FouladkhanAliyar Fouladkhah, PhD, MPH, CFS
Associate Professor
Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

Contact Information
112 / 114 Lawson Hall
Telephone: (615) 963-7471
Email: afouladk@tnstate.edu

Additional information about Dr. Fouladkhah's lab here.



See also:
 https://publichealthmicrobiology.education/
https://www.mdpi.com/journal/microorganisms/special_issues/foodborne_pathogens_manufacturing
 https://researchoutreach.org/articles/changing-climate-threat-multiplier-foodborne-waterborne-infectious-diseases-antibiotic-resistance/
 https://researchoutreach.org/articles/bacterial-biofilms-persisting-public-health-challenge/

Research Areas

Antibiotic Resistance and Antimicrobial Interventions against Foodborne Bacterial Pathogens
Ecology of Planktonic Cells and Biofilms of Food and Environmental Bacteria
Foodborne Diseases Epidemiology

Extension Areas

Food Safety Modernization Act and HACCP Outreach
Product Development and Quality Control in Food Manufacturing

Teaching
AGSC 5540- Food Policies and Regulations

Professional Experience

2021-present: Associate Professor (Tenured), Tennessee State University
2015-2021: Assistant Professor, Tennessee State University
2015-2015: Faculty Research Associate, Cooperative Extension Program, Florida A&M University
2014-2015: Quality Control Supervisor, Boulder Brands, Evol Division, Boulder, CO
2013-2014: Advanced Professional MPH candidate, Yale School of Public Health
2012- 2013: Product Development Scientist, Rodelle Inc. Fort Collins, CO
2009-2012: Graduate Research Assistant (Food Microbiology), Colorado State University
2009-2009: Microbiology & Chemistry Analyst I, Microbac Laboratories, Boulder, CO
2008-2009: Graduate Teaching Assistant (Food Chemistry), Colorado State University
2007-2009: Graduate Research Assistant (Sensory & Food Chemistry), Colorado State University

Selected Publications

Kafle, R. and Fouladkhah*, A.C., 2024. Effects of Thermally-Assisted and High-Pressure Processing on Background Microbiota and the Listeria monocytogenes Load of a Minimally Processed Commodity. Microorganisms, 12(9), p.1858.

Raut, R., Maharjan*, P. and Fouladkhah*, A.C., 2023. Practical Preventive Considerations for Reducing the Public Health Burden of Poultry-Related Salmonellosis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(17), p.6654.

Asefaw, S.; Aras, S.; Kabir, M.N.; Wadood, S.; Chowdhury, S.; Fouladkhah*, A.C. Public Health Importance of Preventive Measures for Salmonella Tennessee and Salmonella Typhimurium Strain LT2 Biofilms. Microbiol. Res. 2023, 14, 714–726. https://doi.org/10.3390/microbiolres14020051

Chowdhury, A., Aras, S., Kabir, N., Wadood, S., Allison, A., Chowdhury, S., and Fouladkhah*, A.C. 2022. Susceptibility of Pathogenic Nontyphoidal Salmonella Serovars and Avirulent Salmonella LT2 to Elevated Hydrostatic Pressure and CitricidalTM. Journal of Tennessee Academy of Science, Health and Medical Sciences Division of Journal of the Tennessee Academy of Science 2022, 96(1): 49–54.

Aras, S.; Kabir, N.; Wadood, S.; George, J.; Chowdhury, S.; Fouladkhah, A.C. Synergistic Effects of Nisin, Lysozyme, Lactic Acid, and CitricidalTM for Enhancing Pressure-Based Inactivation of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Geobacillus stearothermophilus, and Bacillus atrophaeus Endospores. Microorganisms 2021, 9, 653. 

Allison A., Fouladkhah, A. Sensitivity of Wild-Type and Rifampicin-Resistant O157 and Non-O157 Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli to Elevated Hydrostatic Pressure and Lactic Acid in Ground Meat and Meat Homogenate. Plos One, 2021, 16(2), p.e0246735. 

Allison, A., Fouladkhah, A. Sensitivity of planktonic cells and biofilm of wild-type and pressure-stressed Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella enterica serovars to sodium hypochlorite. Food Protection Trends, 2021, Vol. 41, No. 2, p. 195–203.  

