Pawel Wargocki is a Professor at the Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering, Technical University of Denmark (DTU). His research focuses on indoor environmental quality, air quality management, and human health impacts of building systems. He leads projects addressing airborne infection risk, thermal comfort, and ventilation strategies in schools, offices, and healthcare settings. Key research areas include: Optimization of ventilation systems for infection control Thermal insulation in sleep environments Low-cost sensor validation for pollutant exposure CFD modeling of aerosol dynamics Public health implications of CO₂ levels Healthy building frameworks Notable projects include: IEA EBC Annex 86: Energy-Efficient IAQ Management in Residential Buildings WHO Collaborations on Airborne Infection Risk Assessment International sleep quality studies funded by Danish Research Councils His 396+ publications emphasize interdisciplinary approaches, with recent work published in Building and Environment , Infectious Disease Modelling , and Indoor and Built Environment . He supervises PhD students exploring cognitive performance in classrooms and HVAC energy savings.
Dr. Bradley P. Marks, P.E., is a Professor of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering at Michigan State University (MSU) with a dual appointment in Food Science and Human Nutrition. As Chairperson of the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering in the College of Engineering, he leads research in food safety engineering, focusing on microbial inactivation modeling and process validation for ready-to-eat foods. His work spans low-moisture foods, meat/poultry, and fresh produce, and has secured over $20M in federal and industry grants. Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering, Purdue University (1993) M.S. in Agricultural Engineering, Purdue University (1992) B.S. in Biosystems Engineering, Michigan State University (1989) Dr. Marks’ research encompasses: Thermal inactivation modeling for Salmonella and other pathogens Predictive microbiology uncertainty quantification Low-energy x-ray irradiation for food pasteurization Bacterial transfer/transport modeling in fresh-cut produce Thermal process validation for meat, poultry, and nut products Recent publications analyze Salmonella inactivation trends across food matrices and storage conditions. Awards include the MSU William J. Beal Outstanding Faculty Award (2017), multiple Withrow Teaching Awards (2002-2018), and the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship (1989). He served as Biosystems Engineering Undergraduate Program Coordinator for 13 years, guiding ABET accreditation cycles. Scientific Awards: ASABE A.W. Farrall Young Educator Award (2006) CIC Academic Leadership Program Fellow (2013-2014) 20+ industry and academic partnership awards MSU Food Fellow
Felix Schottroff is an Assistant Professor in Food Technology at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), affiliated with the Institute of Food Technology within the Department of Biotechnology and Food Sciences. He also holds a Tenure Track Professorship in Integral Food Processing at TU Berlin since 2023, reflecting his growing academic leadership. His research is centered on innovative food processing technologies, particularly pulsed electric fields (PEF) and ohmic heating, with applications in food safety, preservation, and sustainable production. His research interests include food process engineering, sterile process technology, bioprocess engineering, microbiology, and thermal and non-thermal food processing methods. He investigates the mechanistic effects of electric fields on microbial inactivation and cellular processes, aiming to improve efficiency in food and fermentation systems. His work bridges engineering principles with food science to develop scalable, energy-efficient, and high-quality food processing solutions. The recent articles highlight a strong focus on electrotechnologies such as PEF and ohmic heating, with applications in sterilization, baking, fermentation, and protein extraction. Trends include process modeling (CFD), scale-up strategies, and integration of these technologies into sustainable and precision food production systems. His work often involves interdisciplinary collaboration and industrial relevance. BOKU Anerkennungspreis für außergewöhnliche Leistungen in der Lehre (2022) Best Presentation Award, 4th World Congress on Electroporation (2022) Food Engineering Award, EFCE (2021) Hygienic Study Award, EHEDG (2021) Charles R. Stumbo Award (2019, 2020) PhD Student of the Year, EFFoST (2020) MSc Student of the Year, EFFoST (2016) Felix Schottroff has been actively involved in numerous research projects funded by FFG and industry partners, focusing on food safety, alternative proteins, and sustainable processing. He mentors students and collaborates widely across Europe. He serves as a reviewer for over 20 scientific journals and holds leadership roles in Young EFFoST (Chair), EHEDG, and ISEBTT. He previously led the BOKU Core Facilities (2021–2023), demonstrating organizational and technical leadership. He is involved in several labs and research initiatives, particularly those related to food processing, electrotechnologies, and core facilities at BOKU. His work is supported by national and international collaborations, including with TU Berlin, University of Alberta, and Ohio State University.
