Dr. Tri Duong is an assistant professor of microbiology in the Department of Poultry Science. He became a member of the executive committee of the Center for Food Safety in 2011 and is serving a one year term.

Duong received a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and molecular biology from Pennsylvania State University in 2001 and a doctorate in functional genomics, biotechnology minor from North Carolina State University in 2008. He worked as a post doctoral fellow at Washington State University in 2009 and became a faculty member at Texas A&M University that same year.

His research program seeks to gain a mechanistic understanding of the role of microflora in human and animal health, nutrition and food safety, with particular focus on the application of probiotic Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB). Probiotics are live microorganisms which when consumed confer a beneficial health effect upon the host. They have a long list of recognized benefits, but perhaps the most well-recognized are improved digestive and immune health. Recently, the development of molecular genetics tools and advances in genomics have improved understanding of the functionality of these organisms and given the ability to manipulate them for our benefit. Using this understanding of these organisms and their physiology the overall goal is the development of microbially-based biotechnology solutions for agriculture and health care.

Duong’s research projects include GI adherence/colonization of probiotic LAB; characterization and development of a microbial biocatalysts; development and loss of commensal-sepecific immune tolerance; production and delivery of digestive enzymes using native and recombinant LAB; and the role of probiotics in mitigation of gut inflammation and tumor formation.

Duong teaches POSC 429 – Advanced Food Bacteriology and POSC 614 – Fermentation and Gastrointestinal Microbiology.

Professional memberships include American Society for Microbiology (ASM), American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) and Poultry Science Association (PSA).

Tri Duong, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Microbiology
Department of Poultry Science
Texas AgriLife Research
Texas A&M University
Room 338F Kleberg
979-845-4818
t-duong@poultry.tamu.edu