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Dr. Carla Cervini is an Academic Fellow in Nutrition and Mycology at Cranfield University's Centre for Soil, Agrifood and Biosciences and the Magan Centre of Applied Mycology (MCAM). She holds a PhD in Translational Medicine and Food from the National Research Council (Italy) and an MSc in Human Nutrition from the University of Rome Tor Vergata. Her research bridges food safety, climate change, and sustainable agriculture, with expertise in mycotoxin mitigation, agrifood systems, and gender-inclusive farming practices. Research Focus: Cervini investigates climate change impacts on mycotoxin-producing fungi (e.g., Aspergillus , Fusarium ), develops pre-/post-harvest interventions for crops like peanuts and cassava, and advocates for food security in sub-Saharan Africa. Her work emphasizes: Mycotoxin biocontrol under abiotic stress Gender disparities in agricultural training access Sustainable teff production for gluten-free diets Publications & Trends: Her 15 most recent articles (2019–2025) analyze mycotoxin dynamics in climate-stressed environments, biocontrol efficacy, and supply-chain safety in Ethiopia/Uganda. Dominant themes include fungal ecophysiology, risk assessment, and resilience in staple crops (wheat, maize, teff). Funding & Leadership: She leads tasks in the EU Horizon 2020 project EWA-BELT and UKRI Innovate UK's NutriNuts , with additional grants from the Global Challenges Research Fund (£13K) and British Mycological Society. She currently advises PhD student Kavitha Vijeandran. Labs & Collaborations: Cervini co-develops the Magan Centre of Applied Mycology, focusing on fungal threats to food safety. She collaborates globally on projects like aflatoxin management in Rwanda and mycotoxin training hubs for industry stakeholders.

• Food Safety
• Mycology
• Climate Change Adaptation
• +3 more

Pedro Carlos De Barros Fernandes is an Associate Professor at Universidade Lusófona , Deputy Director of the 1st cycle in Biotechnology, and an integrated researcher at the Institute of Bioengineering and Biosciences (iBB-IST). He holds a PhD in Biotechnology (1999) and a Master in Biotechnology/Biochemical Engineering (1994) from Universidade Técnica de Lisboa (IST), along with a Chemical Engineering degree from IST (1989). A member of the Order of Engineers (ID 24667), he co-founded Biotrend, a Portuguese bioprocess development company. Education PhD in Biotechnology (1999), Universidade Técnica de Lisboa MSc in Biotechnology (1994), Instituto Superior Técnico BSc in Chemical Engineering (1989), Instituto Superior Técnico Research Interests span biocatalysis, enzyme immobilization for food and pharmaceutical applications, marine biotechnology, microfluidic device development for biosensing, and steroid bioconversions using mycobacterial systems. His work integrates process engineering principles with sustainable bioprocessing techniques. Publication Trends show a focus on microreactor technology, enzyme stabilization in non-conventional media, marine-derived biocatalysts, and food waste valorization. Key themes include biocatalytic process intensification, aqueous two-phase systems for biomolecule purification, and sustainable carbon sources for biopolymer production. Scientific Awards UTL/Santander Totta Scientific Award in Biological Engineering (2011) Advising has included supervision of 5 doctoral theses and over 32 master’s theses. His expertise extends to peer-reviewing scientific articles and evaluating R&D projects. Labs & Teams are associated with iBB-IST (Institute of Bioengineering and Biosciences) and BioRG (Universidade Lusófona), with contributions to the Ciência Viva program for science dissemination.

• Biotechnology
• Biocatalysis
• Enzyme Engineering
• +4 more

Dr. Janie McClurkin Moore is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering at Texas A&M University, part of the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences. Her research focuses on post-harvest technologies, food safety, and innovative engineering education strategies. She holds a PhD in Agricultural and Biological Engineering from Purdue University and has extensive expertise in applying cold plasma technology to agricultural challenges. Education: B.S., Bio-Environmental Engineering, North Carolina A&T State University (2006) M.S.A.B.E., Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University (2009) Ph.D., Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University (2015) Research interests span post-harvest treatment innovations, biomass valorization, and educational methodologies. Her work emphasizes non-thermal plasma applications for food safety, mycotoxin mitigation, and sustainable agriculture practices. Publications reveal a strong focus on plasma technology for pest control, food preservation, and hydroponic systems. Her engineering education research explores inclusive pedagogy and curriculum development in diverse educational settings. Advising and grants include contributions to the NSF Convergence Accelerator project addressing food security in extreme environments. She is affiliated with Texas A&M AgriLife Research, advancing applied agricultural solutions through interdisciplinary collaboration.

