Dr. Ernest M. Julian, Chief of the Office of Food Protection for the Rhode Island Department of Health, has been selected to receive the prestigious Outstanding Professional Award from the Neag School of Education Alumni Society of the University of Connecticut. Dr. Julian earned a M.A. in 1988 and a Ph.D. in 1992 from the Neag School in the field of Adult Learning. He was chosen to receive this award because of his long-term public service activities toward reducing food borne illnesses and improving food safety.

Dr. Julian's research focuses on design and implementation of certification programs for food service managers. He is currently leading an effort to establish a national certification program for all food service managers, based on the effective programs he established in Connecticut and Rhode Island. He has served as principal investigator for several research projects involving food safety.

Dr. Julian is charged with assuring food safety in over 8000 food establishments and ensuring beach water safety for all the beaches in Rhode Island. He has held numerous leadership positions. From 2005 to 2009 he was a Juror for NSF International Food Safety Leadership Awards. In 2005 he received a Special Recognition Award from the National Coalition for Food Safe Schools. The inscription stated, "In appreciation of your leadership, commitment and outstanding contributions to the health and safety of our nation's youth."

Dr. Julian will be recognized as the Outstanding Professional of 2009, at the Annual Awards Dinner of the Neag School of Education on Saturday, May 16th. Anyone wishing more information about this event can call Lynne Allen at the University Alumni Center at (888) UC-ALUM-1, (860) 486-2240 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .