Senior Research Microbiologist2015 - current
Lonza Specialty Ingredients (LSI)
1200 Bluegrass Lakes Pkwy
Alpharetta, GA 30004
Sep 2016 to Present - LSI Upstream Technologies
In this role I have served as subject matter expert in microbiology, biofilms, and wood decay. I have completed one two year project on cooling tower biofilms. In collaboration with Lonza’s water BU, I developed multi-species biofilm models for biocide testing that included Legionella pneumophila. I also continued to support new active screening efforts through automation of microbiology methods.
May 2015 to August 2016 - LSI Microbiology Center of Excellence
In this role I evaluated new potential biocides. New biocides were evaluated for anti-biofilm properties and for use as cold sterilants. During this role, I automated MIC testing and other novel tests on the Tecan Freedom EVO
Dr. Ross Carlson, Chemical and Biological Engineering July 2009 - February 2014
Montana State University
My work here is part of a broader study of Escherichia coli metabolism intended to improve predictive interpretation of biological networks. In this position I worked with a doctoral student providing my expertise in microbiology and proteomics. This project includes characterization of overflow metabolism, protein expression and biomass composition of cells grown in chemostats under iron, carbon and nitrogen limitation. In addition, I worked with a graduate student on efforts to improve the labs computational capability for the calculation of the elementary flux mode set for biological networks. Several papers from this work are in preparation. I also managed lab inventory by ordering supplies.
Dr. Philip Stewart, Center for Biofilm Engineering June 2007 - June 2009
Montana State University
This was two one year projects. The first examined the transcriptomic response of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms exposed to antibiotics. This project included PCR, and RNA extraction. The second project screened a novel set of antimicrobials collectively known as bismuth-thiols, for the purpose of identifying those most effective against biofilms.
Dr. Joseph Frank, Department of Food Science and Technology January 2007 - May 2007
University of Georgia
This was a six month project to study survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 on leaf lettuce under abuse and regular storage conditions similar to harvest, transport, and shelf display storage. The project considered the conditions of wilting, internalization or surface localization as factors. I was trained on the multi-photon confocal at the Center for Ultrastructural Studies at UGA during this work.
Ph. D. in Food Science & Technology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
M.S. in Food Science & Technology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
B.S.A. in Food Science & Technology University of Georgia, Athens, GA
Folsom, J. P. and R. P. Carlson. 2014. Physiological, elemental composition, and proteomic analyses of Escherichia coli ammonium-limited chemostat growth with comparison to iron- and glucose-limited chemostat growth. Microbiology 161:1659-1670.
Stewart, P. S., M. J. Franklin,
K. S. Williamson, J. P. Folsom, L. Boegli and G. A. James. 2015. Contribution of stress responses to antibiotic
tolerance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy 59:3838-3847.
Folsom, J. P., A. E. Parker,
and R. P. Carlson. 2014. Physiological and proteomic analysis of Escherichia coli
iron-limited chemostat growth. Journal of Bacteriology 196:2478-2761.
Hunt, K. H., J. P. Folsom,
R. L. Taffs, and R. P. Carlson. 2014. Complete enumeration of elementary flux modes through scalable demand-based subnetwork
definition. Bioinformatics 30:1569-1578.
Folsom, J.P., B. Baker, and P. S. Stewart. 2011.
In vitro efficacy of bismuth thiols against biofilms formed by bacteria isolated from human chronic wounds.
Journal of Applied Microbiology 111:989-996.
Folsom, J.P., L. Richards, B. Pitts, F. Roe, G. D.
Ehrlich, A. Parker and P. S. Stewart. 2010. Physiology of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in biofilms as revealed by
transcriptional profiling. BMC Microbiology 10:294.
Folsom, J. P. and J. F. Frank. 2007. Proteomic
analysis of a hypochlorous acid tolerant Listeria monocytogenes cultural variant exhibiting enhanced biofilm
production. Journal of Food Protection 70:1129-1136.
Folsom, J. P. and J. F. Frank. 2006. Chlorine
resistance of Listeria monocytogenes biofilms and relationship to subtype, cell density, and planktonic cell
chlorine resistance. Journal of Food Protection 69:1292-1296.
Folsom, J. P., J. F. Frank, and G. R. Siragusa.
2006. Formation of biofilm at different nutrient levels by various genotypes of Listeria monocytogenes.
Journal of Food Protection 69:826-834.
Folsom, J.P. and J.F. Frank. 2000. Heat
inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in apple juice exposed to chlorine. Journal of Food Protection
63: 1021-1025.