• Post-harvest treatment technologies
• Bioprocess engineering
• Biomass valorization
• +8 more

Dr Carol Verheecke-Vaessen is a Senior Lecturer in Applied Molecular Mycology at Cranfield University, affiliated with the Centre for Soil, Agrifood and Biosciences and the Applied Mycology Group under the Environment and Agrifood theme. She leads the Food Safety module in the MSc Food Systems & Management program and is the Director of the Mycotoxin Training Hub, developing industry-focused training and research initiatives globally. Education: PhD in Mycotoxin Research, Federal University of Toulouse, France (2014) Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice, Cranfield University (2021) Her research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of mycotoxin production in fungi under environmental stress, particularly climate change. She develops holistic solutions from farm to fork for managing mycotoxin risks, including biocontrol agents, decision support systems, and food waste valorization. Her work spans agrifood chain contamination assessment using advanced molecular and analytical techniques. The recent publications reflect a strong trend in climate change impact on mycotoxin dynamics, real-time detection methods (e.g., CO2 monitoring, spectroscopy), biocontrol strategies in coffee and cereals, and innovative pretreatment techniques for mycotoxin analysis. Her studies often involve interdisciplinary collaborations across Europe, Africa, and Asia. Scientific Awards: Best Innovative PhD Award, Federal University of Toulouse (2015) Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) She actively supervises PhD and MSc students and has secured funding from Research England, Innovate UK, and BBSRC. She is co-leading the development of the Magan Centre of Applied Mycology and contributes to the Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling and Cold-chain (ACES). Her research projects include Oats for the Future, NutriNuts, and Gender-equal mycotoxin training, emphasizing sustainable and equitable food systems. Laboratories and Research Teams: Applied Mycology Group, Cranfield University Mycotoxin Training Hub (Director) Magan Centre of Applied Mycology (Co-Lead) Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling and Cold-chain (ACES) – Active Member

• Applied Molecular Mycology
• Mycotoxin Research
• Food Safety
• +7 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.

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

Professor Enda Cummins is a faculty member at University College Dublin (UCD), serving as Professor and Deputy Head of the School of Biosystems and Food Engineering. He also holds roles as Head of Teaching and Learning and Visiting Professor at KU Leuven, Belgium. His research focuses on risk assessment, predictive modeling, food safety, and environmental contamination, with an emphasis on chemicals (e.g., acrylamide, nanoparticles) and pathogens (E. coli, Salmonella). He leads a multidisciplinary team and coordinates the EU-funded H2020 ITN project PROTECT, addressing climate change impacts on food safety. Education: BAgrSc, MEngSc, PhD from UCD. Teaching emphasizes problem-based learning and integrates research innovations. He developed the EU-funded Erasmus+ Predictive Modelling and Risk Assessment program and coordinates the MEngSc in Food Engineering. Grants include projects on antimicrobial resistance, nanoparticle toxicity, and urease inhibitor efficacy. Over 100 peer-reviewed publications and 123 conference papers highlight his work on risk assessment, food safety, and environmental modeling.

• Risk assessment modeling
• Food safety
• Predictive modeling
• +7 more

Dr. Derek Brake is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Animal Sciences within the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources at the University of Missouri. He holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Ruminant Nutrition from Kansas State University. Dr. Brake teaches courses in Ruminant Nutrition (AnSci 4332/7332) and Beef Production (AnSci 4975/4975W/7975). His research program focuses on fundamental and applied aspects of ruminant nutrition with particular emphasis on: Nutrient utilization efficiency in beef and dairy cattle Small intestinal starch digestion mechanisms Application of computer vision and AI for precision livestock management Metabolic adaptations to different feed sources Sustainable forage and crop utilization systems Analysis of his recent publications reveals strong research focus on: Innovative feed evaluation methods Metabolic interventions for improving cattle productivity Sustainable grazing and forage management systems Advanced technologies for livestock monitoring Mycotoxin mitigation strategies Dr. Brake maintains active collaborations with the beef and dairy industries with research aimed at simultaneously improving livestock productivity, economic returns for producers, and environmental sustainability of cattle production systems.

