A almond blossom on a tree.

Current Research Projects

Current Research Projects 2025-26

The first RFP was sent in 2023 to the entire UC Davis campus, inviting researchers, faculty and Cooperative Extension specialists to apply. Projects were to focus on byproduct-related research for pistachios, almonds and pomegranates.

The first round yielded 26 multidisciplinary proposals from across the UC Davis campus representing multiple colleges, schools and departments including expertise in agriculture, engineering, veterinary science and human medicine.

 

Potential impacts of funded projects:

  • From Waste to Health: Valorizing Pomegranate Peels for Honeybee Nutrition to Enhance Honeybee Health

  • Principle Investigators: Olukayode Jegede, Environmental Toxicology, Molecular Biosciences; Elina L. Niño, Entomology and Nematology; Julia Fine, USDA ARS

    Project Summary: This study explores the use of pomegranate peel supplementation to improve honeybee health by reducing viral loads, enhancing antioxidant activity and boosting survival and productivity. Leveraging the bioactive compounds in pomegranate peels, the research aims to develop a sustainable, commercially viable dietary supplement that supports pollination efficiency, agricultural resilience and circular economy practices by repurposing agro-industrial waste.

  • Conversion of Pomegranate Pomace into a High-Value Feed Additive for Sustainable Swine Production

  • Principle Investigators: Yanhong Liu, Animal Science; Peng Ji, Nutrition; Boon-Ling Yeo, Energy and Efficiency Institute/Air Quality Research Center

    Project Summary: In the first year of funding, this research aims to transform pomegranate pomace into a probiotic-enriched feed additive for swine using solid-state fermentation with Clostridium strains. By enhancing piglet health, growth and resilience while reducing antibiotic reliance, the project promotes sustainable livestock production and valorizes agricultural waste, offering scalable, cost-effective solutions for both environmental and economic benefits.

  • Bioconversion of Pomegranate Byproducts into Health-Promoting Rhizopus orysae Mycoprotein

  • Principle Investigators: Julia M.L.N. de Moura Bell, Food Science and Technology, Biological and Agricultural Engineering; David Mills, Food Science and Technology

    Project Summary: This project develops a scalable process to upcycle pomegranate byproducts into Rhizopus oryzae-derived mycoprotein, rich in fucose and protein, for use in nutraceuticals and functional foods. By combining liquid-state fermentation with ultrasonic cell disruption, it offers a sustainable solution that supports human health and reduces agricultural waste.

  • Development of Clean-Label Food Ingredients with California Pomegranate and Grape Pomace: Pigments, Fiber and Antioxidants

  • Principle Investigators: Selina Wang, Food Science and Technology; Daniela Barile, Food Science and Technology; Nitin Nitin, Food Science and Technology, Biological and Agricultural Engineering

    Project Summary: This seed project develops clean-label food ingredients from California pomegranates and grapes by extracting pigments, fiber and antioxidants, with initial validation in pet food applications. Through advanced processing and characterization techniques, the team aims to replace synthetic additives with natural, functional alternatives that enhance product quality, support sustainability and pave the way for future human food innovations.

  • Almond Pavers and Concrete: Unlocking New Markets for California’s Almond Industry Through Pilot-Scale Production and Field Validation

  • Principle Investigators: Somayeh Nassiri, Civil and Environmental Engineering; Sabbie Miller, Civil and Environmental Engineering; John Harvey, Civil and Environmental Engineering

    Project Summary: In this third phase of funded research, Dr. Nassiri’s team will develop and validate cement-free concrete products using almond hulls and shells, creating alkali-activated binders with potential bioenergy co-benefits. By scaling almond ash production and collaborating with industry partners, they hope to reduce carbon emissions, support rural economies and promote sustainable practices in both agriculture and construction through innovative material reuse and life cycle analysis.

  • Frictional Separation of Granular Materials in Opposing Directions Via Horizontal Vibrations

  • Principle Investigators: William Ristenpart, Chemical Engineering; Irwin Donis-González, Biological and Agricultural Engineering; Gregory Miller, Chemical Engineering; Xiaolin Zhang, Chemical Engineering

    Project Summary: As demand for almonds and pistachios grows worldwide, there is a need for more efficient postharvest processing, separation and conveying technologies. This phase two project is developing a pilot-scale, continuous pistachio kernel-shell separation system using horizontal vibratory techniques and computer vision to optimize efficiency. By improving post-harvest processing and enabling value-added uses for byproducts, it supports economic growth, waste reduction and sustainability in the pistachio industry.

  • Valorization of Almond and Pistachio Shells: Sustainable Biosorbents for Phenolic Removal in Winery Wastewater and Applications in Soil and Soilless Substrates

  • Principle Investigators: Alyson Mitchell, Food Science and Technology; Larry Lerno, Food Safety and Measurement Facility; Luxin Wang, Food Science and Technology; Guangwei Huang, Food Research and Technology, Almond Board of California; Robert Coleman, Treasury Wine Estates, Beringer Winery

    Project Summary: Dr. Mitchell and colleagues are continuing their research into a pilot-scale mixed filtration system using almond and pistachio shells to remove phenolic compounds from winery wastewater. By repurposing shell material as low-cost biosorbents and exploring its antimicrobial potential for soil and plant applications, this phase three research aims to provide a sustainable solution to reduce environmental pollution and investigate the potential of phenolic-enriched shell material as a growth medium or soil amendment.