Internship ProjectsThe JIFSAN internship program allows undergraduate students at the University of Maryland, College Park to participate in research at FDA facilities, including the Harvey Wiley Building in College Park and the MOD1 & MOD11 facilities on Muirkirk Road in Laurel, MD. Internships require a time commitment of 8-10 hours/week during the semester and 30 hours/week during winterterm and summer. After 100 hours as an unpaid intern, JIFSAN interns become eligible to compete for a paid internship for subsequent semesters. Internship applications are available online or from the College of Chemical and Life Sciences Information Resource Center, 1317 Symons Hall. There are no application deadlines for these positions, however the application and security clearance process takes several weeks, so students should submit their applications at least two months in advance of their intended starting date.
Animal Health
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Project Title: Evaluation of the 2-day hydrophobic grid membrane filter, Simplate yeast and mould color indicator, and Petrifilm dry dehydratable film methods for the enumeration of fungi from foods Status: Actively seeking interns Principal Investigators: Dr. Valerie Tournas Project Description: Fungi (yeasts and moulds) can cause extensive decomposition of a wide variety of foods even under extreme conditions (e.g. very low pH and refrigeration temperatures) and, consequently, lead to vast economic losses. The presence of high numbers of these organisms in food commodities, in the best case scenario, indicates a low quality product. Of a greater concern, however, is the association of certain moulds with adverse health effects towards humans and animals due to production of mycotoxins, High numbers of toxigenic moulds are often indicatiive of the presence of mycotoxins. It is, therefore, important that such organisms be monitiored. Conventional culture methods are primarily used for the isolation and quantification of fungi from foods. One such technique is the FDA official method for the mycological analysis of foods (BAM, Chapter 18, Revision A, 1998). This method is labor-intensive and requires a 5-day incubation period. A more rapid method that can produce results equivalent or better than the BAM method is needed. In this study, three different methods will be tested against the BAM method to evaluate their efficacies for enumeration of moulds and yeasts from various food commodities. 1) The 2-day hydrophobic grid membrane filter method which gives results within 48-52 hrs; 2) the Petrifilm dry dehydratable film method, which, although it requires the same incubation time (5 days) as the FDA method, needs shorter preparation and inoculation times, therefore, is less labor-intensive; and 3) the SimPlate yeast and mould-color indicator (Y&M-CI) method which gives results within 72 hrs and requires less time for preparation and inoculation. Regulatory issues will be addressed by updating the BAM method for mould and yeast isolation and quantification to include new, more efficient techniques. Project Objective: The student will: 1) perform mycological analysis of naturally-contaminated samples from the above food groups utilizing the SimPlate and the BAM (reference) methods; 2) analyze data and prepare presentations for international scientific conferences; and 3) perform literature searches to aid preparation of manuscript(s) for publication. Project Needs and Duration: Some background (coursework and/or lab)in microbiology, biology, or food science and basic computer skills are required. Knowledge of microbiological/aspetic techniques and lab safety rules would be a plus. Two days/week, 5 hours each day (prefer Tuesdays and Thursdays). A poster presentation and the updating of the BAM method to include the Petrifilm technique are in progress. Estimated length of time needed to complete project: One year. Location: Wiley Building (College Park) JIP-186 (Old Project ID: JIF-151) Project Title: Cloning and Characterization of Virulence Factors from Foodborne Pathogens like Vibrio Species and E. sakazakii Status: Actively seeking interns Principal Investigators: Venugopal Sathyamoorthy, Ph. D Project Description: Fast, sensitive and reliable tests are needed to screen the nation's food supply for possible contamination with pathogenic microorganisms. Pathogenicity is generally correlated to the production of virulence factors such as toxins, proteases, hemolysins, pili etc. However, very little is known about the virulence factors produced by many food-borne pathogens. Hence, it is necessary to identify, purify and characterize these virulence factors in order to develop rapid methods for detection of the pathogens that produce them. To assure the safety of the food supply, fast and reliable test methods need to be developed. Pathogens can be detected by virtue of their virulence factors that they produce in order to cause disease. Hence, it is essential to identify, purify and characterize these virulence factors and the genes that produce them. Based on the characterization data, detection methods can be developed. Availability of rapid and accurate detection methods will help in identifying and quickly eliminating contaminated foods from the nation's food supply. Project Objective: 1) A mutation of the hemolysin gene of V. tubiashii will be generated and virulence of the mutant will be analyzed. 2) A mutation of the protease gene of Enterobacter sakazakii will be produced and virulence of the mutant will be characterized. Project Needs and Duration: Knowledge in biological sciences like molecular biology, microbiology, and biochemistry is preferred. The student should have a real passion for scientific research. The student should be willing to work a minumum of 3 hours per day for 2-3 days per week. Estimated length of time needed to complete project: One year. Project estimated target start and end dates: June 2008-May 2009. Location: MOD1, Laurel, MD. JIP-150 Project Title: Bacterial identification using Microarray Technology Status: Internship not available Principal Investigators: Dr. Sufian Al-Khaldi Project Description: Due to rapid changes in our lifestyle, current and future food borne outbreaks require new technologies to provide low cost, fast, specific, often disposable, miniaturized instruments for the detection of potentially dangerous pathogenic bacteria. Several emerging high-throughput technologies for gene and bacterial identification have been introduced. Two technologies including DNA microarray and infrared microspectroscopic bacterial identification are currently the focus of my research. In molecular DNA microarray fabrication, small, nanoliter sized volumes are instantaneously printed so that simultaneous characterization of genes and bacteria can be achieved in a very short time. DNA microarray technology will be able to increase our capability to identify thousand of genes for different microorganisms. This lab is involved in building a DNA chip for most pathogenic bacteria that contaminate food. Project Objective: The student will assist in building a DNA microarray chip. This will include: PCR amplifications, DNA fluorescence labeling, and chip hybridization. In regard of Infrared bacterial identification the student will assist in bacterial streaking and bacterial printing on infrared slide. This lab is a biolevel II research facility. The student will not work with any select agent bacteria. These objectives will aid in the identification of Virulence Genes in Foodborne Microorganisms. The infrared work will be done in collaboration with Dr. Magdi Mossoba. Project Needs and Duration: The student will assist in printing DNA microarray chip. This will include: PCR amplifications, DNA fluorescence labeling, and chip hybridization. The student will also assist during infrared bacterial identification which will include bacterial streaking and bacterial printing on an infrared slide. The student will be involved in high level of data analysis using different software programs including Quant array and IR chemometric software programs. The student should have an interest in biology/molecular biology and be willing to perform laboratory work. The student should have taken basic biology and chemistry courses. Advanced courses in molecular biology would be an added advantage. The student should be prepared to perform basic PCR amplifications, DNA restriction enzyme analysis and DNA isolation. The student should be willing to work a minimum of 3 hours per day for 2-3 days per week. Estimated length of time needed to complete project: three semesters. Number of students requested: One Location: Wiley Building, Room 3E-014 JIP-151 Project Title: Cloning, Expression, Purification and Characterization of Virulence Factors from Food-borne Pathogens Status: Internship not available Principal Investigators: Dr. Venugopal Sathyamoorthy Project Description: Fast, sensitive and reliable tests are needed to screen the nations food supply for possible contamination with pathogenic microorganisms. Pathogenicity is generally correlated to the production of virulence factors such as toxins, proteases, hemolysins, pili etc. However, very little is known about the virulence factors produced by many food-borne pathogens. Hence, it is necessary to identify, purify and characterize these virulence factors in order to develop rapid methods for detection of the pathogens that produce them. To assure the safety of the food supply, fast and reliable test methods need to be developed. Pathogens can be detected by virtue of their virulence factors that they produce in order to cause disease. Hence, it is essential to identify, purify and characterize these virulence factors. Initially, virulence factors will be characterized from vibrio