• Animal Nutrition
• Ruminant Digestion
• Cattle Metabolism
• +2 more

Prof. Irene Chetschik leads the Research Group for Food Chemistry at ZHAW School of Life Sciences and Facility Management. Her work focuses on food chemistry, particularly cocoa processing, mycotoxin mitigation, and flavor analysis. She has spearheaded projects like the 'Decoding of Flavour Properties of Cocoa Liquors' and 'Upcycling of Wheat Harvest Losses'. Key research areas include aroma compound identification in chocolate, detoxification strategies for mycotoxins (e.g., zearalenone), and innovative post-harvest treatments for cocoa beans. Her expertise spans food safety, plant-based product development, and microbial biotechnology. Notable contributions include studies on cocoa fermentation dynamics, moisture incubation alternatives, and hemp's potential in food systems. She has published widely in journals like Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry and Food Research International , with a focus on sensory-driven improvements and sustainable food technologies. Research Group Leadership: Head of Food Chemistry Research Group Project Leadership: 12+ projects including detoxification strategies, cocoa innovation, and hemp analysis Publications highlight molecular approaches to flavor profiling and mycotoxin reduction, emphasizing interdisciplinary methods like GC-MS and molecular networking. Her work bridges agricultural science with industrial applications, aiming to enhance food quality and safety globally.

• Food Chemistry
• Agricultural Science
• Food Safety
• +3 more

Professor Leon A. Terry is the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation and a Professor of Plant Science at Cranfield University. He leads strategic research initiatives in applied science and innovation, with a focus on reducing food loss and improving postharvest technologies. His academic journey includes degrees from Imperial College London and Cranfield University, where he has been since 2001, advancing to his current leadership role in 2021. Research expertise spans Digital Agriculture, Sustainable Land Systems, and Food Quality/Safety. He has authored over 140 publications, secured funding from UKRI, Defra, and industry, and supervised 40 PhD students. Awards include Fellowships from the Royal Society of Biology and Institute of Agricultural Engineers. Key research trends in his articles address postharvest resilience, non-destructive quality assessment, and sustainable storage solutions. His work on mango ripening models and avocado ethylene management highlights translational science bridging basic and applied research. Grants and collaborations include projects on potato dormancy extension, biostimulant development from Moroccan plants, and predictive models for black dot disease. He heads Cranfield’s research teams focused on food systems resilience and agricultural innovation. Current initiatives include enhancing UK food security through applied research and fostering interdisciplinary approaches to global agricultural challenges.

• Digital Agriculture
• Environment and Health
• Food Quality
• +3 more

Addie Thompson is an Assistant Professor at Michigan State University's College of Agriculture & Natural Resources , affiliated with the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences , Plant Resilience Institute , and Plant Breeding, Genetics, and Biotechnology Program . Her expertise spans maize genetics, genomics, and phenomics, with a focus on genotype-environment interactions. B.S. from Iowa State University Ph.D. from University of Minnesota Postdoctoral work at University of Minnesota & Purdue University Research focuses on drought stress adaptation , high-throughput phenotyping , and quantitative genetics in maize and sorghum systems. Current projects include computational modeling of crop traits, field phenotyping technologies, and cross-species stress response analysis. She leads maize genetics research while participating in national initiatives like the Genomes-to-Fields Initiative , with recent publications on phenotypic plasticity, hyperspectral imaging applications, and climate-resilient breeding strategies. Her work connects molecular genetics to agricultural productivity through advanced data modeling and field experimentation. Thompson directs the Thompson Maize Lab which focuses on: Maize and sorghum genotype-environment interactions Phenomics technologies for trait analysis Development of computational breeding tools Climate resilience trait discovery Historical genetic diversity patterns Agricultural workforce development

