Watson Joins Meat Science Faculty

Samuel C. Watson, Ph.D., has been named Assistant Professor of Meat Science in Penn State's Department of Animal Science. As Extension faculty, he will be focused on aiding the meat industry in workforce development by leading the Penn State Butcher's School Apprenticeship program. He also plans to work with meat processors on improving Listeria control by leveraging the resources available in the Penn State Extension network as well as by conducting applied research in microbiology and sanitation. 

He received his B.S. degree in Food Science and his M.S. degree in Animal Science, both at Penn State. He earned his Ph.D. in Animal Science from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln and did his postdoctoral research with Dr. Jasna Kovac in Food Science at Penn State. 

In his research for his Ph.D., he led projects on the safety of sous vide cooking meat, on meat spoilage bacteria and on the prevalence of Listeria in the processing environment of small meat processors. 

As a postdoc scholar, he worked on expanding the understanding of how Listeria survives in the biofilms of other bacteria found in the processing environment. 

Throughout his time as a student, he has been actively involved with the Pennsylvania Association of Meat Processors and will continue to work closely with them. 

Watson said, "I'm excited to be a part of the next generation of Meat Science at Penn State. I look forward to helping the industry however I can and also to be a part of training our students to enter the meat processing workforce."

Lisa Holden, Ph.D., interim head of the Department of Animal Science, said, "We are delighted to welcome Sam to our faculty. His work will be an asset to Pennsylvania's important meat processing industry."

Watson is a member of Gamma Sigma Delta Honor Society, a member of the American Meat Science Association, a member of the International Association for Food Protection, and a member of the Food Protection Trends Editorial Board.

He serves as an adviser to the Pennsylvania Association of Meat Processors Board of Directors and as faculty advisor to the Penn State Meat Science Club. 

Widely published in peer-reviewed publications, he has provided guest lectures, seminars, and lab demonstrations on a variety of topics. He has also served as a teaching instructor for multiple meat processing courses. 

In May 2023, he led the planning team for a research symposium hosted by the University of Nebraska - Lincoln (UNL), Animal Science Department, discussing sustainable animal agriculture. The event was attended by university leadership with a research panel moderated by UNL Chancellor Ronnie Green.

Watson grew up in Elizabethtown, PA. 

Article written by Sally Bair, Penn State