USA PHD: Three positions (2 MS and 1 PhD) are available at Oklahoma State University

 

USA PHD: Dr. Li Maria Ma's lab at Oklahoma State University is seeking self-motivated graduate students for Master's and PhD programs. These positions are open exclusively to US citizens and nationals, with Tribal Native American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders candidates strongly encouraged to apply.

About

Dr. Ma is a Professor of Food Microbiology at the Institute of Biosecurity & Microbial Forensics (IBMF), Oklahoma State University (OSU). Dr. Ma's laboratory is at the forefront of research in food safety, biosecurity, and microbial forensics. Dr. Ma's work encompasses a wide range of innovative and impactful projects:

1. Molecular Detection and DNA Fingerprinting: Utilizing metagenomics and next-generation sequencing, Dr. Ma's research includes developing assays for detecting all foodborne pathogens in a sample by single assay and DNA fingerprinting of foodborne pathogens in real-time and on-site.

2. Ecology of Foodborne Pathogens: Investigating the presence and behavior of foodborne pathogens within food and food production systems to better understand their ecology and how they can be precisely managed.

3. Novel Technologies for Pathogen Decontamination: Dr. Ma's team is pioneering the development of cutting-edge technologies and strategies for pathogen decontamination. This includes exploring the use of atmospheric cold plasma, designing and constructing devices for inactivation studies, and dissecting the inactivation mechanisms of bacterial and fungal pathogens through RNAseq analysis.

4. Early Detection of Foodborne Illness Outbreaks: Leveraging big data to improve the early detection of foodborne illness outbreaks, and enhancing response times. 

Contact 

Dr. Ma's lab is dedicated to advancing the field of food microbiology through rigorous research, innovation, and a commitment to public health and safety.

Contact emails: li.ma@okstate.edu; pacon@hawaii.edu