Keith Warriner is a Professor in the Department of Food Science at the Ontario Agricultural College, University of Guelph. His research focuses on enhancing food safety in meat processing and fresh produce sectors, particularly addressing emerging pathogens, intervention technologies, and biosensor development. He holds a BSc in Food Science from the University of Nottingham and a PhD in Microbial Physiology from the University College of Wales. Before joining the University of Guelph in 2002, he worked on biosensors at the University of Manchester and as a Research Fellow in Food Microbiology at the University of Nottingham. Key research areas include pathogen behavior under stress, antibiotic resistance in animal production, and microbiological safety of fresh produce. His work has led to practical solutions like decontamination methods for candy apples and poultry products. He has authored over 100 publications and received the Agri-Food Innovation of Excellence Award (2017). Warriner is a former President of the Ontario Food Protection Association and serves on editorial boards of journals like the Canadian Journal of Microbiology. Education: BSc in Food Science, University of Nottingham (1989) PhD in Microbial Physiology, University College of Wales (1993) Affiliations: Member, International Association of Food Protection Associate Editor, Canadian Journal of Microbiology His research is funded by NSERC, OMAFRA, Mitacs, and industry partnerships. Warriner mentors graduate students in projects addressing pathogen interaction with plants, food safety interventions, and decontamination methods.
Akshay Kumar Burusa is a Researcher in the Department of Agricultural Biosystems Engineering at Wageningen University & Research . His work focuses on integrating robotics, computer vision, and deep learning for agricultural automation, particularly in greenhouse environments. Research Interests : Robotics and machine learning for agro-food systems 3D pose estimation and keypoint detection in plants Real-time object tracking in cluttered environments Next-best-view algorithms for plant reconstruction Biomechanical modeling for robotic grasping Recent Publications highlight advancements in agricultural robotics, including multi-view active vision for plant node detection, deep learning-based grasping of deformable objects, and self-supervised 3D reconstruction algorithms. His work emphasizes practical applications in tomato greenhouses and poultry processing automation. Collaborations : Collaborates with experts like Eldert van Henten and Gert Kootstra on projects involving robotic perception and tracking. His research contributes to improving efficiency in agro-food robotics through advanced vision systems and algorithm design.
Rob Basten is an Associate Professor in the Department of Industrial Engineering and Innovation Sciences at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). He has been with TU/e since October 2014, initially as an Assistant Professor before being promoted. His work focuses on operations management and behavioral operations management, with particular expertise in maintenance, spare parts supply, and after-sales services for high-tech equipment. Basten's research is highly applied, often conducted in collaboration with industry partners such as ASML, NXP, Canon Production Printing, Marel Poultry, and the Ministry of Defence. Dr. Basten's educational background includes: Master's in Industrial Engineering and Management (2004) from University of Twente Master's in Computer Science (2005) from University of Twente PhD in Operations Management (2010) from University of Twente Rob Basten's research centers on improving after-sales services for high-tech equipment, with a focus on incorporating new technologies such as 3D printing and IoT. His work spans both analytical and empirical approaches, with increasing emphasis on behavioral operations management as human decision-makers interact with AI-based decision support systems. Basten investigates how to design and control after-sales service supply chains when spare parts can be 3D printed, and how to optimize maintenance policies for complex systems. His interdisciplinary research bridges operations management, maintenance engineering, and human behavior. Analysis of Basten's recent publications reveals a strong focus on the application of new technologies in after-sales services. Key trends include the integration of additive manufacturing in spare parts supply chains, condition-based and predictive maintenance driven by Industry 4.0 technologies, and the behavioral aspects of human-AI collaboration in maintenance decision-making. His work frequently addresses challenges in high-tech manufacturing contexts, particularly semiconductor equipment, with a growing emphasis on Industry 5.0 concepts that integrate human-centered approaches with advanced technologies. Dr. Basten has received recognition for his work, including: Finalist for the 2020 Daniel H. Wagner Prize for Excellence in Operations Research Practice ISIR Best Student Paper Award 2018 Rob Basten actively supervises numerous PhD students and has led several major research projects. He currently supervises nine PhD students including Maryam Azani, Ragnar Eggertsson, Bibi de Jong, Zhao Kang, Niccolò Maccarini, Aran Nasiri, Bas van Oudenhoven, İpek Tanıl, and Alireza Yazdani. He has successfully guided six PhD students to completion. Basten has been project leader and work package leader in significant research initiatives including ProSeLoNext (funded by NWO with industry co-funding), PrimaVera, SINTAS, and OCPROM projects. His research is consistently supported by both public funding agencies and industry partnerships, reflecting the practical relevance of his work. Basten is an active member of the Operations, Planning, Accounting & Control group at TU/e and contributes to the EAISI High Tech Systems initiative. He has organized key academic events including the first two editions of the Maintenance Research Day and the Behavioral Operations Conference 2019. His work connects academic research with industry practice through ongoing collaborations with leading high-tech companies, creating a dynamic research environment focused on solving real-world challenges in maintenance and service logistics.
