.png)
Jessica Pizzo, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow
From an early age, I have been fascinated by the intersection of chemistry and its real-world applications, particularly in ensuring food safety and quality. This passion led me to pursue a Bachelor's, Master's, and Ph.D. in Chemistry, where I explored innovative analytical techniques to detect contaminants and authenticate food products.
As a graduate researcher, I developed and optimized advanced mass spectrometry methods to assess the composition and safety of various food and cosmetic products. My work not only deepened my technical expertise but also highlighted the importance of rigorous analytical approaches in protecting public health.
Currently, as a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Horticulture at Auburn University, I am expanding my expertise to include foodborne pathogen detection and chemical analysis in agricultural systems.
Beyond research, I have a deep appreciation for scientific communication and collaboration. I thrive in interdisciplinary environments, where I can apply my problem-solving skills and contribute to meaningful scientific advancements that benefit both industry and consumers.
Education
Ph.D. in Chemistry 03/2019 - 01/2023
State University of Maringa, Maringa, PR, Brazil
Dissertation: Direct determination of the lipid profile of vegetable oils and body oils by Atmospheric Solids Analysis Probe Mass Spectrometry (ASAP-MS)
M.S. in Chemistry 03/2017 - 02/2019
State University of Maringa, Maringa, PR, Brazil
Thesis: Assessment of adulteration of cosmetics based on vegetable oils by GC-FID and direct infusion by ESI-MS.
B.S. in Chemistry 02/2011 – 01/2015
State University of Maringa, Maringa, PR, Brazil
Thesis: Physicochemical analysis of liquid effluents from a gelatin factory.
Professional Experience
Postdoctoral Fellow 09/2024 – Present
Department of Horticulture, Auburn University | Auburn, AL
Currently, as a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Horticulture at Auburn University, my research focuses on developing analytical methods to detect foodborne pathogens and contaminants in fresh produce. A key aspect of my work involves evaluating the effects of chemical components on Salmonella enterica growth, survival, and inactivation on pepper surfaces, providing critical insights into the relationship between bacterial attachment and vegetable surface properties.
My work integrates advanced chromatographic techniques to assess the chemical composition of produce's surface. This experience has deepened my understanding of pathogen-plant interactions and reinforced my commitment to interdisciplinary research that enhances food safety, quality control, and public health.
Postdoctoral Fellow 11/2023 – 09/2024
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Auburn University | Auburn, AL
During my postdoctoral training in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Auburn University, my research focused on developing and optimizing analytical methods for the identification of lipid and peptide biomarkers associated with foodborne pathogens. Specifically, I utilized liquid chromatography-ion mobility-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-IM-MS/MS) to efficiently discriminate between different bacterial species based on their unique lipid profiles.
In addition to method development, I optimized a solid-phase extraction protocol for enhanced lipid recovery and optimized a peptide digestion method to improve pathogen identification workflows. My role extended beyond research, as I collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, mentored undergraduate and Ph.D. students, and presented findings at scientific conferences. This experience strengthened my expertise in mass spectrometry-based biomarker discovery while reinforcing the importance of collaboration in advancing food safety research.
Visiting Research Scholar 03/2022 – 10/2023
Department of Horticulture, Auburn University | Auburn, AL
As a Visiting Research Scholar in the Department of Horticulture at Auburn University, my research focused on exploring natural alternatives to conventional sanitizers for fresh produce. I evaluated the efficacy of essential oil emulsions in controlling Escherichia coli during postharvest washing of different lettuce varieties, contributing to the development of safer and more sustainable sanitization methods. Additionally, I optimized and validated a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method to quantify terpenes in tomato leaf trichomes using a leaf dip extraction technique.
Beyond research, I played an active role in mentoring master’s and Ph.D. students, fostering an interdisciplinary learning environment. My collaboration with various research groups further strengthened my expertise in integrating analytical chemistry with agricultural sciences.
Graduate Research Assistant 03/2017 - 09/2022
Department of Chemistry, State University of Maringa | Maringa, PR, Brazil
During my time as a Graduate Research Assistant, I developed and applied advanced analytical methods to assess the composition and authenticity of food, cosmetic, and nutritional products. My research involved optimizing atmospheric solids analysis probe mass spectrometry (ASAP-MS) for the direct determination of lipid profiles in vegetable oils, body oils, and eggs from different housing systems. Additionally, I worked extensively with gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) to analyze lipid profiles and fatty acid compositions in human milk, omega-3 supplements, dog food, and enteral nutrition products.