• Maize genetics
• Genomics
• Quantitative genetics
• +5 more

Dr. Shoib Siddiqui is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Hertfordshire's School of Life and Medical Sciences, specializing in cancer biology, immunology, and glycobiology. Previously, he held positions at the American University of Ras Al Khaimah and conducted postdoctoral research at UC San Diego under Prof. Ajit Varki. His research focuses on sialic acids, Siglecs, and microRNA mechanisms in cancer, Alzheimer’s, and sepsis. He earned his Ph.D. from ETH Zurich, investigating neuropilin-2 in skin cancer progression. Education: Ph.D. in Vascular Biology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology (ETH Zurich, 2009–2013) M.Sc. in Biotechnology (IIT Bombay, 2008) Research Focus: Dr. Siddiqui’s work explores cancer progression pathways, tumor biomarkers, and novel therapies. Key areas include Siglec-sialoglycan interactions, microRNA targeting, and drug repurposing for colorectal cancer. His recent projects involve developing RNAi therapeutics and inhibitors for Siglec-15. Projects: Fluralaner as a Colorectal Cancer Therapeutic (2026–2027) ADAMTS-7 Inhibition for Coronary Artery Disease (2022) UK-China Mycotoxin Reduction Alliance (2022–2023) Publications: Over 39 peer-reviewed articles in journals like Journal of Clinical Investigation , PNAS , and Blood , with a focus on oncology, glycobiology, and immunology. Recent trends emphasize Siglec-targeted therapies, microRNA networks, and drug repurposing strategies. Awards: No formal awards listed, but noted for impactful publications in high-impact journals. Advising & Grants: Served as Principal Investigator (PI) on RNAi therapeutics and Co-Investigator (CoI) on Siglec-15 and ADAMTS-7 projects. Collaborations span international institutions and cross-disciplinary teams. Labs/Teams: Active in the Biosciences Research Group and Centre for Research in Mechanisms of Disease and Drug Discovery at UH. Collaborates with global researchers in glycobiology and oncology.

• Cancer Biology
• Immunology
• Glycobiology
• +4 more

Thava Vasanthan is a Professor in the Department of Agricultural, Food & Nutritional Sciences at the University of Alberta. He holds a Ph.D. in Food Science from Memorial University of Newfoundland (1994), an M.Sc. in Food Technology from the University of Reading (1988), and a B.Sc. in Agriculture from the University of Peradeniya (1986). His research focuses on grain processing science, particularly value-added utilization of carbohydrates like starch and beta-glucans from oats and barley. Key interests include starch fractionation, low glycemic food formulation, and industrial collaboration for product development. Dr. Vasanthan teaches advanced courses such as Science and Technology of Cereal and Oilseed Processing and Integrative Project in Food Safety and Quality . His consulting work involves assisting food and grain industries with process optimization, by-product utilization, and grant applications. He has authored over 100 peer-reviewed articles, with recent work addressing starch nanoparticles, mycotoxin mitigation in grains, and nutritional interventions for animal health. Notable research contributions include studies on beta-glucan extraction from barley, thermal modification of starches, and the role of dietary fibers in gut microbiota modulation. His lab explores both fundamental carbohydrate chemistry and applied solutions for food industry challenges.

• Grain Processing Science
• Starch Technology
• Dietary Fiber (Beta-Glucan)
• +4 more

Rufino Mateo Castro is a Professor at the Universitat de València in the Department of Analytical Chemistry . His work focuses on mycotoxin analysis , fungal contamination control , and analytical methods for cultural heritage . Research Interests: Development of advanced analytical techniques (mass spectrometry, electrochemical methods) Mycotoxin detection in food and feed Application of bioactive compounds (e.g., essential oils) for toxin prevention Archaeometric studies of artworks and ancient materials Publications highlight his contributions to mycotoxin mitigation in cereals, environmental risk factors for fungal growth, and chromatographic/electrochemical methodologies . He has collaborated extensively on food safety and cultural heritage projects.