species. Based on the characterization data, detection methods can be developed. Availability of rapid and accurate detection methods will help in identifying and quickly eliminating contaminated foods from the nations food supply. Project Objective: The objectives of this project include: 1) cloning of hemolysin gene of Vibrio tubiashi in E. coli; 2) expression and characterization of E. coli cloned hemolysin gene of V. tubiashi; and 3) purification and characterization of CHO cell elongating virulence factor from V. vulnificus. Project Needs and Duration: Knowledge in biological sciences like molecular biology, microbiology and biochemistry is preferred. The student should have a real passion for scientific research. The student should be willing to work a minimum of 3 hours per day for 2-3 days per week. Estimated length of time needed to complete project: 1 year Location: Laurel, MD Additional Information: The student will be taught different techniques in microbiology, molecular biology and biochemistry; these include agarose and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, protein purification system BioCad, the digestion of genomic DNA with restriction enzymes, Southern blotting, PCR amplification, detection of hemolysin gene by DNA probe using chemiluminiscence, Mini and Midi prep DNA extractions, DNA purification from agarose gels, CHO cell assay etc. JIP-167 Project Title: Alexandrium fundyense blooms and associated offshore shellfish toxicity Status: Internship not available Principal Investigators: Stacey Etheridge, Ph.D. Project Description: The Gulf of Maine (GoM) and its adjacent southern New England shelf is a vast region with extensive shellfish resources, large portions of which are frequently contaminated with paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxins produced by the dinoflagellate Alexandrium fundyense. The year 2005 was an historical one for A. fundyense and PSP dynamics in this area, with a bloom that was more severe than any seen in the last thirty years. This resulted in PSP toxins greatly exceeding the action level of 80 micrograms saxitoxin equivalents per 100 grams tissue. At the request of the US Food and Drug Administration, the US National Marine Fisheries Service closed approximately 15,000 square miles of federal waters in the northwestern Atlantic Ocean on 14 June 2005, a portion of which still remains closed to harvesting. There are significant challenges to the management of toxic shellfish in this extensive region. Toxicity monitoring of the sort used in coastal waters is impractical due to the difficulty of obtaining shellfish samples. Thus an alternative is required for biotoxin management, and prediction based on plankton observations is one alternative. Therefore there is a need to develop an understanding of the relationship between surface blooms and patterns in nearshore and offshore shellfish toxicity. This collaborative project with academia, government and industry represents a regional observation and modeling program focused on the GoM and adjacent New England shelf waters. The overall objective is to establish a comprehensive regional-scale understanding of A. fundyense dynamics, transport pathways, and associated shellfish toxicity and to use this information and relevant technologies to assist managers, regulators, and industry to harvest nearshore and offshore shellfish resources threatened by PSP, with appropriate safeguards for human health. Project Objective: Project objectives include: 1) understanding the coupling between surface toxic algal blooms and offshore shellfish toxicity, 2) characterizing toxin transport to shellfish as well as accumulation and depuration, 3) evaluating commercially available toxin screening kits for their potential use in a dockside testing risk management program. Project Needs and Duration: The student will assist with: 1) sample preparations and shellfish toxin extractions, 2) analysis of samples for PSP toxins using a range of detection methods including HPLC, and 3) performing data analysis and reporting. There may be opportunities for the student to participate in research cruises to collect the samples. The student should have an interest in biology, chemistry, and/or oceanography as well as in interest to perform laboratory work. The student should be extremely organized and able to work as a team as well as independently. The student should have taken basic biology and chemistry courses. Any laboratory experience would be advantageous as would familiarity with word processing (e.g. MS Word) and spreadsheet software (e.g. MS Excel). A minimum of 8-10 hours per week during the semester and a minimum of 30 hours per week during winter term and summer expected. Blocks of time equal to or greater than 4 hours at a time are preferred. Location: Wiley Building, College Park, MD. JIP-184 (Old Project ID: JIP-167) Project Title: Alexandrium fundyense blooms and associated offshore shellfish toxicity Status: Internship not available Principal Investigators: Stacey Etheridge, Ph.D. Project Description: This project seeks to understand the link between surface blooms of toxic dinoflagellates and associated shellfish toxicity. Extensive areas of federal waters are subject to closure of shellfish harvesting due to Paralytic shellfish poisoning. Little is known about the temporal and spatial scales of PSP in offshore waters making it difficult to manage shellfish beds in that area. The safety of seafood harvested from fereral waters is within FDA's purview; closures and subsequent openings are requested by FDA through the Commissioner to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). This project provides the scientific basis for this regulatory issue. This project is a collaborative project with NMFS, industry and academia. Together these researchers can address key questions that will assist FDA in making regulatory decisions. For example, it provides a way for FDA to obtain seafood samples from federal waters which is otherwise very difficult to obtain. It also provides ancillary information in concert with shellfish toxicity that may be used to determine predictive indicators of seafood toxicity. Project Objective: The student will assist with: 1) sample preparations and shellfish toxin extractions, 2) analysis of samples for PSP toxins using a range of detection methods including HPLC, and 3) performing data analysis and reporting. There may be opportunities for the student to participate in research cruises to collect the samples. Project Needs and Duration: The student should have an interest in biology, chemistry, and/or oceanography as well as an interest to perform laboratory work. The student should be extremely organized and able to work as a team as well as independently. The student should have taken basic biology and chemistry courses. Any laboratory experience would be advantageous as would familiarity with word processing (e.g. MS Word) and spreadsheet software (e.g. MS Excel). The student would need to work 10 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters and 30 hours per week during summer and winter break. Blocks equal to or greater than four hours preferred. Estimated length of time needed to complete project: One year. Project estimated target start and end dates: June 2008-May 2009 Location: Wiley Building, College Park, MD. Back to the top
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Project Title: Genome Wide RNAi Screens in C. elegans to discover Host Response Genes Status: Actively seeking interns Principal Investigators: Hediye Hese Cinar, M.D. Project Description: Animal models are widely used in studies regarding mechanism of bacterial virulence and pathogenesis. Recently, new animal models employing genetically tractable simple organisms such as Drosophila melanogester and Ceanorhabditis elegans have been developed as alternative virulence models. C. elegans will be used to develop such models to study virulence and host-defense mechanisms of foodborne bacterial pathogens and biothreat agents. Discovery of new virulence factors and molecular understanding of virulence mechanisms will facilitate development of faster and more powerful detection assays to protect US food sources from pathogenic agents. Project Objective: The JIFSAN intern will conduct experiments to optimize genome-wide RNAi screens using C.elegans genomic RNAi library. The student will also be involved in pilot and actual RNAi screens. Project Needs and Duration: The student should have basic biology background. Knowledge of basic laboratory practices is preferable. This project will require 2-3 days per week, in blocks of 3-5 hours per day. Estimated length of time needed to complete project: One hour. Project estimated target start and end dates: June 2008-May 2009. Location: MOD1, Laurel, MD. JIP-192 Project Title: Characterization of the Lac+Phenotype in Salmonella Tennessee Isolates Associated with the Peanut Butter Outbreak of 2007 Status: Actively seeking interns Principal Investigators: Eric W, Brown, PH.D. Project Description: Several strains of Salmonella Tennessee have become diagnostically spurious due to their retention of an unusual phenotype-the ability. Understanding the mechanisms of the acquisition of this unusual phenotype are important for inclusivity/exclusivity of future Salmonella strains associated with foodborne outbreaks. This study will provide insight into the prevalence, penetrance, and mechanisms associated with this unusual characteristic in Salmonella. Understanding this problem will provide knowledge for future assay design when developing detection methods for Salmonella in foods. Project Objective: The student will isolate and characterize the lactose utilization genes associated with this trait in Salmonella strains. This will include applying DNA