I also contributed to the development and validation of an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method for quantifying L-ascorbic acid in vitamin C serums and phenolic compounds in hibiscus extracts. My research involved optimizing various lipid extraction techniques, including Bligh and Dyer, Folch, and ISO 5509:1978 methods, to improve analytical accuracy and efficiency.
In addition to conducting research, I mentored undergraduate and master’s students and collaborated with research groups across multiple disciplines, enhancing my ability to apply analytical chemistry to diverse fields.
As a Regulatory Affairs Analyst and Quality Control Assistant at Maquira Dental Group, I was responsible for ensuring compliance with international regulatory standards, including ISO 9001, ISO 13485, and RDC 16. I played a key role in managing internal audits, monitoring external audits, and implementing risk management procedures for medical devices in accordance with ISO 14971.
I led the project to obtain new international product registrations, including CE certification, and prepared regulatory filings for both new and existing products. Additionally, I developed quality control test protocols for raw materials and final products, ensuring that all products met safety and performance standards.
This experience provided me with a strong foundation in regulatory compliance, quality assurance, and risk assessment, complementing my expertise in chemistry and reinforcing my ability to apply scientific knowledge in industry settings.
Regulatory Affairs Analyst and Quality Control Assistant
01/2015 – 01/2017
Maquira Dental Group | Maringa, PR, Brazil
Bonus: My Journey Beyond Science
Book in Box – A Literary Adventure (2017 - 2021)
In 2017, my sister and I founded Book in Box, a book subscription service based in Maringa, Parana, with the mission of making reading an accessible and immersive experience. We carefully curated, packaged, and delivered books in themed boxes to customers across Brazil, creating a unique and immersive literary experience for our subscribers.
Although we eventually closed the business, the journey taught me valuable lessons in problem-solving, customer service, and adaptability—skills that continue to influence my approach to research and professional endeavors.
Early Work Experience – Growing Up in a Butcher Shop
Before my journey into chemistry, I spent my childhood and teenage years working in my family’s butcher shop. From the age of 12, I helped at the counter, assisted customers, and prepared espetinhos (Brazilian-style meat skewers). This hands-on experience taught me discipline, responsibility, and the importance of delivering quality service—values that have shaped my approach to both science and business.Working alongside my parents gave me an early appreciation for hard work and problem-solving.
Whether in a laboratory, a business, or a butcher shop, I have always embraced challenges with curiosity and determination, continuously seeking ways to improve and innovate.
Research and Publications
I have authored and co-authored 35+ peer-reviewed journal articles, contributing significantly to analytical chemistry and food safety. My work has been published in Journal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry, Food Chemistry, Analytical Biochemistry, and more.
Abstracts and Presentations
Presented research at ASMS, IAFP, ASHS, Auburn University Research Symposium, and more.
