Food & Beverages

Biography

Alvin Lee is Center Director and Associate Professor of Food Science and Nutrition and he is a Microbiologist and Virologist with more than 15 years research experience with a PhD from RMIT University, Australia in Biotechnology and Applied Biology. He currently leads IFSH Center for Processing Innovation and coleads the joint IFSH/FDA Microbiology Research Platform on food safety and defense related projects. He also manages the IFSH BSL-3 laboratory and pilot plant. Current research support includes funding from USDA, US FDA, National Center for Food Protection and Defense (NCFPD), Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and various industry contracts. He is an instructor for food microbiology in the IIT’s Masters of Science program and has mentored more than 25 graduate students and post-doctoral fellows. He is currently an active member of the International Association for Food Protection – serving on the IAFP Scientific Program Committee, American Society for Microbiology and Institute of Food Technologists – serving on the Annual Scientific Meeting Program Advisory Pane

Research Interest

Microbiologist and virologist with more than 10 years' research experience. Currently leads a number of food safety related projects at IFSH involving fresh-cut produce, norovirus transfer within the foodservice sector and non-thermal technologies. Dr. Lee also manages the BSL-3 facility at IFSH. Current research support includes funding from USDA, NCFPD, FDA and various industry contracts. He is also an instructor for food microbiology in the IIT's Masters of Science program and has previously mentored more than 15 graduate students and post-doctoral fellows.