Vishal Manjunatha

Educational Background

Ph.D. Food, Nutrition, and Packaging Sciences
Clemson University 2024

M.S. Food Science
Drexel University 2018

B.E. Biotechnology
Visvesvaraya Technological University 2015

Courses Taught

MICR 4071 - Food and Dairy Microbiology Laboratory
MICR 2051 - Introductory Microbiology Laboratory

Profile

Vishal hails from Bengaluru, India, and achieved his Undergraduate degree from Visvesvaraya Technological University in his home country. In 2016, he ventured to the United States to undertake a Master’s degree in Food Science at Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA. His Master’s thesis was titled ‘Assessing the Impact of Cold Plasma Treatment on Microbial Load and Quality of Baby Carrots’. Driven by a resolute passion for advancing his expertise in Food Safety, his journey led him to Clemson University. There, under the guidance of Dr. Xiuping Jiang, he is presently immersed in his dissertation work titled ‘Investigation into Natural Products for Antibiotic-Free Poultry’. Apart from his research, he takes on the role of mentor for Undergraduate students in his lab. He also holds the position of lead Graduate Teaching Assistant for both Introductory Microbiology, as well as Food and Dairy Microbiology laboratories within the Biological Sciences department. Beyond the realms of research and teaching, his active participation extends to various professional associations, including the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), Professional Manufacturing Confectioners Association (PMCA), American Society for Microbiology (ASM), United Fresh Produce Association (UFPA), and International Association for Food Protection (IAFP). Furthermore, Vishal's leadership extends to serving as the President of the Food, Nutrition, and Packaging Sciences Graduate Student Association. Moreover, he undertakes the responsibility of representing the Food, Nutrition, and Packaging Sciences department as a Senator within the Graduate Student Government.

Research Interests

Vishal's research delves into the utilization of Nigella sativa (black cumin), kefir, and bacteriophages, both individually and in tandem, within poultry feed or drinking water. These alternatives are explored as potential substitutes for antibiotics to counteract Necrotic Enteritis within the poultry industry. Additionally, he examines the effects of chicken diets that incorporate rendered animal co-products as opposed to exclusively vegetarian feed ingredients. Furthermore, his investigation extends to the examination of how these natural interventions prompt alterations in the intestinal microbiota of chickens afflicted with necrotic enteritis, employing high-throughput metagenomics analyses.

Publications

1. Manjunatha, V., Nixon, J. E., Mathis, G. F., Lumpkins, B. S., Güzel-Seydim, Z. B., Seydim, A. C., Greene, A. K. and Jiang, X., 2023. Nigella sativa as an antibiotic alternative to promote growth and enhance health of broilers challenged with Eimeria maxima and Clostridium perfringens. Poultry Science, 102831.
2. Bangar, S.P., Sandhu, K.S., Trif, M., Manjunatha, V. and Lorenzo, J.M., 2022. Germinated Barley Cultivars: Effect on Physicochemical and Bioactive Properties. Food Analytical Methods, pp.1-8.
3. Bangar, S.P., Purewal, S.S., Trif, M., Maqsood, S., Kumar, M., Manjunatha, V. and Rusu, A.V., 2021. Functionality and applicability of starch-based films: An eco-friendly approach. Foods, 10(9), p.2181.
4. Skariyachan, S., Manjunatha, V., Sultana, S., Jois, C., Bai, V. and Vasist, K.S., 2016. Novel bacterial consortia isolated from plastic garbage processing areas demonstrated enhanced degradation for low density polyethylene. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 23(18), pp.18307-18319.

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