Dr. Inka Vanwonterghem is a Research Scientist at CSIRO's Environmental Systems Biology group, focusing on optimizing metagenomic bioprospecting for novel enzymes and proteins. She holds a PhD in Environmental Engineering/Microbial Ecology (2015) and MSc/BSc in Environmental Engineering and Bioscience Engineering from Ghent University (2011/2009). PhD (2015): Environmental Engineering/Microbial Ecology, University of Queensland MSc (2011): Environmental Engineering, Ghent University BSc (2009): Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University Her research spans microbial ecology, metagenomics, and bioprospecting, with applications in coral reef restoration, bioremediation, and bioelectrochemical systems. She employs multi-omics approaches to study microbial interactions in marine and wastewater environments. Recent publications highlight her work on coral larval settlement (2025), microbial network dynamics (2023), and bioelectrochemical water treatment (2019). Her projects include the GBRF Reef Restoration Program (2021-2023) and collaborations across Australian and European institutions. Vanwonterghem leads interdisciplinary studies on microbial community responses to environmental stressors, with implications for marine conservation and sustainable wastewater management . Her expertise in bioinformatics and systems biology drives advancements in microbiome engineering.
Ursula Andrea Gonzales Barron is a principal investigator affiliated with the Instituto Politécnico de Bragança (IPB), where she focuses on microbial risk assessment, biopreservation, and predictive microbiology. Her research spans food safety, particularly in dairy and fermented meat products, and she holds the Investigadora RENACYT (Nivel I) award from the Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología e Innovación Tecnológica (2019). Current research projects include "Biointervenções e Modelação de Risco" (FCT-funded, 2019-2023) and "Agro-ecossistemas Frágeis Produtivos" (FCT, 2023-2026). Key scientific contributions: Pathogens-in-Foods (PIF) open-access database, meta-regression models for microbial inactivation, and risk assessment frameworks for Listeria monocytogenes in dairy/meat products. 2024-2025 publications address microbial dynamics in cheeses, antimicrobial plant extracts, and fermented food safety standards in Mediterranean regions. Her work combines experimental microbiology with statistical and computational approaches to model microbial behavior, optimize preservation techniques, and inform food safety policies. She collaborates on European food safety initiatives and develops biopreservation strategies using lactic acid bacteria and plant-derived compounds. Scientific awards: Investigadora RENACYT (Grupo Carlos Monge Medrano - Nivel I, 2019) Grants: FCT funding for agro-pastoral sustainability (2023-2026) FCT funding for Mediterranean fermented food safety (2019-2023)
Kathiravan Krishnamurthy serves as an Associate Teaching Professor in the Department of Food Science and Nutrition at Illinois Institute of Technology's Lewis College of Science and Letters. His educational background includes a Ph.D. and M.S. from Pennsylvania State University, and a B.E. from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University in India. His research focuses on advancing food safety and processing through innovative technologies. Primary interests include nonthermal methods (high pressure processing, ultrasound, cold plasma, UV-light, pulsed light), thermal techniques (microwave heating, infrared radiation), heat transfer modeling, and simulation for sterilization/pasteurization optimization. His work aims to enhance food quality while ensuring microbial safety. Recent publications emphasize nonthermal processing validation, allergen reduction, and pathogen control, with consistent applications across fruit products, dairy, and ready-to-eat foods. Articles frequently integrate engineering principles with microbiological safety assessments. Awards & Honors: Sigma Xi Award for Outstanding Research (Illinois Tech, 2014) Outstanding Volunteer Award, IFT Nonthermal Processing Division (2013) Gerald T. Gentry Award for Graduate Research (Penn State, 2002) He actively contributes to professional societies including the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) and International Association for Food Protection, serving on editorial boards (e.g., Journal of Food Processing and Preservation ) and award committees. No student advising or grant details are provided in the source text.
Dr. Juming Tang is a Regents’ Professor and Distinguished Chair of Food Engineering at Washington State University (WSU), leading research in microwave thermal processing and food safety. He holds positions in the Department of Biological Systems Engineering within the College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences. His roles include former Chair of the department and Director of the USDA-funded Center of Excellence for Food Safety using Microwave Energy. Education: Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering, University of Saskatchewan (1991) M.S. in Agricultural Engineering, University of Guelph (1987) B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Central-South University of Technology (1982) Research Focus: Dr. Tang’s work centers on microwave and radio frequency (RF) technologies for food safety, including microwave sterilization/pasteurization of packaged foods and low-moisture food safety. His innovations led to the first FDA-approved microwave sterilization processes in the U.S. He investigates thermal inactivation of pathogens, packaging systems, and emerging technologies for commercial and military food systems. Key Achievements: Over 20 major awards, including membership in the U.S. National Academy of Engineering, Fellowships in multiple professional societies (IFT, ASABE), and FDA/USDA approvals for novel sterilization methods. He directs consortia involving academia, industry, and government. Grants & Leadership: PI of USDA-funded projects on microbial pathogen control in retail foods Leader of the Microwave Sterilization Consortium (industry-academia collaboration) Labs/Teams: Microwave Sterilization Lab, Food Engineering Group, and collaborations with NASA on space food systems.
