Shuja Ahmed

Project Title:Assessing the impact of climate action mitigation strategies on key microbial pathogens in bovine production systems

Overview: Shuja is a microbiologist researching how methane-reducing interventions in the bovine sector impact zoonotic pathogens. As part of Ireland’s plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030, the agricultural sector, particularly bovine production, is expected to cut emissions by 25%. Shuja investigates feed additives and slurry treatments that reduce methane emissions in cattle, while also considering how these changes might affect harmful pathogenic bacteria. This research is key in balancing climate action with food safety.

Shuja’s job is to figure out if these climate-friendly changes could accidentally help harmful bacteria survive or become stronger in cow waste, which is often used as fertilizer. This research matters because if these germs stick around, they might contaminate crops or water supplies, creating new health risks.

With hands-on experience in food safety testing, pathogen detection, and molecular biology, Shuja is well-versed in both laboratory work and practical applications of microbial control. In a previous role at Procter & Gamble, Shuja contributed to improving microbial detection systems, using PCR-based methods for more efficient water testing.

Outside the lab, Shuja enjoys reading classic literature and philosophy and also like to occasionally play chess.

Programme area: Food Programme

Supervisors: Dr. Geraldine Duffy, Dr Kaye Burgess and Dr Jesus Frias Celayeta

Location: Teagasc, Ashtown, Food Research Centre, Dublin

Funding source: Teagasc