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.
Dianna Bourassa is Associate Professor and Extension Specialist in the Department of Poultry Science at Auburn University’s College of Agriculture, with statewide responsibility for poultry extension programming. Her expertise integrates poultry processing, food-safety microbiology, and animal welfare, translating research into practical interventions for Alabama’s broiler industry. Education: PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology MS in Poultry Science BS in Poultry Science Research & Extension Focus: Dr. Bourassa’s scholarship targets the control of Salmonella and Campylobacter throughout the broiler production chain, from breeder flocks to processed carcasses. She evaluates novel non-thermal decontamination technologies, antimicrobial alternatives, and the microbiological impact of no-antibiotics-ever (NAE) systems. A parallel stream investigates sustainable reuse of poultry processing wastewater through integrated aquaponic/poultryponic systems and the upcycling of slaughterhouse solids via black-soldier-fly bioconversion. Her welfare portfolio includes evaluating on-farm euthanasia methods and early-life behavior of broiler chicks. Across 150+ peer-reviewed works since 2004, her output clusters into four dominant themes: (1) pathogen prevalence and genomic epidemiology in integrated broiler complexes, (2) intervention validation (chemical, physical, nutritional, probiotic), (3) pre-harvest food-safety ecology (litter, dust, egg cuticle, transport flooring), and (4) circular-economy approaches to nutrient and water stewardship. The 2025 crop of papers illustrates accelerated adoption of whole-genome sequencing and meta-analytical techniques to benchmark interventions. While specific grant titles and dollar amounts are not listed, the depth and continuity of her applied program—spanning multi-year longitudinal trials, pilot-scale poultryponic systems, and statewide extension short-courses—signal sustained extramural support from USDA-NIFA, industry consortia, and Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station capacity funds.
Dr. Daniel Saloni is an Associate Professor in the Department of Forest Biomaterials at North Carolina State University (NC State), affiliated with the Center for Additive Manufacturing and Logistics (CAMAL). He holds a Ph.D. and Master’s in Wood Science and Integrated Manufacturing from NC State, along with degrees in Industrial Engineering and Project Management from Andres Bello Catholic University in Venezuela. His expertise spans process improvement, supply chain optimization, biomass and bioenergy conversion, and additive manufacturing. Education: Ph.D. in Wood Science, NC State University Master’s in Integrated Manufacturing System Engineering, NC State University Bachelor’s in Industrial Engineering, Andres Bello Catholic University Master’s in Project Management, Andres Bello Catholic University Research focuses on sustainable biomass utilization, including agricultural residues, bamboo, and eucalyptus for bioproducts and bioenergy. He explores innovations in wood machining, waste valorization, and circular economy systems. His work emphasizes techno-economic feasibility, lifecycle assessments, and global megatrends affecting industries like pulp and poultry heating. Grants and Projects: Advancing the National Bioeconomy via Regional Sun Grant Centers ($406,779) NC Sustainable Pellet Production for Poultry ($96,459) Populus-based Solid Biofuels ($133,190) Biopolymers for Additive Manufacturing ($17,600) His articles (2020–2025) address biomass conversion, tool life enhancement, and sustainable manufacturing systems. He collaborates with agencies like USDA and NC Department of Agriculture, focusing on bioenergy infrastructure and poultry industry sustainability.
