Brent Dixon

Dr. Brent Dixon is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Ottawa's Faculty of Medicine. He also serves as a Senior Research Scientist (Parasitology) at the Bureau of Microbial Hazards, Food and Nutrition Directorate, Health Canada (Ottawa). Additionally, he chairs the Food and Environmental Parasitology Network (Canada).

His research focuses on food and waterborne parasites, specifically Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Toxoplasma, and Cyclospora, with emphasis on molecular characterization, detection methods, and public health surveillance. His work spans zoonotic disease transmission, environmental monitoring, and development of advanced diagnostic technologies like aptasensors.

Recent publications highlight his expertise in tracking parasitic contamination across diverse food sources (shellfish, meats), environmental reservoirs (river water, wastewater), and wildlife (Arctic seals). Studies include molecular epidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii in indigenous populations, analytical chemistry applications for pathogen detection, and comparative analysis of protozoan transmission dynamics.

As Chair of the Food and Environmental Parasitology Network, he coordinates national research collaborations. His laboratory at Health Canada's Bureau of Microbial Hazards develops innovative tools for parasite detection, bridging academic research with governmental public health initiatives.