Food Microbiology Laboratory
About the laboratory
The Food Microbiology Laboratory is located on the second floor of the Agricultural Forestry Centre. This facility supports research focusing on the functions and characteristics of food related microorganisms such as lactic acid bacteria, Listeria and Clostridia. Visit the webpages for Dr Lynn McMullen and Dr Michael Gänzle for more information about the research conducted. The lab infrastructure is used by graduate students, summer students and post-doctoral fellows dealing with varying aspects of food microbiology. The Food Microbiology Laboratory is equipped for a host of microbiological applications. There are anaerobic systems for specialized growth of strict anaerobes and biosafety cabinets for research focusing on pathogens. Other equipment includes phase contrast and fluorescent microscopes, RNA dedicated area, microfluidizer, freeze dryer system, Fast Flow Fractionation and Varioskan systems.
View
all of our equipment
here.
Research Team
There are two main principal investigators currently using the area. However, the food microbiology laboratory infrastructure is available for departmental use. There are several other investigators that have student using the infrastructure of the food microbiology lab.
Main investigators:
Lynn McMullen
Professor - Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science / Alberta Veterinary Research Institute
Michael Ganzle
Associate Professor - Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science / Alberta Veterinary Research Institute
Departmental Support:
Heather Vandertol-Vanier (MSc) has a Master of Science in Microbiology and Biotechnology. Heather’s role in the lab is teaching and administrative duties of the lab area. As a departmental employee, she is responsible for all biosafety aspects of the lab. Being a Level 2 Biosafety lab requires strict adherence to standard operating procedures to ensure that work is performed safely. Heather is responsible for the scientific equipment in 2-50 AF.
Heather Vandertol-Vanier
Food Microbiology Technologist
Room: 2-50 Ag/For Centre
Phone: (780) 492-3634
Email: heather.vandertol-vanier@ales.ualberta.ca
Access to the facility
The procedure to gain access to this Biosafety Level 2 facility is as follows:
1. Biosafety Training
All personnel who require the infrastructure of the Food Microbiology Lab must have an orientation and biosafety training prior to commencing any work. Contact Heather Vandertol-Vanier to set up an appointment. The initial training will take about 45 min.
2. Card Activation
Once training has been received, One cards are activated and access is granted to the facility.
3. Equipment Training
The equipment in the Food Microbiology Lab is specialized and can be dangerous if used improperly. Safety procedures (Standard Operating procedures) must be followed. Prior to use, new personnel must be trained on all equipment by the Food Microbiology Technologist.
4. All rules and safety regulations must be followed at all times.