Public Health Food Inspections Seminar Series

The CALS Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences (FBNS) is offering a seminar series as part of their FS 495/591 Public Health Food Inspections course. This seminar series is open to everyone in the CALS and university community, providing a unique opportunity to learn more about this critical field. This exciting course, featured in a recent Food Safety News article, is the first of its kind and highlights a collaborative effort between the FDA, NC State University, and NASDA (National Association of State Departments of Agriculture) to strengthen public health education.

The series will feature experts from the FDA, including FDA Commissioner Robert Califf and Michael Rogers, FDA associate commissioner for inspections and investigations, as well as Steve Troxler, North Carolina commissioner of agriculture.

These seminars aim to provide insights into careers in public health food inspection and emphasize their importance in safeguarding public health. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with professionals and learn about opportunities in regulatory science.

All seminars will be held in Schaub Hall, Room G40.


SEMINAR HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Insightful discussions on the process of food inspections
  • Real-world stories that highlight the rewards and challenges among regulators
  • Career pathways in regulatory science
  • Q&A sessions – your chance to engage with the experts!

SPEAKER LINEUP:

Speaker: Nicole Lyons, FDA Consumer Safety Officer
Date: Tuesday, Nov. 12
Time: 11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Nicole Lyons started her career as an environmental health specialist with Craven County in 2017 where she worked in food and lodging until September of 2020. Nicole joined the FDA as a consumer safety officer and is also a commissioned corps officer with the United States Public Health Service working to protect, promote and advance the health and safety of the general public.

Speakers: Robert Califf, Commissioner of FDA, and Michael Rogers, FDA Associate Commissioner for Inspections and Investigations
Date: Thursday, Nov. 14
Time: 11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Robert Califf currently serves as the 25th Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration. As the top official of the FDA, Califf is committed to strengthening programs and policies that enable the agency to carry out its mission to protect and promote public health.

Michael Rogers currently oversees FDA inspections, import operations, the Office of Criminal Investigations, the FDA Office of Emergency Response, and strategic planning, among other areas for all FDA regulatory programs.

Speaker: Steve Troxler, North Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture
Date: Tuesday, Nov. 19
Time: 2 – 3:30 p.m.

Since taking office in 2005, Steve Troxler has focused on developing new markets for N.C. farm products, preserving working farms and protecting the state’s food supply. He also serves on the boards of the N.C. Foundation for Soil and Water Conservation, the Rural Economic Development Center, and the N.C. Biotechnology Center.