Jennifer C. Acuff

Dr. Jennifer C. Acuff is an Assistant Professor of Food Microbiology and Safety in the Department of Food Science at the University of Arkansas, part of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences.

Her research program focuses on:

• Pathogen reduction in low-moisture foods
• Validation of thermal and non-thermal interventions
• Surrogate selection for process validation
• Novel sanitization technologies
• Post-harvest food safety

Dr. Acuff's recent publications (2020-2024) demonstrate expertise in inactivation kinetics for Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria across diverse food matrices including nuts, seeds, flour, baked goods, and meats. Her work establishes process validations for industrial applications and develops novel intervention strategies against foodborne pathogens.

She teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in food safety and mentors students in food microbiology research techniques.