Kabir, N., Aras, S., George, J., Wadood, S., Chowdhury, S., Fouladkhah, A. High-pressure and thermal-assisted pasteurization of habituated, wild-type, and pressure-stressed Listeria monocytogenes, Listeria innocua, and Staphylococcus aureus. LWT- Food Science and Technology, 2021, 137: 110445. 

Fouladkhah, A.; Thompson, B.; Camp, J.S. The Threat of Antibiotic Resistance in Changing Climate. Microorganisms 2020, 8, 748. Impact factor (2018-2019): 4.167
Kabir, M.N.; Aras, S.; Wadood, S.; Chowdhury, S.; Fouladkhah, A. Fate and Biofilm Formation of Wild-Type and Pressure-Stressed Pathogens of Public Health Concern in Surface Water and on Abiotic Surfaces. Microorganisms 2020, 8, 408. Impact factor (2018-2019): 4.167

Aras, S.; Kabir, M.N.; Chowdhury, S.; Fouladkhah, A. Augmenting the Pressure-Based Pasteurization of Listeria monocytogenes by Synergism with Nisin and Mild Heat. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17, 563. Impact factor (2018-2019): 2.469

Fouladkhah, A.; Thompson, B.; Camp, J.S. Safety of Food and Water Supplies in the Landscape of Changing Climate. Microorganisms 2019, 7, 469. Impact factor (2018-2019): 4.167
Kumar, A.; Allison, A.; Henry, M.; Scales, A.; Fouladkhah, A. 2019. Development of Salmonellosis as Affected by Bioactive Food Compounds. Microorganisms 2019, 7, 364. The Featured Paper of Volume 7, Issue 9 (September 2019). Impact factor (2018-2019): 4.167

Kabir, M.N., Aras, S., Allison, A., Adhikari, J., Chowdhury, S. and Fouladkhah, A., 2019. Interactions of Carvacrol, Caprylic Acid, Habituation, and Mild Heat for Pressure-Based Inactivation of O157 and Non-O157 Serogroups of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli in Acidic Environment. Microorganisms, 7(5), p.145. Impact factor (2018-2019): 4.167

Henry, M., Fouladkhah, A. 2019. Outbreak History, Biofilm Formation, and Preventive Measures for Control of Cronobacter sakazakii in Infant Formula and Infant Care Settings. Microorganisms 2019, 7(3), 77; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms7030077. Impact factor (2018-2019): 4.167

Allison, A., Chowdhury, S., Fouladkhah, A. Synergism of Mild Heat and High-Pressure Pasteurization against Listeria monocytogenes and Natural Microflora in Phosphate-Buffered Saline and Raw Milk.  Microorganisms 2018, 6(4), 102. Impact factor (2018-2019): 4.167

Allison, A., Daniels, E., Chowdhury, S., and Fouladkhah, A. Effects of Elevated Hydrostatic Pressure against Mesophilic Background Microflora and Habituated Salmonella Serovars in Orange Juice. Microorganisms 2018, 6(1), 23

Allison, A., and Fouladkhah, A. Adoptable Interventions, Human Health, and Food Safety Considerations for Reducing Sodium Content of Processed Food Products. Foods 2018, 7(2), 16.
Fouladkhah, A. The Need for Evidence-Based Outreach in the Current Food Safety Regulatory Landscape. Journal of Extension, Commentary Section, 16097COM JOE, 2017.

Fouladkhah, A., Bruntz, D., Berlin, D. High-sodium processed foods: Public health burden and sodium reduction strategies for industry practitioners. Food Reviews International 2015. 31(4): 341-354.
Chung, C., Fouladkhah, A., Gan, G., Tracy, G., Nadkami, R., Mary D. Assessing the impact of a community-based nutrition education program in the Haven Free Clinic. Practice Based Community Health Research Report. 2014. Elischolar Publication of Yale University, School of Public Health.

Fouladkhah, A., Geornaras, I., Sofos, J. Biofilm formation of O157 and non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli and multidrug-resistant and susceptible Salmonella Typhimurium and Newport and their inactivation by sanitizers. Journal of Food Science 2013. 78(6): M880-M886.

Fouladkhah, A., Geornaras, I., Yang, H., and Sofos, J. Lactic Acid Resistance of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli and Multidrug-resistant and Susceptible Salmonella Typhimurium and Salmonella Newport in Meat Homogenate. Food Microbiology 2013. 36(2): 260-266.