technology to the problem including PCR, cloning, and DNA sequence analysis. The student will also characterize and survey a number of feral salmonella strains for the lactose phenotype using conventional microbiological techniques and molecular biological techniques. Project Needs and Duration: The student should have some experience in microbiology, general laboratory science, and good computational skills particularly in Microsoft Office. Two to three days a week for 6-8 hours will allow for substantial advances in this project. Estimated length of time needed to complete project: One year. Location: Wiley Building, College Park, MD. JIP-164 Project Title: Investigation of the Function of the Genes in the mutS-rpoS region of Enteric Pathogens Status: Internship not available Principal Investigators: Amit Mukherjee, Ph.D. Project Description: Enterohemorrhagic E. coli O157:H7 is one of the main foodborne pathogens in the United States. Understanding the physiology and pathogenesis of such pathogenic enterics is essential in order to contain and manage future outbreaks, particularly in light of the fact that there are increasing numbers of incidents reported involving antibiotic resistant bacteria. One approach to studying this problem is to identify genes that help in the survival of pathogenic enterics under stressful environments, such as those faced in the hosts they invade. A region in the genome of pathogenic enterics that has been the subject of intense investigation in this laboratory is the highly polymorphic region between the mutS and rpoS genes. Despite the variation in length and the number of genes in this region among enterics, there are four open reading frames (ORFs), z4045, z4046 (yclC), z4047 (yclB), and z4048, which are present in this region in all the enterics investigated so far. Therefore, it is likely that these genes may play a role in their physiology and/or pathogenesis. Putative functions for these ORFs have been assigned based on sequence homology but there are no experimental evidences. One way to identify their functions is to investigate how the in vivo expression of these genes is affected under different environmental situations. Since one of the proteins, Z4048, belongs to the marR family of transcriptional regulators it will be of interest to study its affinity for specific DNA sequences and whether it regulates the expression of the other genes in this region. Project Objective: The specific objectives of this project are: 1) to study the in vivo expression of the ORFs, Z4046, Z4047, and Z4048 of E. coli O157:H7 under various growth conditions using transcriptional fusions to lacZ and by probing the in vivo levels of the proteins by western blotting; 2) to conduct in vitro studies to investigate whether Z4048 has affinity for specific DNA sequences in this region and if it affects the regulation of the other genes in this region. Project Needs and Duration: The student will perform experiments involving handling of bacterial cultures, isolation of plasmid DNA, PCR, cloning genes for transcriptional studies, over-expression and purification of proteins, western blotting, and gel shift assays. The student should have a keen interest in microbiology/molecular biology and be willing to do lab work. The student should have taken basic biology and chemistry courses, and advanced courses in molecular biology/ biochemistry/cell biology would be an added advantage. Location: MOD-1, Muirkirk Road, Laurel, MD. JIP-165 Project Title: Effect of immunomodulators on the immune system and clearance of Salmonella enteritidis by laying hens Status: Internship not available Principal Investigators: Uma S. Babu Project Description: Salmonella enteritidis (SE) carried by chickens and transmitted via shell eggs has become a major source of human intestinal infections. Despite the tremendous efforts made by the poultry industry, no effective measurements for elimination of SE colonization have been generated. Since the rate of horizontal transmission among chickens and egg-laying hens is very rapid, general hygiene measurements are not as effective as desired. The purpose of these studies is to examine the role of immunomdulators on the immune responses and SE clearance in chickens. Some of these approaches may lead to reduced colonization of the chicken reproductive tissues by SE and decreased incidence of contaminated shell eggs and therefore, a reduced exposure to consumers. Methods developed in this study may be adapted to other avian zoonotic pathogens. Project Objective: The specific objectives of this study include: 1) investigate the effects of immune potentiators such as vaccines or CpG nucleotides individually or in combination on the immune system of chickens; 2) study the effect of immunomodulators on SE clearance and 3) determine the association between immune response and SE clearance using this system. Project Needs and Duration: The student will 1) assist in the preparation of spleens and livers for colony counts (homogenization and serial dilutions); 2) assay for cell mediated immunity parameters such as cell proliferation and relevant cytokines; 3) assay for humoral immunity such as antibody response; and 4) determine Organ colonization (spleen and liver) of chickens with SE. The student should 1) be willing work in the lab, 2) have knowledge of cell culture work and basic techniques such as pipeting small volumes; and 3) have a minimum of two years of laboratory experience in the areas of microbiology and/or immunology. Location: 8301 Muirkirk Road, Laurel, MD. JIP-172 Project Title: Epidemiological Typing of Salmonella Enteritidis using Phenotypic Status: Internship not available Principal Investigators: Dr. Eric W. Brown Project Description: Since 1987, Salmonella Enteritidis has been one of the most frequently isolated serotypes associated with foodborne illness. S. Enteritidis is most often associated with illness derived from poultry sources including broiler chickens, eggs, and foods containing eggs. From a molecular epidemiological perspective, Salmonella Enteritidis presents a unique set of challenges. Due to its largely uniform genomic structure, S. Enteritidis has complicated the use of molecular genetic analysis to discriminate strains of this pathogen. Several reports have documented the limited number of highly clonal genotypes retained by S. Enteritidis strains. For example, multi-locus enzyme electrophoresis (MLEE) studies of a geographically disparate set of human and non-human source S. Enteritidis strains uncovered a single electrophoretic type (ET) that accounted for nearly 80% of the ETs for this serovar. Such studies reinforce the notion that the vast majority of S. Enteritidis strains are derived from a single endemic clone regardless of host source, geographic locale, or time of isolation. These unique genetic properties hinder effective epidemiologic investigations of this pathogen during outbreaks and for construction of informative S. Enteritidis strain databases. While PFGE remains the subtyping gold standard for many strains and species, S. Enteritidis is one of a few serovars that confounds state-of-the-art subtyping approaches including PFGE due to its extensive clonality. Conventional genetic protocols such as PFGE analysis using restriction enzymes lack discriminatory power to detect the subtle differences that distinguish many S. Enteritidis strains. In this study, phenotype microarray analysis is applied and the discriminatory power of phenotypic markers as found in the phenotype microarray of the Biolog PM system is evaluated in an effort to identify a more informative typing scheme for this significant pathogen. We have worked on related aspects of this project for nearly one year. The student will carry the phenotypic aspects of this project forward and will master the use of the Bio-Log metabolic microarray system and machine within the laboratory. This study will undoubtedly open up new questions and new avenues of differentiation for this serious pathogen. The metabolic microarray will be used to search for unique biomarkers that can distinguish individual strains of S. Enteritidis. Project Objective: 1) Using prepared bacterial strains isolated from various food sources and poultry sources, the student will obtain high quality nutrient replete culture samples from each of the roughly 100 S. Enteritidis strains being studied; 2) The student will obtain phenotype microarray outputs for five different experiments involving only single strains in order to determine and establish internal stability (i.e., background noise) among the resultant nutrient utilization profiles; 3) The student will analyze the nearly 100 S. Enteritidis strains and obtain high-resolution stable phenotypic microarrays for these strains that will include carbon and nitrogen sources as well as antibiotic resistance and other oxidative stress profiles; and 4) In order to foster more comprehensive and accurate methods for discrimination of this pathogen, the student will determine the relationships among S. Enteritidis strains and between these strains by clustering the strains into known groups of phenotypic relatedness. The most informative phenotypic markers will be identified. Project Needs and Duration: The student should have an interest in biology/molecular biology and be willing to perform laboratory work. The student should have taken basic biology and chemistry courses. Advanced courses in molecular biology would be an added advantage. The student should be prepared to perform basic PCR amplifications, DNA clean-up procedures, and work with advanced laboratory equipment. The student should be willing to work a minimum of 3 hours per day for 2-3 days per week. Estimated length of time needed to complete project: one year. Number of students requested: