Lauren Hudson
Specialization: Food Microbiology, Food Safety, Salmonella, Listeria, WGS, Bioinformatics, Genomics, Phages
My research focuses on the application of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and bioinformatics to food safety and public health, with an emphasis on foodborne pathogen surveillance, source attribution, and population genomics.
Working closely with the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) and the Tennessee Integrated Food Safety Center of Excellence (TN Food Safety CoE), I develop genomic resources and training programs that support surveillance activities, outbreak investigations, and evidence-based decision making by public health professionals.
Using WGS, bioinformatics, & genomic epidemiology to study diversity & phylogeography of foodborne pathogens of public health concern in the southeastern US to improve surveillance, outbreak investigation, source attribution, & resource development.
Facilitating food microbiology laboratory exercises that provide hands-on training in biosafety, aseptic technique, microbial testing, data analysis, & scientific communication relevant to food safety, public health, & food industry careers.
Developing and delivering WGS training & educational resources through the TN Integrated Food Safety Center of Excellence (TN CoE) to support workforce development & increase genomic epidemiology capacity in local & state public health agencies.
- What genomic factors contribute to the emergence, persistence, and transmission of foodborne pathogens?
- How are pathogen populations structured geographically, and what can this reveal about sources and transmission pathways?
- What genetic and phenotypic characteristics distinguish recurring, emerging, or persisting (REP) strains of foodborne pathogens?
- How can representative reference genomes and genomic resources improve public health surveillance and comparative genomics analyses?
- How can genomic epidemiology be translated into practical tools and training for public health professionals?
2600 River Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996
- PhD, Food Science, University of Georgia, 2018
- Interdisciplinary Certificate in University Teaching, UGA Graduate School + Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL), Issued 5/4/2018
- MS, Food Science, University of Georgia, 2014
- BS, Food Science and Human Nutrition, Chemsitry, University of Florida, 2012
Lauren Hudson
2600 River Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996
- PhD, Food Science, University of Georgia, 2018
- Interdisciplinary Certificate in University Teaching, UGA Graduate School + Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL), Issued 5/4/2018
- MS, Food Science, University of Georgia, 2014
- BS, Food Science and Human Nutrition, Chemsitry, University of Florida, 2012
My research focuses on the application of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and bioinformatics to food safety and public health, with an emphasis on foodborne pathogen surveillance, source attribution, and population genomics.
Working closely with the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) and the Tennessee Integrated Food Safety Center of Excellence (TN Food Safety CoE), I develop genomic resources and training programs that support surveillance activities, outbreak investigations, and evidence-based decision making by public health professionals.
Using WGS, bioinformatics, & genomic epidemiology to study diversity & phylogeography of foodborne pathogens of public health concern in the southeastern US to improve surveillance, outbreak investigation, source attribution, & resource development.
Facilitating food microbiology laboratory exercises that provide hands-on training in biosafety, aseptic technique, microbial testing, data analysis, & scientific communication relevant to food safety, public health, & food industry careers.
Developing and delivering WGS training & educational resources through the TN Integrated Food Safety Center of Excellence (TN CoE) to support workforce development & increase genomic epidemiology capacity in local & state public health agencies.
- What genomic factors contribute to the emergence, persistence, and transmission of foodborne pathogens?
- How are pathogen populations structured geographically, and what can this reveal about sources and transmission pathways?
- What genetic and phenotypic characteristics distinguish recurring, emerging, or persisting (REP) strains of foodborne pathogens?
- How can representative reference genomes and genomic resources improve public health surveillance and comparative genomics analyses?
- How can genomic epidemiology be translated into practical tools and training for public health professionals?