About Us
The Meat Science Technology Center is located in Athens, Ga about 1 hour east of Atlanta and just south of the Appalachian Mountains. Our research focuses on improving the quality, yield, shelf-life, and safety of red meat and poultry products. See the Research Projects Section for more information. Currently we are investigating:
- Heat stress mitigation in Southeastern US beef finishing systems
- Sous vide as a consistent cookery method for objective and subjective texture analyses
- Further processing of poultry myopathies for increased utilization and value
- Safety and quality of low- or non-thermal dry and semi-dry meat products

Current News
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Stelzleni Lab at the Reciprocal Meat Conference 2025
The Stelzleni Lab had a great showing at the Reciprocal Meat Conference in Columbus Ohio this past June. M. Junaid Nawaz presented his research on use of fiber to improve meat batter properties formulated with wooden breast. J. Anna Scott presented research on beef bottom round characterization. Clint Lee presented his recently defended master’s research…
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Clint Lee Successfully Defends MS Thesis
Congratulations to Clint Lee for successfully defending his MS Thesis “Effects of chronic heat stress mitigation on finishing beef performance, blood cortisol, microbiome, and carcass measures in the Southeastern United States”. Clint will stay at UGA in the Stelzleni Lab to work on his PhD while coaching the Intercollegiate Meat Judging Team.
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Stelzleni Lab Had Successful RMC Meeting
The Stelzleni Lab headed to Oklahoma City, OK this past June for the annual American Meat Science Association Reciprocal Meats Conference. Dr. Stelzleni, four graduate students, and 8 undergraduates made the trip. It was a great trip overall, but some particular highlights are listed below: Clint Lee (MS student and meat judging coach) Cameron Catrett…
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StelzLab Visits A.C. Legg and The Fatback Project
The StelzLab recent took a couple of days to head over to Alabama and visit A.C. Legg, Inc and The Fatback Project. A.C. Legg, Inc. is long time supporter of the UGA Meat Science program. A.C. Legg, Inc. is a spice company with a primary focus on the meat industry. It was great to spend…