one. Location: Wiley Building, College Park JIP-174 Project Title: Antimicrobial resistance profile of microbial population in select produce commodities Status: Internship not available Principal Investigators: Keith A. Lampel Project Description: A number of produce commodities have been and are targeted to be tested for the presence of certain microbial pathogens in CFSANs Produce Assignment. Data in the literature and generated in our laboratory have indicated the rise of antimicrobial resistance among the indigenous microbial population in produce. This may be a contributing factor of the rise of multiple drug resistant microbial pathogens and perhaps the ecological milieu of produce is a contributing factor. One of the Agencys current focus is to provide a better means to detect and isolate microbial pathogens from produce commodities as evident by CFSANs Produce Assignment. In parallel to this study, an understanding of the prevalence of the indigenous microbial population in produce may be reflective of a potential problem in transfer of genetic resistance markers to microbial human pathogens. Project Objective: The objectives of this project include: 1) Evaluate and enumerate in produce commodities listed in the Produce Assignment for the microbial population that are resistant to multiple antibiotics; 2) Initiate a study to identify the mechanism of antimicrobial resistance, e.g. plasmid-borne, integrons: and 3) Demonstrate that the genetic vehicle of antimicrobial resistance can be transferred to select microbial pathogens, specifically some Salmonella strains such as Heidelberg, Javiana, Newport. Project Needs and Duration: The students will use their laboratory skill to analyze foods for antimicrobial resistant microbes. Students will select for this indigenous microbial by plating on agar plates supplemented with antibiotics. In addition, plasmids will be isolated using standard kits. Integrons will be identified by amplification by PCR using primers that can distinguish different classes of such genetic elements. The student should have taken classes in biology and chemistry at a minimum and a class in general microbiology would be advantageous. During the summer months, the student should have ample time to prepare the media and execute all the necessary experiments to determine which chromogenic agar is best suited for the research objectives. During the academic year, blocks of 3-5 hrs per day that the student is in the laboratory should be reserved. Estimated length of time needed to complete project: One year. Number of students requested: one Location: Wiley Building JIP-176 Project Title: Bioinformatic annotation of detection and food outbreaks literature related to C. botulinum in foods Status: Internship not available Principal Investigators: Shashi K. Sharma Project Description: Botulism is a potentially deadly illness. It can be acquired by humans from eating food contaminated with a toxin excreted by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The toxin causes muscle paralysis due to its action on the nervous system and is the most poisonous substance known. Botulism has been a public health hazard for centuries and today is emerging as a significant bioterrorism threat. Foodborne botulism is a severe type of food poisoning caused by the ingestion of foods containing the potent neurotoxin formed during growth of the organism. The incidence of the disease is low, but the mortality rate is high if not treated immediately and properly. Currently, the most frequently used method (and FDA accepted method for regulatory purpose) for detecting botulinum toxin in foods or in the environment, or for assessing the potency of the drug, is a test called the mouse bioassay. However, recent scientific and technological advances are providing opportunities for new alternative methods that may be faster and more accurate, and also may refine, replace, and reduce animal use. Since botulism is a life-threatening disease and FDA always initiates a class I recall, we wish to catalog a database consisting detailed information of previous outbreaks with related clinical incidence and emerging rapid detection systems based on the public literature. This annotated database can serve a reference for future outbreak and scientific investigations for FDA regulatory and scientific purpose. C. botulinum outbreak studies based on regional C. botulinum isolates provide clusters of data that need to be annotated. This annotation could implement a controlled vocabulary organized into three major hierarchies: area, temperature, growth conditions and biological processes. This terminology will allow a coherent and consistent description of the knowledge about outbreaks conditions for the regulatory purpose. The annotation of alternate methods for detection will be helpful for the development of and validation studies of new methods that may be faster and more accurate, and also may refine, replace, and reduce animal use. The centralized web based annotation can be linked to CFSAN ORS office page. Project Objective: The specific objectives of this project are: 1) Searching and cataloging of C. botulinum outbreaks and detection of data from the public literature data base; 2) Annotation of C. botulinum outbreaks and detection data in a various formats; and 3) Development of web-based system consisting of a searchable database using a Microsoft Front Page Editor or similar tool. Project Needs and Duration: The student should have a keen interest in biology; bioinformatics and web based learning tools and be willing to perform computer work. Training and/or experience in adapting computer software to specific applications. Self motivation and a willingness to learn are essential. During the semesters, the student should be willing to work up to a minimum of 3 hours per day for 2-3 days per week. During the summer, the student could work up to 30 hrs per week. The mentor would schedule one or two weekly meetings to discuss the status of progress, troubleshoot setbacks, and brainstorm. Estimated length of time needed to complete project: One Year Location: Wiley Building, College Park, MD JIP-180 Project Title: Study of the Survival Growth Characteristics of Listeria monocytogenes Associated with Gastroenteritis and Invasive Listeriosis Status: Internship not available Principal Investigators: Atin R. Datta, Ph. D. Project Description: Foodborne listeriosis continues to be one of the major public health problems. Although most of the reported outbreaks involve septicemia, meningitis, abortion and death, several listeriosis outbreaks had presented gastroenteritis as the only symptom. These gastroenteritis outbreaks are characterized by quick onset (24-48h), high attack rates and broad range of individuals. Current knowledge about the physiology and genetics of the subtypes of L. monocytogenes factors that are responsible for these symptoms are extremely limited. The project will address the growth conditions and stress repsonse of these organisms. The work, together with other studies, should help the agency to assess the contribution and risk of gastroenteritis from food borne listerosis. To be able to protect the public from the L.monocytogenes contaminated foods, a thorough understanding of the physiology, virulence factors and genetics of this subgroup of L.monocytogenes must be developed. The proposed work should be able to delineate some of the important physiological differences between strains associated with the invasive listeriosis and gastroenteritis listeriosis. Together with the DNA microarray and phenotypic microarray data it may be possible to develop specific identification method for these strains in food. If successful, this method will be able to improve upon our currently used methodology thereby enhancing FDA's food safety mission. Project Objective: The student will perform experiments to optimize and measure viability and growth of L.monocytogenes under different environmental conditions. The student will also assist in the experiments to develop gene specific mutations and study transcription profiles of specific genes in gastroenteritis associated L.monocytogenes grown under different environmental conditions. Project Needs and Duration: Preliminary knowledge in microbiology, chemistry, and biochemistry is required. Some working knowledge of basic laboratory practices is preferable. Above all, the student should be diligent and have a passion for scientific research. Blocks of 3-4 hours, 2-3 days per week are preferable. Estimated length of time needed to complete project: One year. Project estimated target start and end dates: June 2008-May 2009. Location: MOD1 Laurel, Maryland JIP-182 Project Title: The Use of RT-PCR to Assess Cyclospora and Cryptosporidium Oocyst Viability Status: Internship not available Principal Investigators: Palmer A. Orlandi, Ph.D. Project Description: Cyclospora cayetanesis, Cryptosporidium parvum, Cryptosporidium hominis parasites and similar coccidian parasites are considered emerging human pathogens for which our general understanding is limited. These three parasites have been identified as important waterborne and food-borne pathogens and have been responsible for multiple outbreaks of illness associated with the consumption of fresh produce, juices, or water. Whereas suitable molecular techniques are now available to detect these parasitic pathogens in many types of matrices, no adequate method has been developed to determine the viability of oocysts isolated from suspected contaminated food or water. Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) will provide a means to assess parasite viability based on the expression levels of selective stage-specific messenger RNAs. Although these parasitic organisms have been detected in foods and beverages epidemiologically-linked to outbreaks of illness on numberous occasions, the absence of viability data limits the scope of regulatory action that can be taken by the agency. The presence of the organism in most instances is insufficient to prove that the isolate was the causative agent in disease outbreaks without evidence that the organism was viable. Currently, no suitable method exists to enrich for any of these patholgens (usually isolated in very low numbers isolated for a suspected contaminated food source). RT-PCR will provide a means to assess parasite viability from isolates containing limited numbers of organism. Project Objective: The JIFSAN intern will conduct experiments to optimize RT-PCR amplification for multiple stage-specific gene targets from C.cayetanensis and C. parvum oocysts from either purified isolates or from artificially-contaminated foods and beverages. The student will also assist in future experiments to assess assay sensitivity and to examine the correlation between environmental stress factors to which these organisms may be exposed and any subsequent change in stage-specific gene expression. Project Needs and Duration: The student should have a background in biology, some understanding of molecular biology techniques, and a dedication to learn new and exciting research techniques. Some laboratory experience is preferable, or at least has some working knowledge of basic laboratory practices in general and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) concepts specifically. Blocks of 3-4 hours, 2-3 days per week are preferable. Estimated length of time needed to complete project: One year. Project estimated target start and end date: June 2008-May 2009. Location: MOD1, Laurel, MD. JIP-187 Project Title: Establish Methodology for Assessing Inflammatory Cytokine Expression by PCR-arrays for Future Projects Involving Infectious and Inflammatory Models Status: Internship not available Principal Investigators: Uma S. Babu Project Description: Food-borne pathogen illnesses are common world-wide and there are several ways to control the infections in animals that eventually cause human infections. These include but are not limited to vaccines, antibiotics and maintaining a hygienic environment. However, despite these measures, the incidences of food-borne illnesses are on the rise. For many food-borne pathogens, the Immunobiology (susceptibility factors and immune responses) is not known completely and our work will help establish this by using animal and/or in-vitro models. This study will standardize the procedure for RNA extraction from tissue samples without genomic DNA contamination and establish the methods to assess various cytokines using appropriate RT-PCR and micro-array techniques. Our results could offer useful information for managing infections in animals and therefore in reducing the food-borne illness in humans. Project Objective: The JIFSAN student will: 1) standardize the procedure for RNA extraction from tissue samples without genomic DNA contamination; 2) establish the methods to assess various cytokines using appropriate RT-PCR and micro-array techniques. Project Needs and Duration: The student should be able to perform RAN extraction from tissue samples; and perform basic pipeting techinques and basic laboratory calculations such as dilutions and preparing various solutions and reagents. The student should have laboratory experience in the areas of immunology and microbiology. A third or fourth year college student is preferred. This project will require approximately 10 hours/week. Blocks of time may be arranged. Estimated length of time needed to complete project: One year Project estimated target start and end dates: June 2008 - May 2009 Location: MOD I Additional Information: CARTS Title: Cellular and Cytokine Biomarkers for Infectious and Inflammatory Models CARTS Number: 0331 JIP-188 Project Title: Establishment of a 16S rDNA database for the identification, taxonomic assessment, and pathogen evaluation of Bacillus bacterial strains asserted as live microbial ingredients Status: Internship not available Principal Investigators: Marianna Naum, Ph.D. Project Description: The genus Bacillus represents a particularly important safety challenge due to the presence of both pathogenic bacilli (e.g. B. cereus and B. anthracis) as well as food-ingredient bacilli, organisms that are safely consumed in viable form in fermented food (e.g. B. subtilis var. natto). Following the successful launch of the Lactobacillus 16S rDNA database project, we propose the use of similar methods to create a comprehensive 16S rDNA database of FDA pertinent Bacillus species. The student will only be working on non pathogenic, food-ingredient bacilli, which are submitted to CFSAN as new dietary ingredient (NDI) notifications. Our goal is to construct a database which can successfully differentiate food relevant Bacillus species from pathogenic bacilli. Project Objective: A total of two databases will be constructed. The first one will include 16S rDNA gene sequences of all available Bacillus taxa of interest to us obtained from public domain databases such as GENBANK. The second database will consist of sequence data generated at CFSAN from a series of food-ingredient Bacillus strains obtained from industry representatives such as Nestle. The student will conduct laboratory-based duties (PCR amplification, gel electrophoresis, and product purification for sequencing) as well as computer-based duties (downloading available gene sequences from public domain databases such as GENBANK). Project Needs and Duration: The student should have an innate ability to learn quickly in a laboratory and computer settings. Prerequisite coursework includes molecular biology, microbiology, and genetics courses. Previous lab experience is not required. The student is expected to work 30 hrs/week in the summer, spending approximately 5 hrs/day in the laboratory, and 10 hrs/week in the Fall/Spring, spending approximately 3 hrs 3 times a week in the laboratory. Estimated length of time needed to complete project: One year. Project estimated target start and end dates: June 2008 May 2009. Location: Wiley Building JIP-189 Project Title: Single Laboratory Validation of New Chromogenic Agars for Salmonellae Status: Internship not available Principal Investigators: Socrates Trujillo, Ph.D. Project Description: Salmonella spp. are food borne pathogens of concern and FDA regulates its presence in food. Members of the genus Salmonella constitute the most important causes of food poisoning in the United States, and isolation by culture remains the most reliable method for their detection. A wide variety of selective media have been developed for this purpose. While confirmation of suspect colonies with such media is successful, most are highly nonspecific. In recent years chromogenic media have been developed for the detection of Salmonella spp. Such media detect a combination of biochemical characteristics and are consequently highly specific. This project will focus on new chromogenic agars for the detection of Salmonella spp. As these new agars continue to populate the market this studys evaluation will produce the data necessary to assess their inclusion in the FDA's Bacteriological Analytical Manual (BAM). FDA's BAM presents the agency's preferred laboratory procedures for microbiological analyses of foods and cosmetics. The principal objective of this project is to produce a new method for BAM utilizing new chromogenic agars for the detection of Salmonella spp. Updating the BAM is a priority of the Division of Microbiology, Office of Regulatory Science. Project Objective: The student will use his/her laboratory skills to compare the different commercially available chromogenic agars for the detection of Salmonella spp. to current conventional BAM methodologies, including real-time PCR, and the API 20 kit. The student will learn colony morphology for identification purposes, as well as computer skills associated with data analysis. Project Needs and Duration: The student must be respectful and punctual. Microbiology and chemistry laboratory experience is a must. Some working knowledge of basic laboratory practices is preferable. Above all, the student should be diligent and have a passion for scientific research. A minimum of three times per week would be ideal, preferably at the same time of the day (morning or afternoons). Estimated length of time needed to complete project: One year. Location: wiley Building JIP-191 Project Title: Conventional and Molecular-based detection of Shigella in foods. Status: Internship not available Principal Investigators: Keith Lampel, Ph.D Project Description: Shigella species continue to cause a significant number of foodborne illness due to the ingestion of contaminated foods. Methods to either isolate or detect this microbial pathogen have been developed with significant improvement noted. This includes an enrichment medium that can reduce the indigenous microbial population in selected food and in combination with a novel chromogenic agar has great potential to improve the current BAM method. In addition, a new real-time PCR assay has been developed that can identify putative positive cultures in less than 2 hours. This project will combine these technologies into one protocol. A new, combined protocol to isolate and detect Shigella can be incorporated into the BAM and update the current Shigella method in FERN. Project Objective: The student will: 1) utilize conventional methods to isolate Shigella; 2) utilize PCR methods (real time and conventional) to identify Shigella; and 3) combine enrichment/isolation methods with PCR based protocols to perform one-lab validation. Project Needs and Duration: This project requires basic courses in biology, chemistry and microbiology with appropriate lab experience. The student will need to work 10hrs/week during the semesters and 30 hrs/week during breaks. Estimated length of time needed to complete project: One year Location: Wiley Building Back to the top
