The choice has led Swartzel from unsure undergraduate to internationally known researcher. I just remember how open the department was and how willing the faculty was to spend time with me. Dr. Vic Jones, professor of food engineering, took a particular interest in the new undergraduate. He hoped to combine Swartzel's engineering skills with food-science research, particularly aseptic research. Dr. Jones took me on as a project.
Aseptic technology involves the development of new ways to package and process food.
Food and package are sterilized separately and then brought together in an aseptic zone. By the time he had earned his bachelor's, Swartzel was as comfortable in the lab as he had once been with the idea of being in a rocket. Research and Jones continued to play big roles in Swartzel's advances through career changes and subsequent academic degrees. After receiving his Ph.D. in 1979, Swartzel faced another career-changing decision. He considered taking a teaching position, without research responsibilities, at another university.