My research interests include multiple areas related to food safety, encompassing both Food Safety Microbiology and Food Toxicology. The primary areas that are the focus of my current research efforts are: (A) predictive microbiology – description of microbiological behavior through mathematical models, (B) quantitative food safety risk assessments (microbial and chemical) – determination of risks associated with foodborne hazards, (C) microbiological safety of fresh and fresh-cut produce – on farm and processing approaches to preventing foodborne disease, (D) evaluation and enhancement of food sampling methods for microbiological testing, and (E) identification of new technologies to enhance the safety of foods. The overall thrust of this research is to provide the scientific basis for sound public health policy and the development of improved tools for preventing foodborne diseases. While not actively pursuing at the current time, mycotoxicology and foodborne mutagens/carcinogens are areas of past research where I maintain active interests.
