My basic and applied research programs focus primarily on food and environmental virology with a particular interest in food safety. Through the collaborative efforts, my research group study human pathogenic viruses to address pressing issues related to their environmental persistence (food, water, and contact surfaces), transmission to humans, and the strategies to mitigate transmission risks. Clinical isolates, virus-like particles (VLPs), and cultivable surrogate viruses such as bacteriophage MS2, Tulane virus, bacteriophage Φ6 (Phi6), coronavirus 229E, and murine hepatitis virus have been utilized in various research projects. Another body of research explores the role of bacteriophages (viruses that infect bacteria) as our allies for the risk assessment and biocontrol of bacterial pathogens. Current projects are focused on bacteriophages of Vibrio parahaemolyticus (the leading cause of seafood-associated gastroenteritis) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (causative pathogen in healthcare-associated infections). Along with the research activities, Dr. Montazeri has developed and taught undergraduate and graduate-level courses at the UF/IFAS Food Science and Human Nutrition Department.
Naim Montazeri, Ph.D.