• Analytical Chemistry
• Food Safety
• Mycotoxin Analysis
• +3 more

Griffiths G. Atungulu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Food Science at the University of Arkansas, where he also serves as the Director of the University of Arkansas Rice Processing Program. His work bridges grain processing, post-harvest systems engineering, and food safety, with a strong emphasis on innovative technologies like infrared and microwave drying. He is actively involved in research, teaching, and outreach, contributing significantly to advancements in rice quality, safety, and processing efficiency. Doctor of Philosophy, Agricultural Engineering, Iwate University, Japan Masters of Science, Agricultural Engineering, Iwate University, Japan Bachelor of Science, Agricultural Engineering, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya Dr. Atungulu’s research focuses on engineering solutions for grain and rice processing, particularly in drying, storage, aeration, and mycotoxin mitigation. His interests include infrared heating , microwave drying , automated quality monitoring , and post-harvest system optimization . He applies lab and field experiments, mathematical modeling, and simulation tools to improve food safety and processing efficiency across the food, feed, and pet food industries. His teaching includes Advanced Food Engineering, Cereal Science, and Alternatives to Conventional Food Processing. The most recent publications highlight a strong trend in microwave and infrared drying technologies , moisture and quality monitoring , and mycotoxin control in grains . His work spans from fundamental studies on rice microstructure and protein functionality to applied engineering of drying systems and storage technologies. The interdisciplinary nature of his research integrates food physics, agricultural engineering, and food safety. Associate Editor, Transactions of ASABE Associate Editor, Applied Engineering in Agriculture Associate Editor, Cereal Chemistry Journal, AACCI Dr. Atungulu has advised numerous graduate students, particularly in drying and storage technologies, and has secured significant research funding to support his program. His grants often focus on improving the efficiency and safety of grain processing systems. He leads a multidisciplinary research team working on both fundamental and applied aspects of food engineering. His outreach includes extension publications and collaborations with industry stakeholders to implement new technologies on farms and in processing facilities. He directs the University of Arkansas Rice Processing Program, overseeing a research, teaching, and outreach initiative focused on advancing rice processing technologies. His team conducts experiments in controlled environments and in the field, utilizing advanced instrumentation and modeling software to develop scalable solutions for the agricultural sector.

• Grain Processing
• Post-Harvest Systems Engineering
• Food Safety
• +7 more

Dr. Chibundu Ngozi Ezekiel is a Senior Researcher at the Institute of Bioanalytics and Agro-Metabolomics within the Department of Agricultural Sciences at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). Previously, he served as Professor and Associate Professor of Food Microbiology and Mycotoxicology at Babcock University, Nigeria (2018-2022) and held roles at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Education: Ph.D. in Mycology/Mycotoxicology (University of Ibadan, 2009-2013), M.Sc. in Microbiology (University of Ibadan, 2005-2007), B.Sc. in Microbiology with First Class Honours (Babcock University, 2000-2004) Research Interests: Focus on mycotoxin contamination in food systems, microbiome interactions in agricultural products, and food safety in sub-Saharan Africa. Key areas include dietary exposure assessment, probiotic applications for toxin reduction, and molecular characterization of fungal communities. Recent Research Trends: His 15 most recent publications (2024-2025) span mycotoxin biomonitoring in infants, probiotic strain genomics, cereal contamination analysis, and microbiome-exposome interactions. Studies emphasize analytical methodologies (LC-MS/MS, MALDI-TOF), global health implications, and risk assessment frameworks. Scientific Awards & Fellowships Brigitte Gedek Science Award for Mycotoxin Research (2023) Top 50 Food Safety Expert Globally (2023) No. 2 Food Safety Expert in Africa (2021-2023) EU MycoRed Fellowship (2010) Babcock University First Class Graduate Assistantship (2005) Academic Service: Editorial Board Member for Mycotoxin Research (2023), Associate Editor for Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems (2019), and reviewer for 20+ journals including Food Control , Environment International , and World Mycotoxin Journal . Active in EU-China-Safe and FoodSafeR advisory boards.

• Mycotoxicology
• Food Safety
• Microbiome Research
• +3 more