Xiang (Crystal) Yang, Ph.D.
Associate Professor; Meat Scientist, Department of Animal Science
Dr. Xiang (Crystal) Yang is an Associate Professor in the Department of Animal Science at the University of California, Davis (UCD). As a meat scientist and food microbiologist, she leads research focused on evaluating pre- and post-harvest factors that influence meat quality (e.g., palatability, shelf life) and safety (e.g., foodborne pathogens, antimicrobial resistance). Beyond applied research, her lab also investigates the impact of meat production systems on environmental sustainability and occupational health, particularly the spread of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria under the One Health framework, utilizing next-generation sequencing technology. Her overarching goal is to support industry efforts in producing safe, high-quality, and nutritious meat while ensuring sustainable and efficient production practices for both national and global consumers. In addition to her research, Dr. Yang is the sole instructor at UCD teaching multiple Meat Science courses (ANS 120, 120L: Principle of Meat Science; ANS 113: HACCP and Meat Safety; ANS 138, lab course: Evaluation of Meat Quality and Safety). She is also an active member of the American Meat Science Association, contributing to the Meat Science community through professional service and mentoring the next generation of meat scientists.
Our Talented Graduate Students
Toni Duarte, Ph.D. Candidate
Education:
- Ph.D., Animal Biology, UC Davis – In progress
- M.S., Animal Biology, UC Davis – 2020
- B.S., Animal Science, California State University, Chico – 2018
email: tlduarte@ucdavis.edu
Research Interest:
My research interest in in pre and post harvest factors and their impacts on meat quality and shelf life. My previous research has evaluated the impact of various processing methods and feeding strategies on the quality and shelf life of poultry and beef. My current research is evaluating the impact of different slaughtering and processing methods on the quality and shelf life of trout and sturgeon.
Sudipta Talukder, Ph.D. Candidate
Education:
- Ph.D., Animal Biology, UC Davis – In progress
- M.S., Medicine, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Bangladesh
- D.V.M., Bangladesh Agricultural University, Bangladesh
Email: stalukder@ucdavis.edu
Research Interest:
I am interested in doing research on controlling the transmission of antimicrobial-resistant foodborne pathogens. My current research focus is mitigating the occupational exposure of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in livestock farms.
Yuyuan Feng, Ph.D. Student
Education:
- Ph.D., Animal Biology, UC Davis – In progress
- M.S., Animal Biology, UC Davis
- B.S., Animal Science, UC Davis
email: yuyfeng@ucdavis.edu
Research Interest:
I am interested in improving meat safety by identifying antimicrobial resistome in livestock. My current research is about the characterization of the fecal resistome of beef cattle from different feeding systems.
MD Saiful Islam, Ph.D. Student
Education:
- Ph.D., Animal Biology, UC Davis – In progress
- M.S., Microbiology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Bangladesh
- D.V.M., Bangladesh Agricultural University, Bangladesh
email: mspislam@ucdavis.edu
Our Alumni
Bakytzhan Bolkenov, Ph.D.
Education
- Ph.D., Animal Biology, UC Davis
- M.S., Food Science, Pavlodar State University, Kazakhstan
- B.S., Food Engineering, Shakarim State University, Kazakhstan
Email: bbakytzhan@ucdavis.edu
Research Interest:
My research interest is antimicrobial resistance in meat and poultry. Currently I am working on NARMS (National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System) program. Also, I am interested in meat quality and shelf life.
Brady Hirshfeld, M.S.
Education:
- M.S., Animal Biology, UC Davis
- B.S., Zoology, Neurobiology, and Environmental Studies, University of Wisconsin
email: hirshfeld@ucdavis.edu
Research Interest:
I’m broadly interested in facilitating the safe and sustainable expansion of aquaculture for human consumption. My research currently centers on antimicrobial resistance and animal welfare in seafood production.