Maria Ma

Dr. Maria Ma is a Professor in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at Oklahoma State University (OSU), affiliated with the Institute of Biosecurity & Microbial Forensics. She holds an 80% research and 20% teaching appointment. Dr. Ma specializes in microbial food safety and biosecurity, focusing on foodborne pathogen detection, contamination route analysis, and decontamination technologies.

Educated at Purdue University (Ph.D. in Food Microbiology) and Dalian Polytechnic University (B.S. in Fermentation Engineering), she has over 15 years of academic experience, including postdoctoral research at the University of Georgia and guest work at the CDC.

Her research spans novel detection methods (e.g., LAMP assays, PCR), cold plasma decontamination systems, and biosecurity strategies. She teaches advanced courses like Microbial Forensics and Career Skills for Scientists.

Dr. Ma has secured funding from agencies like USDA NIFA for projects addressing pecan orchard food safety, pathogen controls, and biosecurity training. Her lab mentors Ph.D. and M.S. students in applied microbiology and food safety innovation.