Dennis D'Amico

Associate Professor

Dr. Dennis D’Amico joined the Department of Animal Science at the University of Connecticut in 2013 and currently serves as Associate Professor of Animal Science. As a food scientist and microbiologist his work focuses on improving the quality and safety of foods with a particular interest in dairy products. He teaches courses in dairy technology and brewing science while conducting research on food microbiology and safety and providing service to the dairy industry through extension.

In addition to his academic responsibilities, Dr. D’Amico serves on award and excellence committees, mentors undergraduate and graduate students, and collaborates with industry partners across the country. His work supports Connecticut’s agricultural community through research, education, and extension programs that strengthen the dairy and food sectors.

Education

  • Ph.D., Animal Nutrition and Food Sciences (Food microbiology), University of Vermont, 2008
  • M.S., Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Vermont, 2004
  • B.S., Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Vermont, 2002

Teaching

  • ANSC 3641/5640. Animal Food Products: Dairy Technology
  • ANSC 3642W. Scientific Writing in Animal Food Products: Dairy Technology
  • ENGR/BADM/AHNR 3195/4895/3095. Special Topics: UConn Brewing Innovation: Brew Crew
  • ANSC 1979. Beer and Brewing

Research Areas / Expertise

  • Dairy Technology
  • Food Safety
  • Food Quality
  • Brewing Science

Selected Publications

  1. Robinson, B., Sun, L., Eddy, N., Price, C., & D’Amico, D. J. (2026). Multiomics analysis of a novel American raw milk cheese (Cornerstone) and the effect of production and aging location. Journal of Dairy Science, 109(1), 127–148. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2025-27433
  2. Everhart, E., Worth, A., & D’Amico, D. J. (2025). Control of Salmonella enterica spp. enterica in milk and raw milk cheese using commercial bacteriophage preparations. Food Microbiology, 128, Article 104725. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fm.2025.104725
  3. Everhart, E., Carson, S., Atkinson, K., & D’Amico, D. J. (2025). Commercial bacteriophage preparations for the control of Listeria monocytogenes and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in raw and pasteurized milk. Food Microbiology, 125, Article 104652. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fm.2024.104652
  4. Brown, S. R. B., Gensler, C. A., Sun, L., & D’Amico, D. J. (2024). Evaluating the Efficacy of Ɛ-poly-lysine, Hydrogen Peroxide, and Lauric Arginate to Inhibit Listeria monocytogenes Biofilm Formation and Inactivate Mature Biofilms. Journal of Food Protection, 87(12), Article 100399. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfp.2024.100399
  5. Brown, S. R. B., Sun, L., Gensler, C. A., & D’Amico, D. J. (2024). The Impact of Subinhibitory Concentrations of Ɛ-polylysine, Hydrogen Peroxide, and Lauric Arginate on Listeria monocytogenes Virulence. Journal of Food Protection, 87(12), Article 100385. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfp.2024.100385

Selected Awards and Honors

  • Spirit of the Land Grant Award, UConn College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (2023)
  • Above and Beyond Award, American Cheese Society (2016)
  • Young Scientist Award- Educator, ASAS/ADSA Northeast Section (2016)

Selected Grants

  • High-voltage atmospheric cold plasma treatment, with and without peroxyacetic acid, to inactivate human pathogens and surrogates thereof – Storrs Agricultural Experiment Station Multistate Project (PI; 2025–2026)
  • Effect of bioprotective cultures on Listeria monocytogenes in milk and high-moisture cheese – Dairy Management Inc. (PI; 2024–2026)

Extension, Outreach, and Service

Dr. D’Amico contributes to professional and community engagement through the International Association for Food Protection, the American Dairy Science Association, UConn Extension programs, and agricultural workforce development initiatives. He regularly presents educational workshops for producers, collaborates with industry stakeholders on applied research projects, and mentors students pursuing careers in food science. His service supports dairy manufacturers, students, and agricultural communities throughout Connecticut and the US.

Professional Profiles

Dennis D'Amico
Contact Information
Emailddamico@uconn.edu
Phone(860) 486-0567
Office LocationABL 302B