Fouladkhah, A., Geornaras, I., Nychas, J., Sofos J. Antilisterial properties of marinades during refrigerated storage and microwave oven reheating against post-cooking inoculated chicken breast meat. J. of Food Science 2013. 78(2): M285-289.

Fouladkhah, A., Geornaras, I., Yang H., Belk K., Nightingale KK, Woerner D., Smith GC, and Sofos JN. Sensitivity of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, multidrug resistant Salmonella, and antibiotic susceptible Salmonella to lactic acid on inoculated beef trimmings. J. of Food protection 2012. 75(10):1751-1758.

Fouladkhah, A., Geornaras, I., Sofos, J. Effects of reheating against Listeria monocytogenes inoculated on cooked chicken breast stored aerobically at 7°C. Food Protection Trends. 2012. 32(11): 697-704.

Fouladkhah, A., Bunning, M., Stone, M., Stushnoff, C., Kendall P., Stonaker. F. Consumer hedonic evaluation of eight fresh specialty leafy greens and their relationship to instrumental quality attributes and indicators of secondary metabolites. J. of Sensory Studies 2011. 26(3): 175-183.

Fouladkhah, A., Avens, J. Effects of Combined Heat and Acetic Acid on Natural Microflora Reduction of Cantaloupe melons. Journal of Food Protection 2010. 73(5):981-984.

Book and Book Chapter
Fouladkhah, A.; Bagheri M. November 2023. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: Evidence-Based Decision Making in Public Health in Statistical Approaches for Epidemiology: From Concept to Application (Editor Amal K. Mitra). Springer Nature Switzerland AG. ISBN-10: 3031417836 and ISBN-13: 978-3031417832. [Book Chapter].

Fouladkhah, A.; Bisha, B. Advances in Prevention of Foodborne Pathogens of Public Health Concern during Manufacturing. 1st ed. 2019. ISBN 978-3-03921-932-2 (Pbk); ISBN 978-3-03921-933-9 (PDF). MDPI, St. Alban-Anlage 66 4052 Basel, Switzerland. Available at: https://www.mdpi.com/books/pdfview/book/1849

Selected Invited Talks and Workshops

Fouladkhah, A. C. 2024. Impact of Climate Change on Food Security and Crop Nutrition. Bridging food security, nutrition, and health issues webinar. Tufts University, the Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, 1890 Universities Foundation, and USAID feed the future Initiative. August 29, 2024.

Fouladkhah, A. C. 2024. Public Health Microbiology in the 21st Century Under the Landscape of Changing Climate. Webinar Series of National Board of Public Health Examiners. April 10, 2024.

F ouladkhah, A. C. 2023. Two-hour presentation on the topic area of “Public Health Biology and Human Disease Risk” domain of Certified in Public Health national Examination of National Board of Public Health Examiners. DC Health (Government of District of Colombia) employees and staff on May 12, 2023 (delivered via Zoom).

Fouladkhah, A. C. 2023. National and International Importance of Food Safety Modernization Act. Funded by USAID F2F Partners of America and Public Health Microbiology Foundation. Hosted and presented in Jamaica: Northeast Regional Health Authority in partnership with St. Ann Health Department. May 31, 2023.

Fouladkhah, A.C. 2022.  Global Impact of Changing Climate on Infectious Diseases and Food Security Public Health Institute/Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention Fellowship Program (Professional Development training for PHI/CDC fellows), November 15, 2022, via Zoom.

Fouladkhah, A. 2022. (Thrice for c. 800 students). Inspiring the Future Generation of Climate-Smart Young Scholars: Public Health Microbiology Under the Landscape of Climate Change. Presented Virtually in Yale Global Scholar Program. June 30, July 7, and July 29, 2022. Yale University, New Haven, CT.

Fouladkhah A., 2020. Fortification of Staple Commodities and Microbial Safety Requirements for Human Food Production. Ranfòse Abitid Nitrisyon pou Fè Ogmante Sante (RANFOSE), food industry, and Ministry of Health, Ouest, Haiti (Via Zoom). USAID Project. December 7, 2020.

