Steven Foley to be Guest Speaker at Department of Food Science Today

Steven Foley, senior research microbiologist for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in Jefferson, will present "Training Opportunities and Microbiological Research at FDA's National Center for Toxicological Research" at 3:05 p.m. Monday, Sept. 12 in Room D-2, Food Science building.

Foley is currently an adjunct professor in the Department of Food Science  at the University of Arkansas. He earned his B.S. in zoology and his doctorate in cellular and molecular biology/infectious diseases from North Dakota State University in Fargo. After finishing his doctorate, he completed a postdoctoral fellowship with FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine. He also served as an assistant professor at the University of Central Arkansas and an associate research scientist with the Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation prior to joining NCTR. 

Foley's research interests are largely in the fields of bacterial pathogenesis and antimicrobial resistance among foodborne pathogens and understanding the distribution of microbial populations in FDA-regulated products. Specific areas of interest include understanding the distribution of enteric pathogens and their virulence and antimicrobial resistance factors in food production environments. By understanding the distribution mechanisms of pathogens, we may be able to develop interventions to reduce the spread of pathogenic microorganisms from food sources to humans. Foley is also interested in developing methods to better understand the contribution of plasmid encoded genes to enhanced bacterial function. Plasmids are capable of horizontal gene transfer, which could facilitate the spread of antimicrobial resistance and increased virulence among bacteria leading to more difficult to treat infections. Thus a more comprehensive understanding of plasmid genetics and associated physiology should ultimately lead to improved public health.

The Food Science building is located 2 miles north of campus at 2650 N. Young Ave.  From Garland, turn east on Cassett, then left on Young.  The FDSC building is on the right.  Parking is free.