Dr. Thais De Melo Ramos is an Associate Specialist in the Department of Food Science and Technology at the University of California, Davis. She holds a Ph.D. and Master’s degree in Food Sciences from the Federal University of Lavras, Brazil. Her research focuses on microbial food safety, particularly the microbiology of fresh produce and environmental transmission of foodborne pathogens like E. coli, Listeria, and hepatitis E virus. She has conducted multi-regional studies analyzing pathogen survival in manure-amended soils and contamination risks in organic farming systems. Her work spans over 15 years, including postdoctoral research at UC Davis and the University of Delaware. Key areas include risk assessment of biological soil amendments, food safety in small-scale production, and fermented food microbiology. Recent studies have addressed norovirus surrogate survival in leafy greens and barriers to effective food safety training programs. Education: Ph.D., Food Sciences, Federal University of Lavras, 2013 Master’s, Food Sciences, Federal University of Lavras, 2010 Key Research Themes: Pathogen survival in agricultural soils Organic farming microbial risks Fermented food microbiology Food safety policy and training Grants/Projects: Collaborative studies funded by USDA and academic partnerships analyzing manure-based pathogen risks across U.S. regions. Dr. Ramos has published extensively on microbial contamination pathways, contributing to improved food safety practices in organic farming and small-scale production systems.
Roy S. Bartle is a Research Fellow and Lecturer at the UHI North West and Hebrides College, part of the University of the Highlands and Islands. He holds a PhD in Pool Boiling from the University of Oxford, an MEng in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Aberdeen, and a Bachelor of Theology from Mukhanyo Theological College. His research spans interdisciplinary fields, including thermofluids, sustainable drying technologies, and theology. Bartle's work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on energy efficiency, food security, and environmental sustainability. Key research interests include boiling and condensation thermofluids, hydrogen engines, desalination, and theology’s role in modern Reformed churches. He has collaborated internationally, particularly in seaweed processing (e.g., Palmaria palmata and Alaria esculenta) and thermal systems design. His recent studies explore heat transfer optimization in electrical systems and microbial inactivation during food processing. Education: Bachelor of Theology (Hons) in Systematic Theology – Mukhanyo Theological College MEng in Mechanical Engineering – University of Aberdeen PhD in Pool Boiling in Electrical Systems – University of Oxford Bartle is accepting PhD students and has published extensively in Applied Thermal Engineering , Algal Research , and theological journals. His work bridges engineering and theology, addressing both technical and philosophical challenges in modern society.
Karl G. Linden is the Mortenson Professor in Sustainable Development at the University of Colorado Boulder, serving as Department Chair of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering and Associate Director of the Mortenson Center in Global Engineering. He holds affiliations with the College of Engineering and Applied Science and the Mortenson Center in Global Engineering, focusing on water sustainability and environmental engineering. Education: Ph.D., Civil and Environmental Engineering (UC Davis, 1997); M.Sc. (UC Davis, 1993); B.Sc., Agricultural and Biological Engineering (Cornell University, 1989). Research Interests: His work centers on UV-based water treatment, advanced oxidation processes, and sustainable water infrastructure for developing communities. Key areas include disinfection efficacy, pathogen inactivation, and global health applications. He emphasizes translating research into practical solutions for small-scale systems and developing regions. Recent Publications: Over 180 peer-reviewed articles, including studies on UV-LED disinfection, far-UVC radiation for pandemic control, and sustainable sanitation systems like Sol-Char. Recent work explores UV advanced oxidation with nitrate sensitization, biofilm control, and solar-driven remediation. Scientific Awards: Recipient of the 2023 International Ultraviolet Association Lifetime Achievement Award, 2020 Clarke Prize, AAAS Fellowship, and multiple industry recognitions for innovation in water treatment. His AEESP leadership has addressed diversity and inclusion in engineering. Advising & Grants: Advised students such as Sara Beck and Austa Parker, recipients of AEESP Dissertation and Student Paper Awards. Funded by NSF, EPA, and Gates Foundation, his research bridges academia and industry. Collaborations span global institutions like Technical University of Munich and University of Tokyo. Labs/Teams: Leads initiatives at the Mortenson Center and Water-Energy Nexus Theme, advancing UV technologies and global water systems. Involved in international projects like the DRIP Concept for drought resilience in Africa.