Prof Daniel Colaco Osorio is a Professor of Neuroscience (Ecology and Evolution) at the University of Sussex, affiliated with the School of Life Sciences. He serves as Deputy Head of the School and Director of Taught Programmes. Osorio holds a BA and MA in Natural Sciences from the University of Cambridge (specializing in Zoology) and a PhD in Neurobiology from the Australian National University (ANU), focusing on insect visual physiology. His postdoctoral work spanned Cambridge and ANU before joining Sussex in 1992. His research explores animal vision, particularly color perception and object recognition in species like butterflies, primates, birds, and cephalopods. He also holds a patent for color measurement in images, derived from his theoretical work on animal vision, with potential medical applications. Osorio sits on the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council’s research committee and contributes to ethical guidelines for cephalopod welfare under EU legislation. He chairs the Ethics Committee for Merlin Entertainments’ aquaria/zoo operations and co-authored guidelines for cephalopod research ethics. Research interests span visual ecology, evolutionary signaling, and the neural mechanisms underlying camouflage and color discrimination. Notable grants include studies on cephalopod visual behavior, avian spectral processing, and the evolution of trichromacy in primates. He organizes courses like 'Receptors and Senses' and 'Seminars in Neuroscience.' Osorio’s recent work bridges biology and technology, applying vision science to medical imaging and legal frameworks. His lab collaborations emphasize interdisciplinary approaches to understanding sensory systems across species.
Dongyi Wang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering at the University of Arkansas, where he directs the Smart Agriculture and Food Engineering (SAFE) Lab. His work bridges advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, robotics, and machine vision with agrifood manufacturing to enhance product quality, safety, and worker welfare. Ph.D. in Bioengineering from the University of Maryland, College Park B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Fudan University Visiting experience at The Chinese University of Hong Kong Research interests span smart agrifood manufacturing , robotics , machine vision , and artificial intelligence , with applications in crop monitoring, food safety, and healthcare. His lab develops solutions like automated defect detection, pathogen sensing, and sustainable processing systems. Article analysis reveals a focus on AI-driven agricultural automation , hyperspectral imaging , robotic manipulation of bio-products , and food safety innovations . Recent works include YOLO-based tomato defect segmentation, E. coli biosensing, and UAV-based blackberry monitoring. Awards & Memberships College of Engineering Dean’s Award of Excellence Rising Star Research Award (UARK) Outstanding Mentor Award (UARK) Professional memberships in ASABE and IEEE As an educator, he teaches instrumentation and artificial intelligence in agrifood manufacturing . The SAFE Lab, funded by USDA NIFA, NSF, and federal/local agencies (> $7M), prioritizes workforce development in AI/robotics for agrifood industries.
Dr. Bledar Bisha is an Associate Professor in Food Microbiology at the University of Wyoming's Department of Animal Science. With a dual appointment as an Affiliate Assistant Professor at Iowa State University, he focuses on developing innovative strategies for foodborne pathogen detection, microbial source tracking, and combating antimicrobial resistance across food and environmental systems. Mjek Veteriner (D.V.M), Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural University of Tirana M.S. & Ph.D. in Food Science & Technology, Iowa State University Postdoctoral Fellow in Food Microbiology, Colorado State University His research encompasses multi-omics approaches for microbial analysis, microfluidic biosensors for rapid diagnostics, and single-cell microbiology techniques. Recent work emphasizes microbial source tracking in water systems and antimicrobial resistance ecology in livestock-wildlife interfaces. Publications show a strong focus on foodborne pathogens (Listeria, Salmonella, E. coli), antimicrobial resistance in agricultural and environmental contexts, and innovative detection methods including paper-based microfluidics and mass spectrometry. He has contributed to understanding resistance gene transfer dynamics and developed novel sample preparation strategies for pathogen surveillance. 2019–Present: Associate Professor, University of Wyoming 2018–Present: Affiliate Assistant Professor, Iowa State University 2009–2013: Postdoctoral Fellow, Colorado State University 2002–2009: Graduate Research Assistant, Iowa State University Dr. Bisha teaches advanced courses in food microbiology and safety, while leading interdisciplinary research bridging agricultural practices, public health, and analytical technology development.
