From Battlefield to Barn: Innovative Environmental Sensors Adapted to Detect Disease in Dairy Cows

During Operation Desert Storm, SRC developed portable, early-detection systems that would save the lives of troops that were subjected to chemical or biological attacks. Acumen Detection, now is adapting this technology to revolutionize the dairy industry by helping farmers protect the health of their herds.
 
The contagious disease mastitis is a problem for the dairy industry worldwide; in the U.S. alone, the impact exceeds $2 billion annually. Acumen Detection has worked with researchers at Cornell University to develop innovative assays and incorporate real-time detection for dairy pathogens.
 
This means farmers can detect and treat mastitis early avoiding the spread of infection that results in millions in lost production and culling of diseased cows.
 
Acumen Detection is leveraging the academic resources of Central New York’s Innovation Crossroads district, with R&D laboratories, offices and manufacturing at SyracuseCoE and the neighboring CNY Biotech Accelerator.
 
In the May Research and Technology Forum, the representatives from Acumen Detection, introduced how they developed the research on the early-detections systems and advanced this technology to apply to the dairy industry. Dr. Rinzan explained the method she improved and applied to the research. Director Lumia of the Production Department introduced the product that developed for this technology for getting the time-saving and more accurate outcomes. And Technology Director Dorion explained the mechanism behind the technology.
 
We also discussed the potential of this project and its benefit and efficiency for the dairy industry. Of which, eventually, Acumen Detection’s mission is “committed to keeping dairy farms healthy and profitable with advanced technologies that enable faster, more informed management decisions”. 
 

Presenters: 

Chuck Stormon

CEO, Acumen Detection
 
Chuck earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Syracuse University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science. He has cofounded six successful companies and a venture fund for seed stage startups. His background includes executive leadership positions in both public and private companies, research, engineering, board directorships and faculty at two universities (Syracuse University and LeMoyne College).

Dr. Fathima Rinzan

Director of Microbiology, Acumen Detection

Fathima (Faraz) has been with Acumen’s R&D team since the beginning; she contributed tremendously to the development of revolutionary assays and a milk prep kit to screen for bovine mastitis. Faraz brings a wealth of knowledge to the team and has a unique set of skills acquired through working in diverse settings, such as biocide, biotech, and food manufacturing industries, clinical labs and academia. Faraz holds a Ph.D. and an M.S. in Applied and Environmental Microbiology, an M.S. in Microbiology, and a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology. She is currently pursuing an MBA.

Angelina Lumia

Director of Production, Acumen Detection

Angelina leads manufacturing while making sure all the laboratories are safe and in compliance. Angelina is a co-author of a published article in the American Chemical Society Biomaterials Science and Engineering Journal. The article is based on her senior research project from SUNY ESF. Angelina holds a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from SUNY ESF and is currently enrolled in the Master of Business Administration program at SUNY Oswego.

Benjamin Dorion

Director of Technology, Acumen Detection

Ben is Director of Technology, in charge of Acumen Detection’s software and hardware platforms. His department manages our inventory, provides support to the sales team and fields customer support requests. Prior to joining Acumen Detection, Ben was Corporate Quality Analyst with Byrne Dairy. Ben has a BS degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology from Binghamton University and a MPS in Web Development and Informatics from Fort Hays State University. Ben is currently enrolled in the Master of Business Administration program at SUNY Oswego.
 
 

Research & Technology Forum Series 

SyracuseCoE offers regularly scheduled forums and networking showcasing innovative research, technologies and other opportunities of interest to stakeholders and community members. Past topics have included groundbreaking industry projects to modernize the HVAC systems at the Sistine Chapel, workshops to help state agencies develop funding priorities, and research on the impact of “green” buildings on cognitive function. To receive notice of these events, sign up for email updates at the “Join our mailing list” tab at the bottom right corner of the website. Visit the Research & Technology Forum page to see the archive.

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