Contact Dr Emma Collings
Areas of expertise
- Agrifood Systems
- Food Quality
- Food Safety
Background
Dr Emma Collings obtained an MSc by Research (2011-2012) in Postharvest Biology and Technology at Cranfield University (Bedfordshire, UK). She continued her studies at the same institute completing a Unilever and BBSRC funded Industrial CASE PhD studentship in 2012-2016, achieving Best Thesis in Postharvest (2016). Throughout her studies, Dr Collings gained expertise in fundamental postharvest physiology and biochemistry of fresh produce. She also acquired knowledge of controlled-atmosphere storage & modified packaging and obtained in-depth experience using analytical methods such as gas and liquid chromatography (GC and HPLC), and LC-MS/MS Q-TOF for measuring plant bioactive compounds and phytohormones. After completing her studies, Dr Collings continued her career at Cranfield University working as a researcher in the Plant Science Laboratory.
Current activities
Dr Collings' research has mostly focused on understanding the mechanisms for postharvest maintenance and improvement of quality and phytonutrients. This has involved implementing various postharvest treatments and storage techniques and understanding the impact on physiology and biochemical pathways. The overall aim of her research work has been to extend storage life of fresh produce, to reduce food waste, without compromising quality and flavour. Dr Collings has collaborated with a number of clients including BBSRC, Unilever, Innovate UK, Cobrey Farms and It's Fresh.
Clients
Innovate UK
BBSRC
Unilever
Cobrey Farms
Publications
Articles In Journals
- Aroucha E, Anastasiadi M, Collings E, Araujo N & Terry L. (2024). Shelf-life of green asparagus using cassava and chitosan blend coating. Brazilian Journal of Food Technology, 27
- Anastasiadi M, Collings ER & Terry LA. (2022). Investigating the role of abscisic acid and its catabolites on senescence processes in green asparagus under controlled atmosphere (CA) storage regimes. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 188(June)
- Collings ER, Alamar MC, Márquez MB, Kourmpetli S, Kevei Z, .... (2021). Improving the Tea Withering Process Using Ethylene or UV-C. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 69(45)
- Anastasiadi M, Collings ER, Shivembe A, Qian B & Terry LA. (2020). Seasonal and temporal changes during storage affect quality attributes of green asparagus. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 159
- Collings ER, Carmen Alamar M, Redfern S, Cools K & Terry LA. (2019). Spatial changes in leaf biochemical profile of two tea cultivars following cold storage under two different vapour pressure deficit (VPD) conditions. Food Chemistry, 277
- Collings ER, Alamar Gavidia MC, Cools K, Redfern S & Terry LA. (2018). Effect of UV-C on the physiology and biochemical profile of fresh Piper nigrum berries. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 136
- Alamar MC, Collings E, Cools K & Terry LA. (2017). Impact of controlled atmosphere scheduling on strawberry and imported avocado fruit. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 134
Conference Papers
- Nayakoti S, Collings E, Landahl S, Chinn J, Terry LA, .... (2023). Understanding asparagus tip breakdown postharvest at a molecular and cellular level
- Collings E, Landahl S, Jodkowska M, Nayakoti S, Chinn J, .... (2023). Understanding the mechanisms responsible for postharvest tip breakdown in asparagus: a biochemical approach
- Collings ER, Alamar MC, Cools K, Ordaz-Ortiz JJ & Terry LA. (2018). Discrete ex situ and continuous in situ real-time respiration rate measurements of fresh produce using a novel automated dynamic approach
- Collings E, García Cas JA, Ortiz JO & Terry LA. (2013). A NEW REAL-TIME AUTOMATED METHOD FOR MEASURING IN SITU RESPIRATION RATES OF FRESH PRODUCE