Find Academic Supervisors

• Food Safety
• Food Chain Integrity
• Microbiological Risk Assessment
• +6 more

Professor Francis Butler is a Full Professor at University College Dublin's School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, where he has been since 1990. His academic roles include research leadership in food safety, food chain integrity, and microbial risk assessment. He leads the UCD Institute for Food and Health and the UCD Centre for Food Safety as a Principal Investigator. Education: BE, Grad Dip University Teaching & Learning, MBA, and PhD from University College Dublin. Research Focus: His work centers on food safety hazards, quantitative risk assessment, and next-generation sequencing for pathogen identification. Recent projects include Listeria monocytogenes growth modeling, norovirus in oysters, and hepatitis E in pork products. He has secured over €6 million in research grants, including EU-funded projects like FOODINTEGRITY and SIGMACHAIN. Awards & Recognition: European Food Safety Authority Fellowship, Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship, and UCD Teaching Grant. He coordinates international educational programs, including the UCD MSC Food Safety and Risk Analysis. Professional Activities: Member of EFSA advisory committees, editorial boards (e.g., Microbial Risk Analysis ), and international conference chairs. His work bridges academia, industry, and policy to enhance food safety standards globally.

• Mechatronics
• Dynamical Systems and Control
• Functional Printing
• +4 more

George T.-C. Chiu is a Professor in the School of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University, with courtesy appointments in Electrical and Computer Engineering and Psychological Sciences. He holds a 50% appointment as Assistant Dean for Global Engineering Programs and Partnerships. Previously, he served as a Program Director at the NSF, managing the Control Systems Program and National Robotics Initiative. His research focuses on mechatronics, dynamical systems, and control, with applications in printing, robotics, and human-machine interaction. Education: PhD (1994), University of California, Berkeley MS (1990), University of California, Berkeley BS (1985), National Taiwan University Research Interests: Functional printing technologies for biomedical and environmental sensors Robotics and human-robot interaction Control systems for manufacturing and dynamic systems Energy-efficient sensor design His work bridges mechanical engineering, materials science, and control theory, addressing challenges in precision manufacturing and sustainable technology. Awards: Fellow, ASME (2021) Fellow, Society for Imaging Science and Technology Grants & Projects: USDA-funded projects on food safety sensors and sustainable agriculture NSF initiatives in robotics and additive manufacturing Collaborative research with industry partners like HP and the Army Labs & Outreach: Founded the Purdue FIRST Programs, mentoring K-12 students in robotics. Co-developed experiential courses for student mentors, fostering leadership and project management skills.

Lawrence GoodridgeView profile

Professor

• Food Safety
• Antibiotic Resistance
• Foodborne Pathogens
• +6 more

Lawrence Goodridge is a Professor and Director of the Canadian Research Institute for Food Safety (CRIFS) at the University of Guelph's Ontario Agricultural College. He holds the Leung Family Professorship in Food Safety and leads research at the intersection of food safety, antibiotic resistance, and One Health principles. His work focuses on applying genomic technologies to study foodborne pathogens (E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria, Cronobacter) and leveraging wastewater surveillance for infectious disease outbreak prediction. Academic History: BSc Microbiology (University of Guelph, 1995), MSc Food Microbiology (2003), PhD Food Microbiology (2002), followed by post-doctoral training in Food Safety at the University of Georgia (2002). Joined CRIFS in 2003. Research Interests: Genomic analysis of pathogen emergence, wastewater-based epidemiology, bacteriophage applications, and consumer education strategies for food safety. His lab develops innovative methods for rapid pathogen detection in food systems and environmental samples. Articles Trends: Over 100 peer-reviewed publications emphasize genomic surveillance of foodborne pathogens and SARS-CoV-2, with a focus on wastewater sampling innovations. Recent work explores multi-modal data integration for public health forecasting and ethical data protection frameworks for surveillance programs. Awards: While no specific prizes are listed, his $50M+ research funding from Canadian/international sources underscores recognition of his impactful work. Grants support projects like phage-based sanitization and antimicrobial resistance tracking. Advising & Labs: Leads CRIFS laboratory operations and collaborates globally on food safety initiatives. His research has informed food industry guidelines and policy frameworks for mitigating pathogen risks in agricultural and environmental systems.

