Valerie L. Darcey, B.A. [...view research work...]
(Laboratory Technician & Graduate Student, MS in Nutrition)

"Our research utilizes geographic information systems to plot retail food access and critical health code violations over five poverty categories in the urban setting of Philadelphia, PA. The goal of this research is to provide data regarding the association between socioeconomic status, race and ethnicity with food access and risk of both acute and chronic illness."

Renata Jacob [...view research work...]
(Graduate Student)

"Our research goal is to evaluate risks of foodborne illnesses associated with corner markets and convenience stores in census tracts of varying socioeconomic status and racial/ethnic groups of Philadelphia, PA. The research is based on a combination of microbiological sampling of potentially hazardous foods from the stores, recording of refrigeration temperatures and observed practices in those markets, utilizing an audit tool."

Brian Dirks
(Laboratory Technician & Graduate Student)
Use of Non-thermal Plasma for Reduction of Pathogens on Raw Poultry

"Our research focus is on reducing the levels of foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella and Campylobacter on the surface of raw poultry. In collaboration with the Drexel Plasma Institute, we
are working to determine the effectiveness of Non-thermal Plasma in reducing these pathogens."

Jeff Holt [...view research work...]
(Graduate Student)

"My work is focused on the pathogenicity of Campylobacter jejuni, an important food pathogen. Much is still unknown about the molecular biology of Campylobacter and it's unique virulence mechanisms. We are exploring novel tools to mutate uncharacterized genes of Campylobacter and evaluate the involvement of those genes in virulence."

Trish Carney
(Graduate Student - M.S. in Nutrition)

"Currently, we are evaluating microbiological samples of potentially hazardous foods collected from corner markets and convenience stores in Philadelphia, PA.
Another area of interest for me lies in diabetes management. More specifically, why are many people with diabetes not meeting their diabetes goals despite the numerous diabetes programs and tools available? My M.S. thesis research involves gaining a better understanding of the perceived barriers and benefits of diabetes meal planning among people with type 2 diabetes."