Henrik Pavia is a Professor at the University of Gothenburg's Department of Marine Sciences, specializing in Marine Chemical Ecology. His research explores chemical interactions in marine organisms, focusing on bioactive compounds, aquaculture applications, and ecological dynamics. Co-ordinator for CeMaCE (Centre for Marine Chemical Ecology) Deputy Head of Department Key research areas include: Chemical defense mechanisms in marine algae Protein extraction from seaweeds Seaweed-based aquaculture innovations Antifouling compound development Marine microbiome interactions Recent publications highlight collaborations on seaweed cultivation optimization, waste valorization in aquaculture, and environmental impacts of biomass management. He contributes to advancing sustainable marine resource utilization through interdisciplinary approaches combining chemistry, ecology, and aquaculture. As Deputy Head of Department, he plays an active role in institutional leadership while maintaining a strong research profile in marine chemical ecology and its practical applications.
Dr. Caroline Millman is a Senior Lecturer and Course Leader for the BSc (Hons) Food Industry Technical Professional Degree Apprenticeship at the Department of Service Sector Management, Sheffield Business School, Sheffield Hallam University. She also leads the 'Healthier Lives' research theme at the National Centre of Excellence for Food Engineering (NCEFE), focusing on food safety, consumer behavior, and sustainable food processing. With over 20 years in the food industry, her research spans food risk perception, Campylobacter reduction, and plant-based product innovation. Education: PhD in Food Science from the University of Manchester and Bangor University (2008), ESRC-funded studies on E. coli O157 risks. Previously worked as a Research Associate on the ESEI project analyzing Campylobacter transmission. Research Themes: Food safety interventions, novel risk perception methods, and sustainable protein sourcing Key Projects: Faba bean protein optimization, Ohmic heating advancements using neural networks Publications highlight interdisciplinary work in food safety, consumer behavior, and technological innovations. Awards include Fellowships from IFST and HEA. Active in STEM education outreach via the FoodBugClub.net initiative. Awards: IFST Fellowship (201?), FHEA (201?) Grants: Secured funding for energy-efficient food engineering and nutrition enhancement projects Labs/Teams: NCEFE and Industry & Innovation Research Institute collaborations drive applied research in food technology and safety.
Hossein Jahromi is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biosystems Engineering at Auburn University, located in Auburn, Alabama. His research focuses on catalytic processes for biofuel production, environmental engineering, and sustainable materials development. He leads projects involving waste-to-energy conversion, catalytic pyrolysis, and advanced biochar applications. His work addresses challenges in renewable energy systems, including the valorization of biomass, plastics, and industrial byproducts. Recent studies emphasize hydrothermal liquefaction, catalytic depolymerization, and novel materials for CO₂ capture and nutrient recovery. Dr. Jahromi collaborates with industry and government agencies to advance technologies for sustainable resource management. Key research directions include optimizing catalyst performance for biomass gasification, developing low-sulfur fuels from waste tires, and improving bio-oil upgrading processes. His laboratory integrates chemical engineering principles with environmental science to create scalable solutions for energy and environmental sustainability.