Joel WeadgeView profile

Associate Professor

• Bacterial Biofilms
• Bacterial Carbohydrates
• Protein Structure and Function
• +7 more

Joel Weadge is an Associate Professor in the Biology Department at Wilfrid Laurier University , Waterloo, Ontario. His research focuses on bacterial biofilms, glycobiology, and protein structure-function relationships. Contact: jweadge@wlu.ca , Office: BA425 (Bricker Academic). Education: PhD in Microbiology (University of Guelph, 2006) BSc (Hons) in Microbiology (University of Guelph, 2000) Research Interests center on bacterial biofilms as virulence factors in pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella . Key areas include: Structural and functional characterization of biofilm proteins (cellulose, curli fimbriae) Enzymology of carbohydrate modifications (acetylation, phosphoethanolamine transfer) Developing therapeutics targeting biofilm synthesis Biopolymer applications for medical/industrial use Publications highlight studies on Pseudomonas and Salmonella biofilm mechanisms, glycosyltransferases, and carbohydrate-active enzymes, with methodologies spanning X-ray crystallography to high-throughput biofilm profiling. Labs and Teams: The Weadge Lab investigates biofilm roles in food/water security and oral health, utilizing enzymology, mass spectrometry, and structural biology. Current members include graduate students, technicians, and research assistants.

Linda J. HarrisView profile

Professor

• Microbial Food Safety
• Food Microbiology
• Pathogen Contamination
• +3 more

Linda J. Harris, Ph.D., is a Distinguished Professor of Cooperative Extension in Microbial Food Safety at the University of California, Davis, within the Department of Food Science and Technology. She served as Department Chair from 2016 to 2021. Her research focuses on microbial food safety, particularly in fresh produce and tree nuts, emphasizing pathogen behavior, antimicrobial treatments, and standard microbiological methods validation. She collaborates with food producers, processors, and government agencies to address food safety challenges. Dr. Harris earned her Ph.D. in Food Science from North Carolina State University in 1991. Her work integrates laboratory studies with extension activities to ensure practical applications in food safety. Key areas include evaluating pathogen survival on produce, developing sanitation protocols, and assessing risks associated with low-moisture foods. Her research trends highlight advancements in pathogen detection (e.g., MALDI-TOF technology), contamination prevention in postharvest handling, and consumer practices affecting food safety (e.g., homemade nut-based products). Recent articles address Salmonella and Listeria survival on produce, irrigation impacts on pathogens, and validation of pathogen reduction processes. Awards: 2021 AAAS Fellow 2018 Institute of Food Technologists Fellow 2004 Elmer Marth Educator Award Her advising and grants focus on low-moisture food safety, extension education, and industry partnerships. She leads initiatives like the Scientific Integrity Consortium and collaborates on national food safety guidelines. Dr. Harris is affiliated with the Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Science at UC Davis.

• Environmental Engineering
• Virology
• Water Treatment
• +3 more

Helen Nguyen is a Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign , where she has held positions since 2006. She also serves as an Affiliate at the Carle Illinois College of Medicine and the Institute for Genomic Biology . Her academic roles include chairing the Environmental Engineering and Science Program (2017-2019) and prior positions as Associate and Assistant Professor at UIUC. Ph.D. (2005), M.S. (2004) in Environmental Engineering from Johns Hopkins University M.S. (2000) in Earth and Environmental Science from University of Illinois at Chicago B.S. (1995) in Geology from Ivan Franko National University of L'viv Nguyen's research focuses on pathogens and biofilms in drinking water distribution systems , environmental surveillance of pathogens , and water and food safety . Her work spans microbial inactivation mechanisms, biofilm dynamics, and innovative water treatment strategies. Her recent 15 articles (2023-2025) emphasize coronavirus stability , legionella contamination , rotavirus on produce , biofilm mechanics , and climate-pathogen interactions . Trends include environmental virology, microbial risk assessment, and disinfection science. Scientific awards include the NSF CAREER award , Fulbright Specialist , AEESP/CH2M Hill Outstanding Dissertation Award , and University of Illinois College of Engineering Research Excellence Awards at both Assistant and Associate Professor levels. Nguyen advises 10 undergraduate students on pathogen removal and has mentored award-winning graduate students like Ruiqing Lu (2015) and Chamteut Oh (2024). She leads Engineers Without Borders teams and collaborates on USDA-funded food safety workshops .