Project Title: Development of Threshold based Quantitative Structure Activity Models Status: Internship not available Principal Investigators: Mitchell Cheeseman, Ph.D. Project Description: This project provides for completion of work begun by a JIFSAN intern between 6/06 and 5/07. Currently available quantitative structure activity computational tools do not include a consideration of relative potency of compounds in making predictions. This limits their value to regulatory decision makers who must weigh relative risk in some decisions. This project will build on stratification of a learning data set accomplished over the past year. We expect to use those data sets to create one of the first potency-based predictive models for carcinogenicity. The student will perform validation of the model once developed. We will compare this model to other commercially available programs regarding their ability to predict carcinogens of varying potency. The end product will be directly useful in the review of substances entering the food supply as food and color additives or constituents of additives.If successful, the model will provide a predictor that will address the real-life regulatory question of whether a given compound is of concern at a given dietary concentration. The model developed will be tested by the student using actual chemicals considered in the food ingredients program. Project Objective: The student will use several stratified databases to develop models for predicting compounds of concern for carcinogenicity at several dietary thresholds. The student will validate the models using a leave one out approach. The student will also test the utility of the models developed in actual regulatory decision making processes within OFAS. Project Needs and Duration: Knowledge of chemistry, biology or toxicology and computer skills are desirable. Knowledge or experience in computer modeling or statistics would also be desirable. Timing is flexible. Several stratified databases of toxicity information have been developed and refined within Leadscope enterprise software. It is expected that the student can now use these data sets to create models to computationally predict toxicity and to validate those models. Estimated length of time needed to complete project: One year Location: CPK2, College Park, MD JIP-178 Project Title: Development of Structure-Searchable Toxicology Databases Derived From FDA In-House Toxicity Data Status: Internship not available Principal Investigators: Kirk Arvidson, Ph.D. Project Description: The Office of Food Additive Safety (OFAS) reviews toxicology studies in support of new direct and indirect food additives. In the last few years, the OFAS's Structure Activity Relationship (SAR) analysis team has been challenged with developing structure searchable databases that contain the historical toxicity data previously only available by name or chemical abstract registry number and hard copy memoranda. The development of a structure searchable database will provide for more efficient, consistent, and thorough review of new food additive submissions by incorporating the use of structural analogies. Furthermore, a structural analysis of the chemicals in the database, paired with the toxicity data, has the potential to assist FDA in preparing better regulatiory guidance. Project Objective: The goal of our project is to expand the knowledge base of our toxicity databases by supplying industry and the public with non-confidential chemical and toxicology data extracted from our files. The intern will assist the project leader in identifying and adding new toxicity data to the current structure-searchable databases. As part of the data entry process, the intern will use/learn additional aspects of biology and chemistry as they relate to the interpretation of a variety of in vivo and in vitro toxicity studies. The intern will also use their scientific knowledge to identify and verify complex chemical names, I.D. numbers, and chemical structures associated with the toxicity data they enter into the database. The intern will gain experience in working with ChemDraw, Leadscope Enterprise Chemoinformatics software, and other software used in chemoinformatics. Project Needs and Duration: The intern should be, at minimum, a junior with a background in biology, cell biology, or similar discipline. The intern should also have completed general and organic chemistry. The project is very flexible, but the intern should plan on dedicating 1 to 2 four-hour block(s) of time to data entry. This time frame will allow the intern sufficient time to identify a toxicity study in our files, collect the information, and finish entering the data from an individual study into the database before their work day is complete. Estimated lenght of time needed to complete project: One year. Project estimated target start and end dates: June 2008-May 2009. Location: University Station (CPK-2) Back to the top Chemistry
Project Title: Detection of Unpasteurized Milk in Cheese and Other Dairy Products Status: Actively seeking interns Principal Investigators: George C. Ziobro, Ph.D Project Description: The current methods used to detect raw or improperly pasteurized milk used in the production of cheese or other dairy products are over 70+ years old. These methods are neither accurate nor precise. At this time it is very difficult to take any regulatory action against these products. At this time the Agency does not have a reliable method that can be used to take regulatory action on dairy products, excluding milk, that will measure alkaline phosphate activity at the published regulatory levels in 21 CFR 133. The new methods will replace 15 different AOAC methods and one BAM method. Some of these methods are over 70 years old and expose the analyst to various chemicals whose use today is greatly restricted Project Objective: The student will: 1) assess commercially available instrumentation used to measure active alkaline phosphatase in milk for their applicability to cheese and other dairy products; and 2) conduct ruggedness tests on two different methods that have been developed at CFSAN. Project Needs and Duration: The student should have two years of basic laboratory chemistry and an introduction to biochemistry. Any experience in dairy science would be a plus. Student would need a minimum of one four hour block of time each week and another 2-4 hours for sample preparation time. Estimated length of time needed to complete project: One year Location: Wiley Building JIP-159 Project Title: Detection of Allergenic Foods Status: Internship not available Principal Investigators: A. E. Garber, Ph.D. Project Description: An estimated 3.5% of the population suffers from some form of food allergy. Avoidance is currently the only method available to prevent an allergic response. It is therefore critical that foods known to cause allergic responses are properly labeled. To assure the accuracy of such listings and detect the presence of hidden, inadvertent food allergens methods are needed that accurately detect allergenic foods. Project Objective: The project is divided into two areas 1): Evaluation of test kits commercially available for the detection of soy in food and the effects of food preparation (i.e.: baking, freezing, etc.). 2): Develop better methods to extract and detect allergenic foods. Current methods rely on the partitioning of proteins into an aqueous solution. The most sensitive assays use reducing / denaturing conditions to facilitate mobilization of the proteinaceous biomarkers while the majority of test kits use surfactants. An alternative approach that should increase recovery and decrease assay time entails the use of magnetic beads coated with the capture antibody. This should combine into one step extraction, removal of debris, and the first step of the ELISA assay. In addition to the two areas described above, the intern will assist the Allergen Methods Team on validation projects as they may arise. The student will be expected to function as both a member of the Allergen Methods Team assisting on validation projects as they may arise and as an independent researcher heading his/her own project as outlined above under the guidance (supervision) of the mentor. As part of the project the student will have to prepare and work with various solutions (buffers, proteins, extracts, conjugate proteins), perform immunology based assays (i.e.: ELISAs), operate instrumentation (absorbance and fluorescence spectrophometers and plate readers), design experiments, and critically analyze and interpret data. It is expected that the student will produce data that will be presented at local (Univ. Maryland and FDA) scientific meetings and if possible at national scientific meetings. Project Needs and Duration: The student should have completed successfully one year of organic chemistry with at least one semester of organic lab and all associated prerequisite courses. The student should be able to commit at least 8 hours a week to the project with at least once a week being able to devote a bock of 5 hours. The 5 hour block will allow the student to leisurely perform an experiment with the additional 3 hours providing for the preparation any reagents/samples for the upcoming experiment or the analysis of data. One year project. One student needed. JIP-166 Project Title: Evaluation and comparison of non MS based methods for acrylamide in food. Status: Internship not available Principal Investigators: Greg Noonan Project Description: Briefly describe the problem and the project being considered by the