1. Rodrigues, C.; Rutz, T.; Pizzo, J. S.; Cremonez, P.; Simmons, A.; da Silva, A.L.B.R. Role of secondary metabolites on tomato resistance against sweetpotato whitefly. Baton Rouge, LA. Southern Region Entomological Society of America, 2025. 2. Rodrigues, C.; Rutz, T.; Pizzo, J. S.; Cremonez, P.; Cruz, V.H.; da Silva, A.L.B.R. Role of secondary metabolites on tomato resistance against whitefly. Auburn, AL. Whitefly Biology, Ecology and Management Annual Update Meeting, 2025. 3. Pizzo, J. S.; Jerin, I.; Kartowikromo, K. Y.; Olajide, O. E.; Hamid, A. M. Lipidomic Analysis using Liquid Chromatography Ion Mobility Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-IM-MS/MS) for the Discrimination of Foodborne Pathogens, Atlanta, GA. 75th Southeastern Regional Meeting of American Chemical Society, 2024. 4. Pizzo, J. S.; Hamid, A.; Olajide, O.; Kartowikromo, K.; Jerin, I.; Maaji, S. P. Discrimination of foodborne pathogens associated with outbreaks using Tandem Liquid Chromatography Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry (LC-IM- MS/MS), Anaheim, CA. 72rd Conference on Mass Spectrometry and Allied Topics (ASMS), 2024. 5. Pizzo, J. S.; Hamid, A.; Olajide, O.; Kartowikromo, K.; Jerin, I.; Maaji, S. P. Discrimination of foodborne pathogens associated with outbreaks using Tandem Liquid Chromatography Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry (LC-IM- MS/MS), Auburn, AL. Auburn University Research Symposium, 2024. 6. Pizzo, J. S.; da Silva, A.; Rodrigues, C. The use of essential oil emulsions as a postharvest sanitizer to control Escherichia coli O157:H7 on lettuce, Oklahoma City, OK. American Society for Horticultural Science Southern Region Annual Meeting (SR-ASHS), 2023. 7. Pizzo, J. S.; da Silva, A.; Rodrigues, C. Evaluation of Chlorine and Peroxyacetic Acid Antimicrobial Activity to Control Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Three Different Types of Lettuces, Orlando, FL. American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) Annual Conference, 2023. 8. Pizzo, J. S.; da Silva, A.; Rodrigues, C. Application of Winter Savory Oil Emulsion to Control Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Inoculated Romaine Lettuce, Toronto, Canada. International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) Annual Meeting, 2023. 9. Manin, L. P.; Rydlewski, A. A.; Pizzo, J. S.; Quinalha, F. S. P.; Santos, O. O.; Visentainer, Jesuí V. Processamento Do Leite Humano E Sua Correlação Com A Composição Em Ácidos Graxos. In: XI EPCC: Encontro Internacional de Produção Científica UniCesumar, 2019, Maringá, PR. XI EPCC: Encontro Internacional de Produção Científica UniCesumar, 2019. 10. Manin, L. P.; Pizzo, J. S.; Rydlewski, A. A.; Galuch, M. B.; Santos, O. O.; Visentainer, J. V. Avaliação da adulteração de cosméticos à base de óleo de girassol por CG-DIC. In: XI EPCC: Encontro Internacional de Produção Científica UniCesumar, 2019, Maringá. XI EPCC: Encontro Internacional de Produção Científica UniCesumar, 2019. 11. Pizzo, J. S.; Manin, L. P.; Rydlewski, A. A.; Santos, P. D. S.; Santos, O. O.; Visentainer, J. V. Avaliação de adulterações de óleos corporais constituídos por óleo de semente de uva através de CG-DIC e ESI-MS. In: XI EPCC: Encontro Internacional de Produção Científica UniCesumar, 2019, Maringá. XI EPCC: Encontro Internacional de Produção Científica UniCesumar, 2019. 12. Silva, M.C. da; Pizzo, J. S.; Santos, P. D. S.; Santos, O. O.; Visentainer, J. V. Composição em ácidos graxos e quantificação de tocoferol e fitoesterol em azeitonas da variedade arbequina. In: XI EPCC: Encontro Internacional de Produção Científica UniCesumar, 2019, Maringá. XI EPCC: Encontro Internacional de Produção Científica UniCesumar, 2019. 13. Rydlewski, A. A.; Pizzo, J. S.; Manin, L. P.; Visentainer, L.; Visentainer, J. L.; Neia, V. B. M. J. C.; Visentainer, J. V. Importância do Sódio para o Recém- Nascido Prematuro. In: VIII Simpósio de Tecnologia e Engenharia de Alimentos, 2018, Campo Mourão. Anais do VIII SIMTEA, 2018. 14. Rydlewski, A. A.; Manin, L. P.; Visentainer, L.; Pizzo, J. S.; Visentainer, J. L.; Neia, V. B. M. J. C.; Visentainer, J. V. Composição em ácidos graxos de leite humano por CG-DIC nas três fases de lactação por diferentes técnicas de extração. In: VIII Simpósio de Tecnologia e Engenharia de Alimentos, 2018, Campo Mourão. Anais do VIII SIMTEA, 2018. 