Craig W. HedbergView profile

Professor

• Foodborne Disease
• Public Health Surveillance
• Outbreak Investigation
• +6 more

Craig W. Hedberg is a Professor in the Division of Environmental Health Sciences at the University of Minnesota. As Co-Director of the Minnesota Integrated Food Safety Center of Excellence , he focuses on enhancing public health surveillance and collaboration between agencies to improve foodborne illness detection. Education: PhD in Epidemiology (1993), MS in Environmental Health (1984) from the University of Minnesota, BS in Biology (1976) from the University of Connecticut. His research integrates epidemiology , food safety , and outbreak investigation , with recent work on Salmonella risk frameworks and SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in grocery workers. Over his career, he has received awards like the Frozen Food Foundation’s Freezing Research Award (2023) and the Excellence in Advising Award (2019) . His publications span foodborne disease surveillance, regulatory compliance, and historical epidemiology studies. Scientific Awards: 2023 - Frozen Food Foundation’s Freezing Research Award 2022 - President’s Recognition Award, International Association for Food Protection 2022 - LOCAL PUBLIC HEALTH HERO AWARD, City of Minneapolis 2021 - Ewen C.D. Todd Control of Foodborne Illness Award 2019 - Excellence in Advising Award, University of Minnesota School of Public Health

Claire O'BrienView profile

Associate Professor

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• Gut Microbiome
• Host-Microbe Interactions
• +3 more

Claire O'Brien is an Associate Professor in Biomedical Science (Virology) at the University of Canberra, leading the Host-Microbe Interactions research group. Previously, she held positions at the Australian National University (ANU) Medical School as a Lecturer and Senior Lecturer at the University of Wollongong. She earned her PhD from ANU in 2012, focusing on microbiological aspects of Crohn's disease. Her research investigates gut microbiome dysbiosis in diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), using in vitro co-cultures of bacteria and macrophages. Key projects include studying antimicrobial resistance in retail meat and microbial resilience in IBD patients. Dr. O'Brien has received prestigious awards, including the Australian Academy of Science France-Australia Fellowship and NHMRC Peter Doherty Biomedical Research Fellowship. Her work spans translational research, such as the 'GUTSY' project addressing sarcopenia in Crohn’s disease, and collaborations on microbiome dynamics. She actively supervises Honours and higher-degree research students in IBD and microbiome-related fields. Research interests include host-microbe interactions, Crohn's disease pathogenesis, and the role of the microbiome in health. Her lab employs genomic, transcriptomic, and microbiological techniques to uncover mechanisms linking microbial imbalances to disease. She is also engaged in public health initiatives, such as optimizing preconception care and reducing pregnancy complications in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Katrina CampbellView profile

Professor

• Food Security
• Diagnostics
• Biosensor Technology
• +4 more

Katrina Campbell is a Professor at the School of Biological Sciences , Queen's University Belfast , where she leads the Biosensors Strand within the Centre for ASsured, SafE and Traceable food (ASSET) . She holds dual Fellowships from the Royal Society of Biology and Royal Society of Chemistry , and is affiliated with the Irish Toxicology Society , SFET , and International Society for the study of harmful algae . Education: BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry (1995), Queen's University Belfast MMedSc in Ultrastructural Anatomy and Pathology (1996), Queen's University Belfast PhD in Pharmacy (transdermal drug delivery), Queen's University Belfast Katrina's research focuses on rapid biosensor-based detection of toxins, chemical contaminants, and pathogens throughout the "environment to farm to fork" food supply chain. She develops antibodies, phage, and aptamers for bioanalytical methods on platforms like Biacore AB, SAW Instruments, and Neogen Lateral Flow , aiming to enhance food safety , sustainability , and traceability . Her work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals including Zero Hunger ( SDG 2 ), Climate Action ( SDG 13 ), Life Below Water ( SDG 14 ), and Life on Land ( SDG 15 ). Recent publications address plant-based milk contaminant detection , marine biotoxin monitoring , and PFAS regulation impacts on food sustainability. She leads projects like Seafoodtomorrow , Eurobiotox , and Mychif , collaborating with the Food and Drug Administration (USA) and through Safefood funded initiatives. Scientific Awards: Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology (2023) Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (2023) Katrina supervises PhD students and contributes to technology transfer workshops . She serves as EITFOOD Education Programmes Co-ordinator at Queen's University Belfast. Labs & Collaborations: She leads the Biosensors Strand in ASSET, collaborating with multi-centre EU projects (BioCop, Conffidence, Midtal, Atlantox), industrial partners , and international institutions to create state-of-the-art biosensor tools for food safety.

