Brian Jacobson joined IBRL in February 2012, and has a joint appointment managing the Food Science & Human Nutrition Pilot Processing Plant. He is responsible for all facility operations and manages the pilot plant, laboratory, trades, and student staff/interns in the facilities. He oversees activities in the space, maintaining the schedule and ensuring facility and equipment resources are maintained and available for use. He also manages the safety and regulatory aspects of the program and assists with program development and budgeting.
Brian developed and manages the Illinois Sustainable Food Project and assists with the Illinois Biodiesel Initiative and several departments’ senior capstone courses across campus. He is also a member of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), Chicago Section IFT, and serves on the college safety advisory committee.
Brian graduated with two degrees from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. First, a BS in Agricultural Engineering (Technical Systems Management specialization) with a minor in Business Administration, followed by a Masters in Food Science & Human Nutrition. Prior to joining IBRL, Brian worked at a manufacturing firm overseeing large-scale automated equipment installations, ensuring new projects were completed on schedule while meeting applicable quality and regulatory standards. He has managed large teams (50+) and has extensive project management and relationship-building experience.