Darin S. Detwiler M.A.Ed.

Professional Biography

Background:

Dr. Darin Detwiler is the Assistant Dean at Northeastern University’s College of Professional Studies. His work at the university includes quality assurance supervision for all undergrad and graduate programs. He is also a Professor of Food Regulatory Policy, responsible for the development and instruction of courses related to food safety, global economics of food & agriculture, and food policy, for graduate students who work in the food industry. He additionally advises industry and government agencies, addressing food safety and authenticity issues in the U.S. and abroad. After the loss of a son to E.coli in a landmark outbreak 25 years ago, he consulted with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in strengthening food safety policies, particularly in the areas of consumer education, product labeling, and their Pathogen Reduction Program. In addition to serving in various educational and advisory capacities, his committee work includes appointments to two terms as a member of the National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection for the USDA, where his work improved standards and policies related to risk-based sampling. As the Senior Policy Coordinator for a national food safety organization, he evaluated pertinent regulatory issues for the USDA and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a consumer advocate in their stakeholder advisory group. He later served two terms as a council member for the Conference for Food Protection, identifying and addressing emerging problems of food safety to influence model laws and regulations among all government agencies. Detwiler received his Doctorate of Law and Policy from Northeastern University with a research focus on state implementation of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).

Experience/Qualifications:

  • Member, USDA National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection, 2004-2007
  • FDA Certified National Food Science Educator
  • USDA Consultant 1993-2007
  • Quality Assurance Inspector for retail food establishments

Education:

  • Master of Arts, Education (M.A. Ed.): Curriculum and Instruction, 2009
    University of Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ
  • Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.): Secondary Education, 1998
  • Bachelor of Arts (B.A.): History and Social Studies, 1997
    Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA
  • Graduate: Naval Mechanical Engineering and Nuclear Power Schools, 1987
    United States Navy, Orlando, FL

Certification:

  • ServSafe Certified 2013
  • FDA Certified National Food Science Educator, 2003
  • Certifie teacher in Washington and Massachusetts

Training:

  •  SEATTLE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW: Who’s Minding the Store? The Current State of Food Safety and How It Can Be Improved. Seattle, WA. 2008
  •  SEATTLE PACIFIC UNIVERSITY / AMGEN: Biotechnology Lab Program. Shoreline, WA. 2007
  •  THE UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS Food Safety and Science program for Educators: Bacteria, Food Handling, and Current Controversies. 2004
  •  FDA / NATIONAL SCIENCE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION Professional Development Program in Food Science. Washington, D.C. 2003

Awards:

  • Washington State Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching History, 2013
  • Washington State PTA “Outstanding Educator” Award, 2013
  • “AASTE” – AMGEN Award for Science Teaching Excellence, 2009
  • King County “EARTH HERO AT SCHOOL” Award, 2006
  • National Science Teachers Association / Toyota Award for Innovation in Science Education, 2003

Professional Organizations:

  • National Science Teachers’ Association
  • National Commission for Social Studies
  • The National Education Association