Marisa Bunning, Ph.D.

2024 Distinguished Alumni

M.S. Plant Biology, Ecology and Evolution '80

Dr. Marisa Bunning graduated from OSU with a master’s in plant physiology after earning her bachelor’s in botany from Cameron University. She went on to get her Ph.D. in food science and food safety from Colorado State University, where she recently retired as a professor.

 

Marisa’s teaching, research and outreach efforts — which focused on improving food safety all along the food chain — earned her the F. A. Anderson Award for Outstanding Extension Service in 2015; the 2016 Colorado State University Alumni Association Best Teacher Award; and a Distinction in Research Award, Applied Science Category in 2023.

Her projects include best practices for growing and handling fruits and vegetables to ensure safety, consumer food preparation practices, and local food system issues.

Among her many roles, Marisa has mentored and taught graduate and undergraduate students; served as co-leader for CSU’s Center for Food Safety and Prevention of Foodborne Disease; worked as coordinator of the Nutrition, Food Safety, and Health CSU Extension Team; and collaborated on the Colorado Integrated Center of Excellence in Food Safety Advisory Committee.