Shirley MicallefView profile

Professor

• Food Safety Microbiology
• Plant-Microbe Interactions
• Agricultural Sustainability
• +1 more

Shirley Micallef is Professor in the Department of Plant Science & Landscape Architecture at University of Maryland's College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Her research addresses microbiological safety of fresh produce, focusing on enteric pathogen-plant interactions, irrigation water quality, and sustainable management practices. Current projects examine Salmonella/E. coli dynamics on leafy greens under variable environmental conditions. Research pillars: 1) Preharvest factors affecting pathogen persistence; 2) Metabolomic basis of plant-pathogen interactions; 3) Validation of sanitation technologies; 4) Irrigation water safety. Recent work (2020-2025) emphasizes molecular mechanisms of bacterial colonization and climate impacts on food safety risks. Article trends: 75% focus on pathogen-plant interactions, 60% on leafy greens, 40% on irrigation water/sanitation. Methodological strengths include transcriptomics, metabolomics, and advanced detection platforms.

• Food Safety
• Mycotoxin Contamination
• Circular Economy
• +3 more

Ine van der Fels-Klerx is an Associate Professor in Business Economics at Wageningen University & Research, with a focus on food safety and risk management. She is also a Programme and Account Management lead, overseeing interdisciplinary projects. Her work integrates economic analysis with food safety challenges, particularly addressing mycotoxin contamination, climate change impacts, and circular economy solutions. Key collaborations include projects on early warning systems for mycotoxins and cost-effective monitoring strategies for contaminants in food supply chains. Her research spans topics such as alternative protein sources, insect-based feed production, and resilient supply chain designs. Notable projects include developing decision support tools for risk-based monitoring and assessing the economic feasibility of food safety interventions. She has advised multiple PhD candidates, including those studying mycotoxin management in maize and climate change effects on aflatoxins. Media contributions highlight her expertise in food safety, including interviews on predicting grain contamination and smart monitoring techniques. She actively participates in workshops and conferences, discussing digitalization in food systems and the role of artificial intelligence in food safety prevention.

Shalini PrasadView profile

Professor

• Bioengineering
• Nanotechnology
• Medical Diagnostics
• +3 more

Dr. Shalini Prasad is the Cecil H. and Ida Green Professor in Systems Biology Science and Associate Professor of Bioengineering at the University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas), affiliated with the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science. She also holds an adjunct professorship in Physics at Portland State University. Her research focuses on developing nanomaterial-based biosensors for medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and public health applications. She leads the Biomedical Microdevices and Nanotechnology Lab, which has supported over 50 researchers across graduate and undergraduate levels. Dr. Prasad earned her PhD in Electrical Engineering from the University of California, Riverside (2004) and B.E. in Electronics and Communication Engineering from the University of Madras (2000). Her career includes roles at Portland State University, Arizona State University, and Wichita State University. She has received prestigious awards, including the Bomhoff Distinguished Professorship and the Cecil Green Professorship, and holds over 30 peer-reviewed publications. Her research interests emphasize interdisciplinary approaches to create affordable, portable diagnostic tools for diseases like cancer, neurodegeneration, and cardiovascular disorders, as well as environmental sensors for soil health and water quality. Recent work includes wearable devices for monitoring inflammatory bowel disease and asthma, saliva-based THC detection, and low-cost CO₂/humidity sensors. Awards: Graduate Student Research Award (2004) Bomhoff Distinguished Professor of Bioengineering Cecil H. and Ida Green Professorship Advising & Grants: Dr. Prasad’s lab has secured funding from federal agencies and corporate partners, supporting projects like the SWEAT wearable for chronic inflammation tracking and soil health sensors. Her work bridges engineering, biology, and clinical applications, with a focus on translational technologies. Labs/Teams: Director of the Biomedical Microdevices and Nanotechnology Lab, collaborating on interdisciplinary projects with industry and academic partners.

