Deborah Olubanjo, Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Poultry Science, earned first place in the Foodborne Pathogens & Contaminants in Animal-Based Products category at the 17th Annual Arkansas Association for Food Protection (AAFP) meeting in Fayetteville.

Olubanjo, who also delivered a flash talk, presented a poster titled "Genetic determinants of Salmonella Typhimurium required for growth in chicken cecal extract media." Using genome-wide transposon sequencing (Tn-seq), she identified 62 conditionally essential genes that support Salmonella fitness in the chicken cecum ex vivo. These pathways represent actionable targets for interventions such as vaccines, probiotics and feed additives to reduce colonization and improve poultry food safety.

This research builds on the Kwon Lab's transposon mutagenesis program, led by Young Min Kwon, microbiologist in the Department of Poultry Science, which develops and applies high-density Tn-seq to map conditionally essential genes in different environments. By pairing genome-wide fitness profiling with targeted validation, the group translates discovery into focused strategies to disrupt Salmonella persistence in poultry.

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About the Department of Poultry Science: The Department of Poultry Science in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas, is part of the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science.  The department provides comprehensive programs in research and teaching dedicated to improving the lives of people associated with all components of the poultry industry by generating knowledge through research and putting that knowledge to use through education. 

The Department of Poultry Science offers B.S., M.S. and Ph.D degrees in poultry science. Graduates with this degree receive a broad education in the science and business of animal agriculture, focusing on poultry. They are prepared to enter a variety of careers in either the public or private sector and many students are also ready to apply to a professional school in medicine, dental, pharmaceutical or the veterinary sciences. 

All professors are members of the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences faculty, as well as researchers and scientists with the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, the research arm of the UA System Division of Agriculture. 

About the Arkansas Association for Food Protection: We are the Arkansas Chapter of the International Association for Food Protection (IAFP). The International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) represents a broad range of members with a singular focus — protecting the global food supply. Within the association, you will find educators, government officials, scientists, food industry executives and quality control professionals who are involved in all aspects of growing, storing, transporting, processing and preparing all types of foods.  Working together, IAFP members, representing more than 50 countries, help the association achieve its mission through networking, educational programs, journals, career opportunities and numerous other resources.