Oregon State University - Cascades Campus' Science Pub heads to Redmond this month, for an exploration of Oregon's burgeoning artisan cheese industry.  Presented by Lisbeth Goddik, an associate professor of Food Science and Technology at Oregon State University and an extension dairy processing specialist, "The Cheese Stands Alone: The Science behind Oregon's Acclaimed Artisan Cheeses," takes place at the Coyote Ranch in Redmond.

A decade ago, Oregon's cheese industry was dominated by a few big operations — think Tillamook — but today the number of small-scale specialty cheese makers has grown from two to 20, including local cheese makers in Central Oregon like Tumalo Farms and Juniper Grove Farm.  

In recent years, Oregon’s specialty artisan cheeses have achieved international acclaim. Oregon’s Rogue River Blue, for instance, was named Best of Show in 2009 in the prestigious American Cheese Society’s annual artisan cheese competition, beating more than 1,300 entrants. Oregon cheeses took 22 prizes overall in the competition. Business for Oregon cheese makers, even in a down economy, is booming.

Goddick earned her bachelor’s degree and Ph.D. from Oregon State University, and her master’s degree from Cornell University.  She joined OSU's College of Agricultural Sciences in 1999.  She received the Milk Industry Foundation Teaching Award in Dairy Manufacturing from the American Dairy Science Association, recognizing her outstanding teaching of undergraduate students.  She holds the Oregon Dairy Industries-Bodyfelt Professorship in OSU's Department of Food Science and Technology.

This Science Pub takes place from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.  at the Coyote Ranch in Redmond.  Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for networking and food and beverage service, and the presentation begins at 6:00 p.m.  Science Pubs are sponsored by OSU-Cascades and the OSU Alumni Association and are free and open to community members and OSU alumni. To view the full series, visit www.OSUcascades.edu/sciencepubs.   Participants are invited to RSVP on www.osualum.com.  For information call 541-737-2351 or 877-678-2837 (toll free) or e-mail osualum@oregonstate.edu.