Food Protection Trends - November 2008 - 791

understanding of the molecular biology of persistent Listeria monocytogenes strains, a multi-faceted study focused on biofilm formation, quorum sensing, and the organism’s response to physiological stresses. These factors influence the ability of L. monocytogenes strains to persist within a given environment. Defining persistent L. monocytogenes strains and the molecular mechanisms underpinning persistence could enhance risk management and prevention and control strategies by aiding in the identification, distribution and prevalence of highrisk L. monocytogenes populations. This would be of benefit to all food industry, particularly those producing minimally processed, “ready-to-eat” and other high risk food products. Mr. Nilsson hopes to direct his research towards defined industry applications, with an ultimate goal of reducing the economic risks faced by food industry and contributing to improved public health. Christopher nnadozie njoku Linkoping University Sweden hristopher Nnadozie Njoku is currently an international master’s student in the Department of Sustainable Development at Linkoping University, Sweden, specializing in Water and Food Security. A native of Ezuhu Nguru in the Aboh Mbaise L.G.A. Imo State Nigeria, Mr. Njoku passed his first school leaving certificate in 1990 and the West African school certificate (WASC) in 1996. He earned his BSc (Hons) in Food Science and Technology in 2002 at Imo State University, Owerri. As an undergraduate, he served as President of the National Association of Food Science and Technology, Imo State University student chapter. In 2004, Mr. Njoku enlisted in the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC), where he observed the one year compulsory NYSC program to serve his father’s land. During that time, he taught students at one of the secondary schools in Ogun State Nigeria. He has also worked as a quality control officer, as an industrial attachment student in a wine-, waterand spirit-producing industry known as Canon Distilleries. Mr. Njoku presented a series of papers and seminars as an undergraduate and is currently at work on an intensive research thesis. He joined IAFP to be among those working to advance food safety throughout the world. C modulation of tumor-produced growth factors. Later, as a research support specialist at the Center for Molecular Medicine at State University of New York at Stony Brook, she studied Yersinia pseudotuberculosis and Helicobacter pylori. Ms. Palmer currently works in the Food Safety Laboratory at Cornell University under the guidance of Dr. Kathryn Boor. Her current research is centered on alleviation and mitigation of food safety and public health concerns by understanding Listeria monocytogenes’ mechanisms of stress survival and developing methods for inhibition of this foodborne pathogen. Specifically, Ms. Palmer is evaluating potential novel and natural antagonists of L. monocytogenes transcriptional regulators using a chemical biology platform in concert with molecular microbiological techniques. In doing so, she hopes to develop practical methods and solutions for successful inhibition of pathogens in food systems and/or in humans. Upon completion of her Ph.D., Ms. Palmer plans to continue studies as a post-doctoral associate with a continued focus on foodborne pathogens. Ultimately, she hopes to work as a food microbiologist/food safety scientist in a research or regulatory setting. Akafete teklu Fite Addis Ababa University Ethiopia orn and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Akafete Teklu Fite entered Addis Ababa University’s Faculty of Natural Science in 1998, completing her freshman course the following year. Ms. Teklu then attended the university’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, receiving her DVM in 2004. From 2005 to 2007, Ms. Teklu worked in Alagae ATVET (Agricultural Technical Vocational and Educational training) College as an instructor in the Animal Health Department, teaching the courses of Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals, Pharmacology, Non-infectious Diseases and Microbiology. In addition, she counseled female students in different socioeconomic and academic issues. Ms. Teklu began her MSc program in the department of Tropical Veterinary Public Health in 2007 as a self sponsored student. After completing the first year, she competed for and won scholarships from both DAAD and the USAID SPS LMM project, which granted financial support for her research work. The primary focus of Ms. Teklu’s research is the prevalence, distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Salmonella serovars in apparently healthy slaughtered sheep and goats and abattoir environments in export abattoir, Ethiopia. In addition to IAFP, Ms. Teklu is a member of the Ethiopian Veterinary Association (EVA) and Ethiopian Animal Welfare Association. She has also trained in teaching methodology and presented several seminars. B M. elizabeth Palmer Cornell University Ithaca, New York Elizabeth Palmer is a Ph.D. student in Food Science with a focus on Food Safety and Microbiology, and minors in Microbiology and Comparative Biomedical Sciences. She received her BS in Biology (2004) from the University of Virginia, where her research under Dr. Tyvin Rich involved evaluating circadian M. Sponsored by NOVEMBER 2008 | FOOD PROTECTION TRENDS 791

Food Protection Trends - November 2008

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