Lisbeth Truelstrup HansenView profile

Professor

• Food Microbiology
• Microbial Food Safety
• Hygiene in Food Production
• +13 more

Lisbeth Truelstrup Hansen is a Professor and Head of the Research Group for Food Microbiology and Hygiene at the National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), where she leads research in microbial food safety, environmental hygiene, and pathogen survival mechanisms. She is also affiliated with the DTU Microbes Initiative and actively contributes to projects addressing food safety, Arctic sanitation, and public health. University: Technical University of Denmark School: National Food Institute Department: Research Group for Food Microbiology and Hygiene Role: Professor and Research Group Head Her research focuses on microbial food safety, with particular emphasis on Listeria monocytogenes , biofilm formation, hygiene in food production, and innovative preservation and detection methods. She also investigates water and environmental hygiene, including sewage management in Arctic regions under climate change. Her work supports UN Sustainable Development Goals related to clean water, sanitation, and good health. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in applying genomics, machine learning, and predictive modeling to food safety challenges. Her team investigates disinfectant resistance in Listeria , growth modeling of Bacillus cereus , and quality assessment in seafood and processed foods, demonstrating a multidisciplinary approach combining microbiology, environmental science, and data science. Scientific Contributions: Lead researcher in multiple national and international projects Active contributor to food safety policy and public discourse Regular media and conference speaker on hygiene and food safety topics Lisbeth Truelstrup Hansen supervises several PhD students and collaborates across disciplines on grants related to foodborne pathogens, climate impact on water quality, and sustainable food production. She has led or co-led projects such as 'ArcticSewlution' and 'ILLUQ. PERMAFROST – POLLUTION - HEALTH', which integrate environmental engineering with microbiology for public health outcomes. She is involved in key research labs and teams including the Research Group for Food Microbiology and Hygiene and the DTU Microbes Initiative, which focus on pathogen detection, biofilm dynamics, and hygiene solutions for the food industry.

Amit MoreyView profile

Associate Professor

• Food Safety
• Poultry Science
• Meat Quality Analysis
• +5 more

Amit Morey is an Associate Professor in the Department of Poultry Science at Auburn University's College of Agriculture. His research focuses on food safety, poultry meat quality, and advanced sensing technologies. He leads projects involving biosensor development, microbial pathogen detection, and spoilage prediction using machine learning and spectral imaging. His work bridges laboratory innovations with industry applications, addressing challenges in poultry processing, packaging, and supply chain management. Education details are not explicitly listed, but his extensive publications suggest advanced training in food science, microbiology, and engineering. Research interests include antimicrobial biopolymer films, texture analysis of catfish and chicken fillets, and the application of functional ice in seafood preservation. He has pioneered methods for rapid Salmonella detection using microfluidics and fiber optics-based SERS sensors. Notable contributions include developing predictive models for spoilage using near-infrared spectroscopy and exploring cyclic temperature abuse impacts on poultry safety. His interdisciplinary approach integrates artificial intelligence with traditional food science techniques to enhance food safety and reduce waste. While no specific grants or awards are listed, his active publication record (over 100 papers from 2005–2025) indicates sustained research funding. He collaborates on projects addressing global food safety inequities, such as sensor-enabled decision support systems (SENS-D) for vulnerable communities. Lab activities include the Auburn Poultry Science Lab, focusing on meat quality assessment, microbial interventions, and smart packaging solutions. His work has direct industry impact, with applications in poultry processing plants and retail cold chain management.

• Food Safety
• Postharvest Biology
• Agricultural Science
• +3 more

Professor Robyn McConchie is a Professor at the University of Sydney and holds leadership roles including Director of the Fresh Produce Safety Centre Australia & New Zealand, Director of the ARC Training Centre for Food Safety in the Fresh Produce Industry, and Theme Leader for Quality Food at the Sydney Institute of Agriculture. She specializes in postharvest quality of perishable and grain crops, with a focus on food safety and microbial control. Education: BSc (Plant Science) from Wye College, University of London; MA (Education and Work) from Macquarie University; PhD from Louisiana State University (USA). Research Interests: Postharvest biology, microbial safety in food production, nanotechnology applications in food safety, reducing postharvest losses in developing countries, and sustainable agricultural practices. Her work integrates food safety management systems with industry needs, emphasizing both scientific innovation and practical implementation. Grants: Secured funding for projects like 'Flexible and Printable Sensors for Early Detection of Food Spoilage' (ARC Linkage Project) and collaborations with Horticulture Innovation Australia. Her research has contributed to $7.5M in competitive industry-linked funding. Labs/Teams: Member of Sydney Institute of Agriculture, Sydney Southeast Asia Centre, and Charles Perkins Centre. Engaged in international collaborations, including studies on village chicken production's role in household nutrition and food security in Bangladesh.