHN 469 - Package Engineering

Latest Degree

Ph.D. Michigan State University-1992

Biographical Sketch

Dr. Scott A. Morris received the B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in 1981, 1987, and 1992 from Michigan State University, and has worked in industry both directly and as a consultant on a wide range of projects. He has been at the University of Illinois since 1992. He founded the University of Illinois Packaging Laboratory, and has developed a nationally-recognized packaging research and teaching program. Dr. Morris teaches courses in packaging and food engineering both on the Urbana-Champaign campus and in the metropolitan Chicago area through the extramural Masters of Science program.

Dr. Morris is a member of the Executive Committee of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Food Packaging Division, a member of American Society Of Agricultural Engineers (ASAE), Society of Professional Engineers (SPE), Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP), American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), Pi Kappa Gamma, and Gamma Sigma Delta.