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Dr. Daniel Shelton, Research Leader Research Microbiologist Bldg. 173 BARC-East, Rm. 103 Powder Mill Road Beltsville, MD 20705 301.504.5760 dan.shelton@ars.usda.gov |
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 BARC-West, Rm. 210 10300 Baltimore Avenue Beltsville, MD 20705 301.504.5106 arvind.bhagwat@ars.usda.gov |
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 |
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 BARC-East, Rm. 100 Powder Mill Road Beltsville, MD 20705 301.504.8750 ronald.fayer@ars.usda.gov |
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 BARC-East, Room 201 Powder Mill Road Beltsville, MD 20705 301.504.6493 jeffrey.karns@ars.usda.gov |
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 S. Kim Research Physicist Bldg. 303 BARC-East Powder Mill Road Beltsville, MD 20705-2350 301.504.8450, Ext. 245 moon.kim@ars.usda.gov |
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 |
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 BARC-West, Room 12 10300 Baltimore Avenue Beltsville, MD 20705 301.504.6186 yaguang.luo@ars.usda.gov |
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 BARC-West, Rm. 122 10300 Baltimore Avenue Beltsville, MD 20705 301.504.5631 pat.millner@ars.usda.gov |
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 BARC-East, Rm. 100A Powder Mill Road Beltsville, MD 20705 301.504.8991 xiangwu.nou@ars.usda.gov |
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 BARC-East, Rm. 203 Powder Mill Road Beltsville, MD 20705 301.504.7468 yakov.pachepsky@ars.usda.gov |
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 BARC-East, Rm. 101 Powder Mill Road Beltsville, MD 20705 301.504.7003 jitu.patel@ars.usda.gov |
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 BARC-East, Rm. 008A Powder Mill Road Beltsville, Maryland 20705 301.504.6774 monica.santin-duran@ars.usda.gov |
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 BARC-East, Rm. 100B Powder Mill Road Beltsville, MD 20705 301.504.9198 manan.sharma@ars.usda.gov |
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 BARC-East, Rm. 202 Powder Mill Road Beltsville, MD 20705 301.504.8287 joann.vankessel@ars.usda.gov |
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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