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Dr. Daniel Shelton, Research Leader Research Microbiologist Bldg. 173, Rm. 103, BARC-East Powder Mill Road Beltsville, MD 20705-2350 301.504.5760 dan.shelton@ars.usda.gov
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Includes developing new methods for rapid, quantitative detection of human
pathogens, elucidating environmental parameters controlling pathogen transport
to surface and ground waters, assessing pathogen dispersal and survival
in water, soil, manure, and produce, and developing strategies to minimize
transport and dissemination of pathogens from animal manures to potable
waters and fresh produce.
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Dr. Arvind A. Bhagwat Research Microbiologist Bldg. 002, Room 210, BARC-West 10300 Baltimore Avenue Beltsville, MD 20705-2350 301.504.5106 arvind.bhagwat@ars.usda.gov
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Develop rapid and sensitive methods for detection of enteric human pathogens
from fresh produce, and examines the efficacy of current postharvest sanitizing
procedures for survival of human pathogens. Molecular biology and genetics
of survival mechanisms of human pathogens.
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Dr. Kuanglin (Kevin) Chao Research Agricultural Engineer Bldg. 303, BARC-East Powder Mill Road Beltsville, MD 20705-2350 301.504.8450, Ext. 260 kevin.chao@ars.usda.gov
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Hyperspectral and multispectral imaging technologies to assess safety
and quality of agricultural produce and poultry carcasses. Development
of nondestructive high-speed line scan imaging inspection systems using
multispectral reflectance and Raman chemical imaging technologies.
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Dr. Ronald Fayer Research Zoologist Bldg. 173, Room 100, BARC-East Powder Mill Road Beltsville, MD 20705-2350 301.504.8750 ronald.fayer@ars.usda.gov
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To develop and test novel methods to identify and characterize the parasites
Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Microsporidia, and Blastocystis. Determine the
presence of these organisms in livestock, associated domesticated and wild
animal, as well as in edible foods, soil and water impacted by agriculture.
Develop methods to reduce the number and virulence of these organisms in
domesticated animals, food, and the environment.
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Dr. Jeffrey S. Karns Research Microbiologist Bldg. 173, Room 201, BARC-East Powder Mill Road Beltsville, MD 20705-2350 301.504.6493 jeffrey.karns@ars.usda.gov
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Develop methods for the specific detection and enumeration of pathogenic
forms of microorganisms in foods, soil, manure and water. Use those methods
to describe the fate of pathogens on the farm and the routes for their
transmission to foods.
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Dr. Moon Kim Research Physicist Bldg. 303, BARC-East Powder Mill Road Beltsville, MD 20705-2350 301.504.8450, Ext. 245 moon.kim@ars.usda.gov
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Hyperspectral and multispectral imaging technologies to assess safety
and quality of agricultural produce and animal carcasses. Development of
rapid on-line inspection systems and portable devices using multispectral
laser-induced fluorescence and multispectral reflectance imaging technologies.
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Dr. Alan M. Lefcourt Research Biomedical Engineer Bldg. 303, BARC-East Powder Mill Road Beltsville, MD 20705-2350 301.504.8450, Ext. 258 alan.lefcourt@ars.usda.gov
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Hyperspectral and multispectral imaging technologies to assess safety
and quality of apples and other fruits and vegetables. Development of on-line
systems for inspection of apples for contaminants.
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Dr. Yaguang (Sunny) Luo Research Food Technologist Bldg. 002, Room 12, BARC-West 10300 Baltimore Avenue Beltsville, MD 20705-2350 301.504.6186 yaguang.luo@ars.usda.gov
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Develop rapid and sensitive methods for detection of enteric human pathogens
and spoilage bacteria from conventional and organically grown produce,
and develop effective postharvest sanitizing procedures providing improved
antimicrobial activity while maintaining produce quality and shelf-life,
and understand the ecology and mechanisms that allow specific human and
spoilage microorganisms to persist on fresh produce and develop control
agents to reduce food safety risks.