Aria Aminzadeh is a Part-Time Lecturer at Roskilde University's Department of Science and Environment. Her research focuses on Clostridioides difficile vaccines and toxin biochemistry. She collaborates internationally on projects involving toxin structure analysis and adjuvant development. Her work includes evaluating vaccine safety in animal models and optimizing toxin production protocols. Key contributions involve detoxification methods using copper ion-catalyzed oxidation and structural studies of toxin A via cryo-EM.
PD Dr. Jochen Klumpp is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Health Sciences and Technology (D-HEST) at ETH Zurich. His research focuses on bacteriophage biology, bacterial pathogenesis, and antimicrobial strategies. He leads studies on phage-host interactions, phage-based diagnostics, and phage therapy applications, particularly targeting pathogens like Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Key research areas include phage resistance mechanisms, genomic analysis of bacterial pathogens, and development of broad-spectrum phage cocktails. His work spans food safety, clinical microbiology, and evolutionary virology. Recent studies emphasize engineering phages for rapid pathogen detection in clinical samples and exploring phage diversity in environmental and clinical settings. Publications highlight innovations in phage taxonomy, CRISPR-Cas9 systems in bacteria, and structural biology of phage-tail components. Collaborations with global institutions, including Thailand and Kenya, underscore his commitment to addressing global health challenges through phage research. Awards: None explicitly listed. Advising/Grants: No student names or grant details provided. Research is supported through institutional and collaborative funding. Labs/Teams: Part of D-HEST's microbiology and biotechnology research groups, focusing on applied and fundamental phage research.
K.C. Das is a Professor at the University of Georgia's School of Environmental, Civil, Agricultural & Mechanical Engineering. His work focuses on advancing bioenergy solutions through biomass conversion technologies, including pyrolysis, anaerobic digestion, and biorefinery development. Dr. Das has authored over 50 peer-reviewed articles and led $4M+ in research funding across federal, state, and industry projects. Education: Ph.D. in Engineering (specific discipline unspecified in text). Professional experience spans over 20 years in biomass management, bioconversion processes, and sustainable energy systems. His research integrates environmental engineering principles with chemical conversion techniques to create value-added products from organic waste. Key Research Areas: Thermochemical conversion of biomass Biogas production optimization Algal biofuel systems Soil amendment via biochar Waste-to-energy systems Publications emphasize scalability of anaerobic digestion systems, biochar's agronomic impacts, and novel algal biomass cultivation methods. Research consistently addresses sustainability challenges in agricultural and industrial waste valorization. His work has been applied in Brazil's sugarcane ethanol industry, U.S. slaughterhouse waste management, and coastal plain soil improvement projects. Grants and Projects: Over 50 funded projects since 2000, focusing on bioprocess modeling, nutrient recovery systems, and biofuel production feasibility. Collaborations include partnerships with carpet manufacturing industries for wastewater treatment integration. Labs/Teams: Leads bioenergy research teams at the University of Georgia's Riverbend Research Center North, where he develops pilot-scale anaerobic digesters and thermochemical conversion systems.
Dr. Kevin K. Ariën is a Professor of Virology at the University of Antwerp and Head of the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp (ITM). He specializes in virology, with a focus on HIV, arthropod-borne viruses (e.g., Chikungunya, Dengue), and emerging pathogens like SARS-CoV-2. His research spans viral fitness, transmission mechanisms, molecular interactions, and diagnostic tool development. He leads ITM's Virology Unit and directs the WHO Collaborating Centre for HIV/AIDS Diagnostics. Education: Master's (Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 2001), PhD (University of Antwerp, 2005). Affiliations: ITM, University of Antwerp, Outbreak Research Team, Insectary Core. Research interests include virus-host-vector interactions, molecular diagnostics, and (re-)emerging viruses. His team collaborates globally on field applications of diagnostics and reservoir studies. He advises on viral diagnostics and has received the 2015 Royal Flemish Academy Science Communication Prize. Key contributions: Ebola diagnostics during West African epidemics, development of rapid diagnostic tests, and studies on mpox and SARS-CoV-2 immune responses.
Anna Lähde is a Professor in Aerosol Technology at the Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland. She leads the Sustainable Materials Group at the Fine Particle and Aerosol Technology Laboratory . Her work focuses on the synthesis and characterization of sustainable nano- and microparticles for clean energy and environmental applications. Academy of Finland Research Fellow (2017-2022) Specializes in graphene, carbon nanostructures, and metal oxides via aerosol processes Key methods: induction annealing, chemical vapor synthesis, spray pyrolysis Her research spans Li-ion battery materials , water treatment nanocomposites , and toxicological analysis of airborne particles . She has published extensively on carbon-based anode materials , photocatalytic systems , and environmental applications of aerosol technology . Recent work includes CO2 adsorption catalysts and biomass-derived graphene . She has received recognition through the Academy of Finland Fellowship and contributes to circular economy projects like EKOAKKU.
