SafeSea Molecular Diagnostics and Engineering Lab

The SafeSea program develops science-driven solutions to ensure the safety, quality, and sustainability of seafood systems. This research integrates microbiome-informed diagnostics, process engineering, and sanitation innovation to improve microbial safety and quality without relying on harsh antimicrobials. Through a systems-based approach, it focuses on understanding and engineering microbial ecosystems for long-term food safety, environmental health, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) mitigation.

Program Features

• Rapid pathogen surveillance: Develop and validate multiplex PCR and targeted sequencing assays for priority pathogens and indicators in water, biofilms, and seafood tissues; implement sampling plans and QA/QC; provide HACCP/FSMA-aligned SOPs and processor training.
• Microbiome & mycobiome insights for quality and safety: Profile bacterial and fungal communities to detect early spoilage, safety, and disease signatures; develop and evaluate protective cultures and clean-label antimicrobials to enhance product quality; translate results into practical guidance for industry.
• Data-driven process monitoring & decision tools: Combine sensors/spectroscopy with machine-learning models to monitor and optimize processes, and to predict shelf life and quality; deliver risk dashboards, decision trees, and cost-benefit tools to support adoption and compliance.
• eDNA & DNA-metabarcoding environmental observation: DevelopeDNA/metabarcoding surveys and environmental sampling approaches; provide dashboards, advisories, and best-practice guidance for biodiversity and invasive-species surveillance; establish and maintain a Virginia seafood DNA reference library to support authentication and public education.