Fouladkhah A., 2019.  Foodborne and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases in the Landscape of Changing Climate. Climate Change and the Global Response: A Multi-Disciplinary Perspective. Vanderbilt School of Engineering. Nashville, TN, October 16, 2019.

Fouladkhah, A., 2018. Food Safety and Consumer-Driven Change: Assisting Emerging Entrepreneurs and Small Farmers Meeting Requirements of the New Food Safety Regulatory Climate. 5th Annual Yale Food Symposium Conference, Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, New Haven, CT, February 23, 2018.

Fouladkhah, A., 2017. Regulatory Requirements for Early-Career Labor and Emerging Entrepreneurs in the Current Food Safety Regulatory Landscape. Harvard Just Food? Forum on Labor across the Food System. Harvard Law School, Cambridge, MA, April 1, 2017.

Fouladkhah, A., 2017. Microbial Challenge and Inoculation Studies using Planktonic and Biofilms of Foodborne Bacteria. USAID training workshop and lecture series for faculty and staff of ISA University, Santiago, Dominican Republic. August 23 to 30, 2017. Available at: http://farmertofarmer.blogspot.com/2017/10/enhancing-meat-processing-through.html

Fouladkhah, A. 2016. Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Effects on Small Producers and Processors. Small Farm Expo, Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN, July 21, 2016.

Fouladkhah, A. 2015. TSU Public Health Microbiology Research and Outreach Laboratory. First Southern FSMA Training Center Meeting. University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences/ USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (CRIS Number 1007735), Orlando, FL. January 21, 2016.

Fouladkhah, A. 2015. Highlights of Surveillance and Food Safety Modernization Act for Producers. 5th Annual Tennessee Local Food Summit. Nashville, TN, December 5, 2015.

Fouladkhah, A., 2014. High-Sodium Processed Foods: Health Concerns and Sodium Reduction Strategies. 2014 Conference of Food Studies, Prato, Italy, October 20-21, 2014.

Recent Grants

USDA-NIFA Food Safety Outreach Project TENX2023-03025. 2023-2026. Public Health Microbiology and Process Authority Support for Tennessean Entrepreneurs. $300,000. 2023-2026. (Role: A. Fouladkhah PI).

USDA-NIFA Project 2024-2027. Project number SUB00004398. Southern Regional Center and Lead Centers for FSMA Food Safety Training and Outreach. $990,000. 2024-2027. (Role: A. Fouladkhah Co-PI and Subawardee).

USDA-NIFA Higher Education Challenge Grant Project 2017-06088. Development of a Curricula for a MPH Degree Tracked in Food Safety and Foodborne Disease Epidemiology. $37,500. 2017-2019 (Role: A. Fouladkhah PI).

USDA-NIFA Food Safety Outreach Project 2017-07975. FSMA Outreach and Technical Assistance. $164,981. 2017-2019 (Role: A. Fouladkhah PD for funds)  

USDA-NIFA Capacity Building Project 2017-07534. Food and Waterborne Disease Prevention. $350,000. 2017-2020 (Role: A. Fouladkhah PI).

USDA-NIFA Food Safety Outreach Project 2016-07430. Assisting Producers and Processors in the New Food Safety Regulatory Landscape. $59,550. 2016-2018 (Role: A. Fouladkhah PI)
Pressure BioScience Inc., Boston, MA. Hydrostatic Pasteurization for elimination of microbial spores, foodborne pathogens of public health concern, and pressure-adopted organisms. $33,000 (Contribution-in-kind for equipment and consumables). 2015-2019 (Role: A. Fouladkhah PI)

USDA-NIFA Project 2015-70020-24397. Southern Training, Education, Extension, Outreach, and Technical Assistance Center to Enhance Produce Safety. $1,197,751. 2015-2018 (Role: A. Fouladkhah Co-PI)

Recent Honors and Awards

Excellence in Climate Leadership Award. By the Center for Climate Health and Equity of American Public Health Association (2024).                                       

American Public Health Association (APHA) 2024 Catherine Cowell Award. Award recognizes “excellence and achievement in administration, planning, mentoring, and team building in public health nutrition, including meeting the special needs of urban populations and young children,” and is provided by Food and Nutrition section's of APHA. (2024).                                                  

USAID Volunteer of the Year Award. For USAID ACDI/VOCA project in Country of Georgia. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Agricultural Cooperative Development International (ACDI), Volunteers in Overseas Cooperative Assistance (VOCA). 2020. The award was provided after visit to the Capitol Hill and could be accessed at:                                                                                      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWn5WMLnMwk

Distinguished Industrial Scientist Award. Tennessee Academy of Science. (2022).

