John A. Lucey, Director of CDR, Professor of Food Science
As Director my job is to provide leadership and direction to the CDR staff. Our research center will continue to focus on research, applications, outreach and education geared towards partnering with the Wisconsin and US dairy industries. I remain a professor in the food science department and conduct some research on dairy foods.
Phone: 608-265-1195, Cell: 608-509-2399, Email

Mark Johnson, Assistant Director, Senior Management Team, Senior Scientist
As Assistant Director, I am a close advisor to the Director and often represent the Center when the Director is on the road/unavailable. My interests include the study of cheese defects, cheese flavor and the physical properties of cheese. I teach cheese technology and food fermentations classes.
Phone: 608-262-0275, Email

Thomas Szalkucki, Senior Management Team
As part of the Senior Management Team I work closely with the Director especially on areas such as grant management, contracts, funding agencies, facilities, research priorities, etc.
Phone: 608-262-9020, Email

Dean Sommer, Senior Management Team, Cheese & Food Technologist
As part of the Senior Management Team I work closely with the Director especially on external relations with the WI dairy industry/stakeholders, Center operations, and I play a key role in the planning for the new CDR/Babcock hall building project. I also work with cheesemakers and cheese users to help find new and improved ways to use cheese as an ingredient in other foods. I also serve as a technical resource for cheesemakers and cheese users to answers any questions they might have.
Phone: 608-265-6469, Email

Carmen Huston, Department Administrator
As Department Administrator I manage the administrative responsibilities for the Center day-to-day operations, budget & financial operations, human resources and administrative leadership to Center staff.
Phone: 608-262-3416, Email

Susan Strang, Financial Specialist
Hi! I am a Financial Specialist for the Center for Dairy Research. I assist the Center in all of its purchases.
Phone: 608-265-9113, Email