Nikki Shariat

Nikki Shariat is an Associate Professor in the Department of Population Health at the University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine, affiliated with the Poultry Diagnostic and Research Center. Her research focuses on Salmonella diversity in food animals, development of molecular diagnostics, and antimicrobial resistance. She holds a PhD from Vanderbilt University and completed postdoctoral training at the University of California, San Francisco and Pennsylvania State University.

Education:

• Postdoc, Pennsylvania State University (2015)
• Postdoc, University of California, San Francisco (2011)
• PhD in Veterinary Microbiology, Vanderbilt University (2008)
• BSc in Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, UK (2002)

Research Interests: Dr. Shariat’s work addresses critical gaps in understanding Salmonella ecology and transmission in food production systems. Her lab develops cutting-edge molecular tools for pathogen detection and investigates antimicrobial resistance dynamics in multi-serovar populations. Her studies emphasize practical implications for food safety and public health, including interventions in poultry and produce environments.

Research Contributions: Her articles analyze Salmonella persistence in environments, poultry processing interventions, and the impact of enrichment methods on pathogen detection. She highlights challenges in surveillance systems and advocates for standardized protocols to mitigate foodborne risks.

Grants & Collaborations: While specific grants are not listed, her extensive publication record indicates sustained research activity involving collaborations with institutions like USDA Agricultural Research Service and international partners.

Labs & Teams: Active within the Poultry Diagnostic and Research Center, her work integrates microbiology, genomics, and epidemiology to address real-world food safety challenges.