Ali Khoddami is a Lecturer in Food and Nutrition Science at the University of Sydney, School of Life and Environmental Sciences. He holds a PhD in Agriculture (Food Chemistry) from the University of Sydney (2016) and has conducted extensive research on sustainable crop production, food waste valorization, and poultry feed optimization. His work aligns with the university's Sydney Environment Institute and Sydney Institute of Agriculture initiatives. Educations: BSc (Agricultural Engineering, Azad University, 2001), MSc (Food Technology, University Putra Malaysia, 2009), PhD (Food Chemistry, University of Sydney, 2016) Research Interests: Climate change impacts on crops, sustainable food systems, chemical contaminant mitigation, and Australian native grain utilization. Dr. Khoddami’s research explores innovative solutions for sustainable agriculture, including heat-tolerant wheat varieties and value-added uses of agricultural waste. He has supervised 16 Honours students and one MAgrEnv student, notably Juliet Garland, who won national and state awards for her work converting brewers’ spent grain into nutritious food products. Awards: SEMCAN Good Mentor Award (2021), Faculty of Science Teaching Award (2024) His teaching spans courses on food product development, quality assurance, and future foods. Current projects include ARC-funded research on Australian indigenous grains and soil management in Papua New Guinea cocoa farming.
Ann Bruce is Professor of Innovation in Food Systems at the University of Edinburgh's Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Systems and affiliated with the Innogen Institute. Her interdisciplinary research bridges social and natural sciences with a focus on agricultural innovation, food systems, and animal biosciences. She maintains an active research program with numerous current projects funded by major organizations including the European Commission, Global Food Security Programme, and ESRC. Dr. Bruce holds postgraduate degrees in both natural and social sciences and completed a part-time PhD at the Open University. Her research interests span agriculture and food security, animal biosciences, antimicrobial resistance, livestock genetics, and sustainable agriculture. She has developed significant expertise in interdisciplinary research processes and practices, having worked closely with Catherine Lyall on capacity building workshops for conducting interdisciplinary research. Her publication record demonstrates consistent output across multiple disciplines, with recent work focusing on food system resilience, antimicrobial resistance in livestock, and innovation in agricultural technologies. Her research shows a clear trajectory toward addressing critical challenges in sustainable food production, particularly in remote and upland regions. She has developed particular expertise in translating scientific research into practical applications for farmers and policymakers. Dr. Bruce has supervised numerous PhD students working on diverse topics including Scottish spring barley production, climate blogging, co-innovation in agriculture, and urban farming in Nairobi. Her current students continue this tradition of interdisciplinary research addressing pressing food system challenges. She has held significant advisory roles including as co-opted expert member of Exotic Disease Sub-group of the Defra Science Advisory Council (2012-2018), external member of SRUC Animal Ethics Committee (2013-2018), and member of advisory groups for Scottish Funding Council Knowledge Exchange projects. These roles demonstrate her standing as a trusted expert in food systems and agricultural policy. Dr. Bruce convenes courses on Innovation in Sustainable Food Systems for both the MSc in Bioeconomy, Innovation and Governance and the online MSc on Global Food Security and Nutrition, demonstrating her commitment to training the next generation of food systems researchers and practitioners. Her teaching reflects her research expertise in interdisciplinary approaches to complex food system challenges.
Olga Polonska is an External Doctoral Researcher at the Department of Agricultural Markets, Marketing and World Agricultural Trade at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg. She joined IAMO in May 2018 as part of the UaFoodTrade project, focusing on international agricultural trade and market integration dynamics. Her research specifically examines structural changes in the Ukrainian poultry sector and the impact of environmental policies on agricultural competitiveness. Education: Master Program in Agricultural Economics, University of Hohenheim Research Focus: Agricultural trade, market structures, competitiveness, and policy impacts Projects: UaFoodTrade - sustainable internationalization of Ukrainian food sector Academic Engagement: Participated in multiple summer schools on time series analysis and efficiency measurement in agricultural economics. Her publications address critical issues in Ukrainian agricultural markets and international trade dynamics.
