Graduate Students Conduct Food Safety Research Abroad With NSF Grants

Two graduate students in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences gained hands-on international research experience this summer through support from the U.S. National Science Foundation. Funded by the NSF Innovations in Graduate Education program, the projects focused on improving food safety through sustainable and locally informed approaches.

Zilfa Irakoze, a dual-title doctoral candidate in food science and international agriculture and development, traveled to the Ivory Coast to study fungal contamination in food crops and explore sustainable biocontrol strategies. Her work centered on documenting and scientifically validating ancestral knowledge related to the use of native aromatic plants to protect stored grains from mold. Working closely with local farmers and faculty collaborators, Irakoze assessed awareness of fungal risks, documented traditional practices, and conducted laboratory testing. All native plants evaluated showed some antifungal properties.

In addition to her research, Irakoze developed and delivered an extension course for leaders of 15 agricultural cooperatives to address knowledge gaps related to mold contamination. She reported strong engagement from participants and significant learning gains, reinforcing the value of pairing research with community education and outreach.

At the same time, Auja Bywater, also a dual-title doctoral candidate, conducted food safety research in the Galápagos Islands. Her work focused on controlled-environment agriculture, including water quality assessments on hydroponic and soil-based farms and evaluations of microbial water safety. Bywater collaborated with local farmers and the Charles Darwin Foundation to understand how agricultural production can coexist with conservation in a highly sensitive ecosystem.

Bywater emphasized the importance of adaptability and collaboration in field research. When faced with limited lab infrastructure, she partnered with a group developing a portable incubator for field use, allowing her to complete testing while contributing valuable data to the technology’s development. After returning to Penn State, she translated her research into an introductory online learning module on soilless farming.

Faculty advisers highlighted both students’ ability to combine scientific rigor with global engagement. Their projects demonstrate how international collaboration, interdisciplinary research, and community-centered approaches can strengthen food safety outcomes while advancing graduate education.

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