James Thompson is an emeritus agricultural engineer in the UC Davis Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering. With the Horticulture Innovation Lab, his focus has been to develop technologies for reducing postharvest loss of perishable fruits and vegetables and dried foods.

During his career, he has worked on postharvest technology for a wide range of temperate and subtropical fruits, vegetables and flowers and dry products such as tree nuts, dried fruit and rice. His work has focused on reducing the handling temperature and slowing the moisture loss of perishables with energy efficient technology.  He has developed improved drying technology and moisture management methods for dried products.

Thompson holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in agricultural engineering from UC Davis.

What inspires me:
Helping people learn about the world they live in and learn about the Creator who made it.

When I'm not working, you can find me…
Caring for granddaughters, building furniture or bicycling.