The goal of the Event Modeling theme is to develop dynamic, real-world models of both food contamination events and public health responses.  These models rapidly identify sources of contamination, food distribution points, and possible outbreak locations, and can also demonstrate interventions and responses using novel communication systems and actual data from food distribution; food consumption, and epidemiologic studies.

Event Modeling Theme Leader

Don Schaffner, Rutgers University

Ongoing Projects

Optimized Detection of Intentional Contamination Using Simulation Modeling
•    Don Schaffner, Rutgers University
•    Craig Hedberg, University of Minnesota

Vulnerability Assessment and Reduction of Economic Impact for the Fruit and Vegetable Industry: A Food Defense Assessment for Border Communities in the Southwest United States
•    William Nganje, Arizona State University

FoodSHIELD
•    Craig Hedberg and Jeff Bender, University of Minnesota

Consequence Management System
•   Sue Harlander, BT Safety LLC

 Modeling Sampling Strategies for Detecting Intentional Contamination of Imported Food Systems
•   Randall Singer, University of Minnesota

Completed Projects

Consequence Management System
•    Jeff Sholl, BT Safety LLC

Modeling the Public Health System Response to a Terrorist Event
•    Don Schaffner, Rutgers University, and Craig Hedberg, University of Minnesota

Evaluation of Timelines for Botulism Outbreaks
•    Craig Hedberg, University of Minnesota

Public Health Investigation of Multistate Foodborne Outbreaks
•    Craig Hedberg, University of Minnesota