laboratory/office. Since the discovery of acrylamide production in cooked foods there has been a steady stream of new analytical methods claiming to measure acrylamide at ppb levels in a variety of foods. Many of these methods utilize isotopic internal standards, minor variations in extraction techniques and LC-MS/MS, and are undoubtedly sensitive and accurate for acrylamide. However a number of methods do not incorporate an internal standard and use nonspecific detection methods (UV), but still claim high levels of accuracy for quantification of acrylamide. It is doubtful that these newer methods have adequate performance to reliably detect acrylamide in a range of foods. If food manufacturers are changing food processing conditions in an effort to reduce acrylamide levels it is important that they use an accurate method for determining acrylamide concentrations. The new methods offer less expensive testing procedures, but at the risk of being unreliable. This work will allow us to independently verify the new methods and indirectly assist manufacturers with accurately determining acrylamide levels in their products. Project Objective: Determine if the new methods which do not utilize internal standards are accurate for the detection and quantitation of acrylamide in a variety of foods. Using identical samples compare the new methods with the current FDA acrylamide method. Project Needs and Duration: The student will: 1) assist in sample preparation and sample extraction; 2) analysis of samples by LC using reversed phase and normal phase chromatography and detection with UV-Vis; and 3) learn, but may not independently operate LC MS instrumentation. Because the project involves processing large number of samples on 3 to 4 methods and repeating other researchers work, the student will need to be extremely organized and follow written instructions. Laboratory course work involving quantitative analysis and/or instrumental analysis would be beneficial. The student should have completed Organic Chemistry. Any laboratory work is advantageous as is familiarity with word-processing (MS Word) and spreadsheet (MS Excel, Origin) software. Laboratory work usually requires longer blocks of time for sample processing and instrumental setup. Blocks less then 4 hours usually result in very little actual work time. Location: Wiley Building, College Park, MD. JIP-169 Project Title: Predicting Metal Toxicity with Quantitative Structure and Ion Character Activity Relationships Status: Internship not available Principal Investigators: Elizabeth R. Sanchez, Ph.D. Project Description: This project provides an opportunity to work with and learn from chemists and toxicologists at CFSAN and the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) to develop a method that will help predict the toxicity of inorganic compounds that are food additives or drugs, by using quantitative structure and ion character activity relationships. The Office of Food Additive Safety (OFAS) and the Office of Pharmaceutical Science (OPS) are developing quantitative structure-activity relationship models to predict bioactivity of inorganic compounds. The development of models and expert rules linking biological activity to 2-D and 3-D molecular attributes may enable more accurate assessment of toxicity of food ingredients, food additives, and pharmaceutical molecules, during the regulatory review process. These models may also allow reviews to be conducted more efficiently and consistently, and may ultimately lead to changes in regulatory guidance. Project Objective: 1) Retrieval of toxicology memoranda pertaining to food ingredients and food additives that are inorganic compounds. a) Retrieval of memoranda pertaining to a defined toxicology test based on searches of the FDA catalog system (SIREN). Toxicology subsets include: teratology and reproduction, subchronic, chronic, and mutagenicity tests. The student will work with staff to locate and copy/scan existing memoranda. b) Development of database parameters. This objective will be achieved through consultation with in-house experts. Depending on the toxicology subset, the student will work with experts in an area, such as reproductive toxicologists, or a diverse team including chemist and toxicologists (i.e., the structure activity relationship team) to determine what parameters of a study are essential to the database. The student would serve as the integrator of information and would be responsible for design of the database. c) Input of data. Data will be collected, as defined above, and archived using database software. The student will input the data with the assistance of staff toxicologists. Assistance will be provided as to the quality of the test, confidence in the results, and interpretation and conversion of data. Assistance in using the database software will be provided. 2) Retrieval and collation of inorganic atomic/ionic parameters for an array of elements of interest. Elements will be predominantly metals but will include some metalloids and non-metals that cannot be adequately modeled using existing approaches. Parameters will include, for example, coordination geometry, oxidation state, electronic configuration, and binding affinity. Project Needs and Duration: It is recommended that the student have a strong knowledge of inorganic or bioinorganic chemistry and a basic understanding of mathematical equations and statistical methods. Strong computer skills and an attention to detail are also desirable. The student must be able to commit 3 to 4 hour blocks of time, three times per week. Location: University Station, College Park JIP-175 Project Title: Multiresidue Analysis of Pesticides in Dried Botanical Dietary Supplements Status: Internship not available Principal Investigators: Jon W. Wong Project Description: The growing popularity of herbal products in the United States is reflected in the retail sales of $11.3 billion (in 2000) and by an estimated 37.2 million Americans regularly using herbal remedies. FDA faces significant challenges because many of these herbal supplements may contain contaminants such as pesticides and of the rapid increase in the volume of imported herbal products that may not follow FDA regulations. However, FDA is committed to ensuring that the dietary supplement products continue to be among the safest in the world. To improve the safety and consistency of dietary botanical supplements, research is needed to define the presence of pesticide contaminants in these products. From this research, validated methods will be developed to screen, identify, and quantify pesticides in botanical dietary supplements. This is a CARTS project (#176) and applies to FDA mission in the areas of dietary supplements and food safety. Part of FDAs mission is to ensure that our food and dietary supplements are safe and wholesome. Farmers use various pesticides to aid plant and herbal production and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) determines the levels of pesticides that may remain as a residue on food and other plant products. FDAs responsibility is to ensure the herbal products (and foods) we consume do not have pesticide residues above regulatory levels. The project involves the development and validation of a multiresidue procedure to screen for pesticides in dried botanical dietary supplements which will enable various laboratories such as the FDA field laboratories to regulate or enforce pesticide tolerances in herbal supplements. Project Objective: Specific objectives of the project include: 1. Extract pesticides from the herbal product using organic solvent salt-our extraction, solvent partitioning, and solid-phase extraction cleanup, 2. Analyze the extracts from the samples using GC-MS/SIM; 3. Evaluate the data and address specific validation issues regarding the developed method; 4. Presenting and publishing the results. Project Needs and Duration: Basic chemistry skills required, but qualities such as self-motivation, assertiveness, creativity, good communication skills, enthusiasm, and willing to learn are essential. Student should be willing to work two or three times a week, in three-hour time blocks. Estimated length of time needed to complete project: One year. Location: Wiley Building (College Park, MD.) JIP-177 Project Title: Emulsifier Effect in Packaging Additive Migration to Food Status: Internship not available Principal Investigators: William Limm, Ph.D. Project Description: Plastic food packaging contains additives that may migrate to food. Migration of polar additives to fatty foods may be enhanced by the presence of emulsifier(s) in food such as protein. By utilizing advanced analytical instruments, the student will both confirm and quantify the emulsifier effect. Project Objective: The student will: 1) set up and run migration experiments; 2) Prepare samples and analyze them with instruments such as HPLC, GC and mass spec; 3) analyze and interpret data obtained from instruments. Project Needs and Duration: The student should have experience in the following areas: Analytical Chemistry (required) and Instrumental Analysis and Physical Chemistry (optional). The student should be available during the fall and spring semesters: 10 hours per week; and during summer & winter breaks: 30 hours per week. Estimated length of time needed to complete project: One year. Project estimated target start and end dates: June 2008-May 2009 Location: Wiley Building JIP-185 (Old Project ID: JIF-159) Project Title: Use of Immunology and Nucleic Acid Based Diagnostics for the Detection of Food Allergens Status: Internship not available Principal Investigators: Eric A.E. Garber, Ph.D. Project Description: An estimated 4 million Americans suffer from food allergies with avoidance of the allergenic food being the only available treatment. As such, the FDA needs