Samuel Kenyon

Project Title: Assessing the risk of foodborne pathogen contamination in fresh fruit and vegetable productions.

Overview: Sam was born in the UK, and grew up between there, Ireland and the US. He attended St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas to obtain a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology, worked for several years in high complexity molecular diagnostic testing utilizing technologies like RT-PCR and ELISAs, then attended UCD to obtain an MsC in Biological and Biomolecular Sciences.

 Consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables has increased in Ireland and EU, with one of the barriers to further increase being risk of contamination with pathogenic bacteria, particularly those harvested and sold ready to eat. The purpose of this project is to assess the impact of wild birds and insects on the contamination of horticultural crops and to assess the potential for contamination of crops via aerial transmission from nearby livestock areas. Quantifying and mitigating these risks for contamination could help increase rates of healthy food consumption and promote better health.

He has experience in microbiology and molecular biology.

Programme Area: Food Programme

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-kenyon-79b50a1a8?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BpjB16Yl6SRynTDxnTWTlHg%3D%3D

Supervisors: Dr. Kaye Burgess and Dr. Guerrino Macori

Location: Teagasc Ashtown

Funding Source: DAFM