Two Researchers to Present Seminars in the Department of Food Science

The Department of Food Science will host Sangeeta Khare and Aschalew Bekele at 3:05 p.m. today, Monday, Jan. 26. The seminars will be held in Room D-2 of the FDSC Building, 2650 N. Young Ave.

Khare, a research microbiologist for the National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, Arkansas, will present "New Paradigm of Toxicity Assessment: Intestinal Microbiota and Gut-Associated Immune Response."  Khare received her doctorate in microbiology and immunology from All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India. She was a Post-Doctoral Fellow at the University of Saskatoon, Canada.

Khare's research focuses on the complex relationships and health consequences of exposures to dietary and environmental chemicals on the commensal bacteria populations of the gastrointestinal tract. Another aspect of her research is to assess the interaction of nanoparticles with the gastrointestinal tract. The outcome of this research will have a direct impact on the discovery of biomarkers, improved food safety and personalized treatment.

Bekele, an FDA Commissioner Fellow for National Center for Toxicological Research, will present "Evaluation of the antiviral activity of nano particles against enteric viruses." Bekele received a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1998 from Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia, and a doctorate in 2012 from Hokkaido University, Japan, with a focus on gut microbial ecology. Prior to his current position, he was a postdoctoral associate in the Department of Veterinary Population Medicine at the University of Minnesota from March 2012 to October 2013.

His overall research interest is towards understanding the role of gut microbiome and virome in maintaining gut homeostasis and health. He has worked in projects that aimed at analyzing how the microbiota responds to diet induced changes as well as on molecular typing of specific bacterial enteric pathogens. Currently, Bekele is primarily involved in the assessment of antimicrobial and antiviral activities of nanoparticles and their potential risk to the gastrointestinal microbes.

Headlines

Peter Ungar Chosen as Member of the National Academy of Sciences

A distinguished professor of anthropology and director of environmental dynamics, Ungar is the first U of A faculty member to be elected to the prestigious Academy.

Ag Technology Students Visit Greenway Equipment, Learn About Advances in Machinery

Members of the U of A's Agricultural Systems and Technology Club recently spent a day at the Greenway Technology Farm in Newport to learn about advances featured in John Deere tractors and machinery.

College of Education and Health Professions WE CARE Everywhere Campaign Kicks Off This Summer

Retractable scroll banners with the phrase "WE CARE Everywhere" are small enough to fit any suitcase and just waiting for your chance to shine in social media posts throughout the summer.

Staff Senators for 2024-25 Elected

Twelve newly elected staff members will begin serving the U of A staff community for three-year terms beginning July 1 on the university's Staff Senate.

Matlock Briefs Congressional Staff Regarding Crop Sustainability Research

Professor Marty Matlock briefed U.S. House of Representative and Senate staff members on research conducted by the U of A regarding the effects of management practices on crop sustainability.

News Daily