North Carolina State University Scientist to Lead Major Research Project on Food-Borne Disease

Lee-Ann Jaykus, a professor in the department of food, bioprocessing, and nutrition sciences at North Carolina State University, is leading a multi-campus research project to understand and prevent noroviruses, the most common form of food-borne disease. The noroviruses are spread through contaminated food or water or by human touching of contaminated surfaces. About 5 million cases of of norovirus disease are reported each year in the United States.

Dr. Jaykus’ research is supported by a five-year, $25 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The grant is the largest ever given out by the department for food safety research.

About 30 scientists from more than a dozen universities will participate in the research. Additional research will be performed at government agencies and hospitals.

Dr. Jaykus holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Purdue University. She earned a Ph.D. in food and environmental virology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.