Dr. Jovana Kovacevic is an Associate Professor and Food Safety Extension Specialist at the Oregon State University’s Food Innovation Center (FIC) in Portland, Oregon. In her current role, Dr. Kovacevic directs the food safety program at the FIC and the USDA-funded Western Regional Center to Enhance Food Safety. Her research uses molecular methods and whole genome sequencing to trace, better understand and prevent contamination events in the food chain, with particular focus on Listeria monocytogenes. Her research interests also include sanitizer and antimicrobial resistance in the food chain, pathogen stress survival and biofilms, and understanding and prevention of food contamination. Through her work with the Western Regional Center, Dr. Kovacevic supports the Western U.S. region in Food Safety Modernization Act-related food safety training, education, and outreach activities. Prior to joining Oregon State University, Dr. Kovacevic worked as a lecturer at the University of British Columbia, a food safety consultant with the British Columbia Ministry of Health, and a Food Safety Scientist at the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, in Canada.