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Dr. Patricia A. Millner Research Microbiologist Bldg. 001, Room 122, BARC-West 10300 Baltimore Avenue Beltsville, MD 20705-2350 301.504.5631 pat.millner@ars.usda.gov
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The long-term research objective of this project is to develop and translate
fundamental agroecological knowledge into recommendations and products
to improve the economic position of organic farmers and to improve their
ability to meet consumer demand for organic products. Objective 1 is to
develop component technologies and management strategies that lead to improved
productivity, enhanced soil and water conservation, and efficient nutrient
cycling on organic farms. Objective 2 is to understand agroecological principles
that drive the function of organic cropping systems and quantify ecosystem
services.
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Dr. Xiangwu Nou Research Microbiologist Bldg. 201, Room 100A, BARC-East Powder Mill Road Beltsville, MD 20705-2350 301.504.8991 xiangwu.nou@ars.usda.gov
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Studies microbial ecology of zoonotic bacterial pathogens in leafy green
production systems. Determines the effects of various environmental factors
on the survival and dissemination of bacterial pathogens in various leafy
green production environments. Develops effective agricultural practices
to minimize pathogen contamination of fresh produce at pre-harvest and
post-harvest production stages.
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Dr. Yakov Pachepsky Research Hydrologist Bldg. 173, Room 203, BARC-East Powder Mill Road Beltsville, MD 20705-2350 301.504.7468 yakov.pachepsky@ars.usda.gov
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Develops functional relationships between environmental parameters and
pathogen transport from animal manure; integrates information on pathogen
transport and survival to improve and validate pathogen transport and dispersal
models for prediction and risk assessment of pathogen transmission from
animal manures to potable water and fresh produce.
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Dr. Jitendra (Jitu) Patel Research Food Technologist Bldg. 201, Room 101, BARC-East Powder Mill Road Beltsville, MD 20705-2350 301.504.7003 jitu.patel@ars.usda.gov
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Identify mechanisms of attachment, growth and survival of human pathogens
on fresh produce. Determine molecular factors involved in the interaction
of human pathogens with natural microflora on fresh produce and biofilm
formation. Develop rapid, sensitive methods for detection of enteric pathogens
in produce and soil.
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Dr. Mónica Santín-Durán Research Microbiologist Bldg. 173, Room 008A, BARC-East Powder Mill Road Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2350 301.504.6774 monica.santin-duran@ars.usda.gov
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To develop molecular methods to detect zoonotic protozoan parasites and
apply these methods to specimens obtained from farms, wildlife, and surface
waters in order to better understand the complex epidemiology of zoonotic
diseases.
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Dr. Manan Sharma Research Microbiologist Bldg. 201, Room 100B, BARC-East Powder Mill Road Beltsville, MD 20705-2350 301.504.9198 manan.sharma@ars.usda.gov
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Research focuses on the survival, persistence and growth of the bacterial
foodborne pathogen Escherichia coli O157:H7 in leafy green pre-harvest
environments. E. coli O157:H7 has been associated with several high profile
outbreaks associated with lettuce, spinach and other leafy greens. This
work examines the ability of E. coli to internalize to spinach tissues
through root uptake. His research team also examines the ability of E.
coli O157:H7 to persist in pre-harvest environments (soil, water). The
expression of virulence factors of E. coli O157:H7 on leafy greens stored
under various conditions is also evaluated. Bacteriophages, viruses that
target and kill E. coli O157:H7, are also being examined as a potential
intervention against E. coli O157:H7 on leafy greens.
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Dr. Jo Ann S. Van Kessel Research Animal Scientist Bldg. 173, Room 202, BARC-East Powder Mill Road Beltsville, MD 20705-2350 301.504.8287 joann.vankessel@ars.usda.gov
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Studies the incidence and ecology of zoonotic bacterial pathogens in dairy
production systems, to evaluate and develop on-farm control strategies
that will minimize pathogen infection of the herd, maintenance in the environment,
and subsequent contamination of the bulk milk.
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