Outstanding Service Award. Yale Alumni Association (Yale University Club of Middle Tennessee). (2022).

The Best Volunteer Award, Association for Agricultural Development, Zugdidi, Georgia. “Recognition for conducting microbiology, food safety, and climate change training and certification.” (2023).

Outstanding Technical Support Award, ACDI/VOCA, Republic of Georgia. “Recognition for developing a food microbiology laboratory in low-income agricultural communities in Zugdidi, Georgia.” (2023).

Outstanding Section Volunteer Award (recognized five times). Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) for service to Tennessee (Volunteer section) of IFT.                                             Jun 2017, June 2018, July 2019, July 2020, July 2022.

Certificate of Appreciation (thrice). From the Consortium of Universities for Global Health and the Public Health Institute/US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For “Outstanding service on the global health workforce panel 2020, 2021 and 2022.”     

Outstanding Reviewer Awards. Pathogens Journal Editorial Office, Basel, Switzerland (2020)
Featured Paper, Microorganisms Journal, Volume 7, Issue 9, as the co-corresponding author (2019)
Certificate of Appreciation. IFT for “Leadership and dedication as President of Volunteer section IFT (2019)                                                                 
IFT Section of Excellence Recognition, as Past-president of Volunteer (Tennessee) section IFT (2019).
IFT Section of Merit Recognition, as President of Volunteer (Tennessee) section IFT (2018)
Outstanding Section Volunteer Award, Institute of Food Technologists (2017-2018)
Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award (2017-2018)
Graduate Scholar Award, Food Studies Conference, Prato, Italy (2014)
Fellowship, School of Public Health (Bliss and EPH) Grants, Yale University (2013 & 2014)
Outstanding Volunteer Service Award. Certificate of appreciation from Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) in recognition of achievements during serving Rocky Mountain IFT (2013)
IFT Section of Excellence Recognition, as immediate past-chair of Rocky Mountain IFT (2013)
IFT Section of Excellence Recognition, as chair of Rocky Mountain IFT (2012)
Excellence in Leadership Award Graduate Fellowship, IFT (2012)
Lydia P. Cole Memorial Scholarship, Rocky Mountain Food Safety Conferences (2011 & 2012) 
International Stockmen's Educational Foundation Fellowship, Denver, Colorado (2010)
Rocky Mountain section of IFT, Educational Scholarship (2009)
First Place in Poster Presentation. Poster competition of quantitative research methods training, Education Department, Colorado State University (2009)
Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of serving as Global Ambassador at Colorado State University, from president of Fort Collins International Center, and director of International Student and Scholars of Colorado State University (2008)
International Graduate Student Entrance Scholarship, Faculty of Graduate Studies of Manitoba University, Winnipeg, Canada (2007, not attended)

Society Memberships

American College of Epidemiology (Joined 2017)
Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (Joined 2015)
American Public Health Association (Joined 2014)
National Environmental Health Association (Joined 2012)              
American Society for Microbiology (Joined 2011)
American Statistical Association (Joined 2011)
International Association for Food Protection (Joined 2010)
Institute of Food Technologists (Joined 2008)
Kappa Omicron Nu, the honor society of human sciences (Joined 2012)
Phi Tau Sigma, the honor society of food science and technology (Joined 2011)
Sigma Alpha Lambda, the national leadership and honors organization (Joined 2011)
Gamma Beta Phi, the honor society with community service emphasis (Joined 2011)
Sigma Xi, the honor society for scientific research (Joined 2010)  

Education
Yale University School of Public Health, AP MPH, Applied Biostatistics and Epidemiology
Yale University School of Public Health, Graduate Certificate, Regulatory Affairs
Yale University School of Public Health, Certificate, Climate Change and Health
Colorado State University, PhD, Meat Science and Food Safety (Food Microbiology)
Colorado State University, Graduate Certificate, Applied Statistics and Data Analysis
Colorado State University, MS, Food Science & Nutrition

Date Joined Faculty: 2015