analytical methods to detect the inadvertent presence of food allergens to assure proper labeling and safegauard the allergic consumer. Recently developed commercial ELISA and PCR test kits are a potential source of analytical methods for the detection of food allergens. However, most of these test kits have not been validated and as such can not be employed without first evaluating their performance. Project Objective: The goal of this project is to demonstrate the utility and identifying drawbacks associated with the use of commercial test kits. To achieve this goal the intern will conduct experiments to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the test kits to detect the food allergen in foods representative of different forms of processing and preparation. The student should have completed one year of organic chemistry, one semester of organic chemistry lab and general chemistry. Preference will be given to applicants that have completed one semester of either biochemistry or cell biology. Project Needs and Duration: During the academic year the student should be able to work at least 4 hours on one day and at least 2.5 hours on a second day. This will provide enough time to perform an experiment and conduct any necessary preparative work. It is expected that the intern will work 30 hours a week during the summer. Estimated length of time needed to complete project : One year. Project estimated target start and end dates: June 2008- May 2009. Location: Wiley Building, College Park, MD. Back to the top Food Defense
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Project Title: Process Evaluation of Thermal Processes for Low Acid Foods in Hermetically Sealed Containers Status: Internship not available Principal Investigators: Mr. Michael Mignogna Project Description: Briefly describe the problem and the project being considered by the laboratory/office. FDA process calculation programs are in Fortran and do not run in the Windows environment these programs should be converted to a windows platform. The programs need to be updated to enable FDA to evaluate submitted thermal processes. The programs will eventually need to interact with the new industry web-based client program. Project Objective: The objective of this internship is to perform computer evaluation of filed thermal processes used by the food industry to determine whether processes are safe to prevent public health hazards. In addition, the intern will convert computer programs from Fortran to a Windows based software platform and develop the Standard Operating Procedures for the use of the new program version. Project Needs and Duration: The student will evaluate thermal processes using computer programs and modernize the existing computer programs to run in the Windows environment. The student should have a background in food science, technology or engineering and have some experience in computer programming, and have working knowledge of food processing. It is anticipated that this work could be done in blocks of one or three days two to eight hours a day- on any combination of workdays. Estimated length of time needed to complete project: The duration of the project: six to nine months, depending on availability of intern. Number of students requested: One Location: Wiley Building (College Park) JIP-183 (Old Project ID: JIP-171) Project Title: LACF Process Review Status: Internship not available Principal Investigators: Ms. Susan Brecher Project Description: As part of FDA's mission statement to protect the American food supply the CFSAN LACF food processing evaluation team reviews thousands of processing forms submitted by industry per year. Each of these forms needs to be reviewed for adequacy of the thermal process for safety. This is an overwhelming task given the current staffing situation. In this project the intern will assist the reviewers in order to facilitate the review process. It is the LACF food processing evaluation team's mission to review process filings to ensure the adequacy of the process to provide safe foods for the American public. This includes processing by a number of processing methods each with it's own critical factors that must be taken into consideration. Project Objective: The intern will extract data from both paper and online submissions to compile an Excel spread sheet that delineates the facility, sterilant used, packaging system, package type, and challenge study summaries. The student will also assist with the review of routine acidified and low acid process filing forms. The review of process filing forms and compiling information concerning aseptic processes will entail principles of food science and will build upon the student's understanding of thermal processing, microbiology, physics and mathematics. Project Needs and Duration: The student should be comfortable with Excel and have some knowledge of microbiology/physical sciences. The student will exaluate thermal processes using computer programs and modernize the existing computer programs to run in the Windows environment. The student should have a background in food science, technology or engineering and have some experience in computer programing, and have working knowledge of food processing. The mentors will schedule weekly meetings (or as often as necessary) with the student to be updated and to trouble shoot and assist the student. Estimated length of time needed to complete project: One year. Project estimated target start and end dates: June 2008-May 2009 Location: Wiley Building, College Park, MD. Back to the top Other
Project Title: Food Safety Risk Analysis: Quantitative Risk Assessments Status: Actively seeking interns Principal Investigators: Sherri Dennis, Ph.D. Project Description: Quantitative risk assessment is a dynamic and emerging tool used by regulatory agencies to evaluate and manage the impact of food hazards to public health. We have conducted quantitative microbial risk assessments on Listeria monocytogenes and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. CFSAN is currently conducting risk assessments on a variety of foods (including cheese, produce, ready-to-eat foods, shell eggs) and hazards (including Listeria monocytogenes, Norovirus, Hepatitis A virus, highly pathogenic avian influenza virus). CFSAN has integrated risk assessments that can develop assessments at different levels of complexity needed for policy decision-making (i.e., risk management). CFSAN also actively uses its risk assessment capability to help identify the critical research needs for upcoming regulatory initiatives. This project is primarily an opportunity for the student to assist CFSAN in conducting food safety risk assessments. For more information about CFSANs risk assessments see http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/ra-toc.html. Results of risk assessments are used to inform scientific policy, decision-making (risk management), and to prioritize focus areas and identify research needs. Project Objective: The objectives of the project include: 1) summarizing and evaluating references for relevance to the particular risk assessment project; 2) collecting and evaluating data used in risk projects; and 3) preparing summary tables and graphs. Project Needs and Duration: The student must be able to work independently with only minimal supervision. Student should have a background in Microbiology, Food Science, Pre-med, Pre-vet med, Nutrition, or related science field and have experience conducting literature searches. Flexible hours may be arranged. Estimated length of time needed to complete project: One year. Project estimated target start and end dates: June 2008-May 2009 Location: Wiley Building, College Park JIP-168 Project Title: Coordination/Analysis of Data for a Foodborne Illness Outbreak Surveillance Database Status: Internship not available Principal Investigators: Dr. Babgaleh Timbo Project Description: Each year there are many foodborne illness outbreaks and sporadic illness events associated with products regulated by the FDA, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. This project involves updating and collecting data for an Access database that is used to capture information related to foodborne illness outbreaks and sporadic illness events. The goal of the database is to make historical outbreak and sporadic event data useful and available to government food safety stakeholders. The first phase of this project is efficient data collection in cooperation with Emergency Response Staff. Later phases of this project involve data quality assurance, data analysis, and trend analyses. Project Objective: The objective of this project is to update and maintain a model foodborne illness surveillance system which will enable the Emergency Response Staff and Epidemiologists to efficiently record and retrieve data related to outbreaks and sporadic events. The surveillance system will be a data source for research to understand factors that contribute to foodborne illness that can be mitigated by regulatory influence. The student will be required to evaluate, input, extract and analyze passive surveillance data. Project Needs and Duration: The student should have: 1) knowledge of epidemiology, nutrition, statistics, information management, public health, microbiology, food science, or a related subject. 2) some experience in maintaining and /or developing Access databases; 3) good communication and attention to detail skills; 4) be a reliable part of the team. Project will require blocks of three to four hours at a time, several times a week. Estimated length of time needed to complete project: One year. Project estimated target start and end dates: June 2008-May 2009 Location: Wiley Building, Room 2C-077, College Park, MD Back to the top
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