Byron Chaves, Ph. D.
Associate Extension Specialist
byron.chaves@rutgers.edu
65 Dudley RD, Room 207
(848) 932-5415
(732) 932-6776
Biography
Dr. Byron Chaves is an Associate Extension Specialist in the Department of Food Science at Rutgers University. His program integrates Extension, applied research, and teaching to develop practical, science-based solutions that strengthen food safety systems and support the food industry, regulatory agencies, and public health professionals.
His expertise includes food safety microbiology, predictive microbiology, microbial risk assessment, food processing, validation of food safety interventions, environmental monitoring, sanitation, and HACCP- and FSMA-based food safety systems. His research focuses on understanding the growth, survival, inactivation, and transmission of foodborne pathogens to improve food safety decision-making and reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
Dr. Chaves works closely with industry, government, and academic partners to develop evidence-based training programs, decision-support tools, and applied research that address emerging food safety challenges. His contributions to food safety have been recognized through several national honors, including the 2025 Emerging Leader in Food Safety Award from the Institute for the Advancement of Food and Nutrition Sciences (IAFNS) and the 2024 James M. Jay Food Safety Award from the International Association for Food Protection (IAFP).
Dr. Chaves earned his B.S. in Food Science from the University of Costa Rica, his M.S. in Food Science from Clemson University, and his Ph.D. in Animal Science with an emphasis in meat safety and microbiology from Texas Tech University, where he also conducted postdoctoral research. Prior to joining Rutgers, he served on the faculty at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where he led Extension and applied research programs in food safety.