15. Visentainer, L.; Pizzo, J. S.; Zappielo, C. D.; Santos, V. J.; Rydlewski, A. A.; Neia, V. B. M. J. C.; Visentainer, J. V. A amamentacão e sua influência em doenças atópicas. In: VIII Simpósio de Tecnologia e Engenharia de Alimentos, 2018, Campo Mourão. Anais do VIII SIMTEA, 2018. 16. Pizzo, J. S.; Galuch, M. B.; Santos, P. D. S.; Santos, O. O.; Visentainer, L.; Eberlin, M. N.; Visentainer, J. V. Avaliação de adulteração em cosméticos à base de óleos vegetais por CG-DIC e ESI-MS. In: XXXIII Semana de Química: Identidade Química, 2018, Maringá. XXXIII Semana de Química: Identidade Química, 2018. 17. Zappielo, C. D.; Rydlewski, A. A.; Pizzo, J. S.; Manin, L. P.; Neia, V. B. M. J. C.; Senes, C. E. R.; Silva Filho, O. J.; Santos, P. D. S.; Figueiredo, I. L.; Santos, V. J.; Visentainer, L.; Santos, O. O.; Visentainer, J. V. Análise da composição em ácidos graxos de leite humano nas três fases de lactação por esterificação direta. In: XXXII Semana da química: Identidade química, 2018, Maringá. XXXII Semana da química: Identidade química, 2018. 18. Rydlewski, A. A.; Neia, V. B. M. J. C.; Santos, P. D. S.; Paula, M. G.; Tavares, C. B. G.; Manin, L. P.; Zappielo, C. D.; Pizzo, J. S.; Silva Filho, O. J.; Figueiredo, I. L.; Santos, V. J.; Santos, O. O.; Visentainer, J. V. Extração de lipídios totais pelo teste de crematócrito e composição em ácidos graxos de diferentes fases do leite humano. In: XXXII Semana da química: Identidade química, 2018, Maringá. XXXII Semana da química: Identidade química, 2018. 19. Rydlewski, A. A.; Manin, L. P.; Figueiredo, I. L.; Neia, V. B. M. J. C.; Zappielo, C. D.; Pizzo, J. S.; Silva Filho, O. J.; Santos, P. D. S.; Visentainer, L.; Santos, V. J.; Santos, O. O.; Visentainer, J. V. Extração dos lipídios totais e composição em ácidos graxos de diferentes fases de leite humano. In: XXXII Semana da química: Identidade química, 2018, Maringá. XXXII Semana da química: Identidade química, 2018. 20. Silva Filho, O. J.; Manin, L. P.; Rydlewski, A. A.; Neia, V. B. M. J. C.; Senes, C. E. R.; Zappielo, C. D.; Pizzo, J. S.; Santos, P. D. S.; Galuch, M. B.; Santos, V. J.; Santos, O. O.; Visentainer, J. V. Estabilidade da composição lipídica de leite humano submetido aos processos de pasteurização e liofilização. In: XXXII Semana da química: Identidade química, 2018, Maringá. XXXII Semana da química: Identidade química, 2018. 21. Manin, L. P.; Rydlewski, A. A.; Neia, V. B. M. J. C.; Senes, C. E. R.; Zappielo, C. D.; Pizzo, J. S.; Silva Filho, O. J.; Santos, P. D. S.; Galuch, M. B.; Santos, V. J.; Santos, O. O.; Visentainer, J. V. Parâmetros fisíco-químicos do leite humano submetido aos processos de pasteurização e liofilização. In: XXXII Semana da química: Identidade química, 2018, Maringá. XXXII Semana da química: Identidade química, 2018. 22. Galuch, M. B.; Carbonera, F.; Magon, Thiago; Da Silveira, Roberta; Santos, P. D. S.; Pizzo, J. S.; Santos, O. O.; Visentainer, J. V. Avaliação da qualidade de quinze diferentes marcas de suplementos de ômega-3 disponíveis no comércio brasileiro. In: XXXIII Semana de Química: Identidade Química, 2018, Maringá. XXXIII Semana de Química: Identidade Química, 2018.
Mentoring and Teaching
I am passionate about mentorship and scientific communication, having guided students across different academic levels in analytical chemistry, food safety, scientific writing, and mass spectrometry techniques.
-
2025: Master's and Ph.D. research mentorship – Auburn University
-
2024: Ph.D. research mentorship – Auburn University
-
2019-2022: Master's and Undergraduate research mentorship – State University of Maringa
Honors and Awards
Award
-
2012 - State University of Maringa Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award
-
2013 - State University of Maringa Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award
-
2014 - State University of Maringa Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award
-
2015 - State University of Maringa Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award
Honors
-
2015 - State University of Maringa, Graduate in Chemistry with honors.
Other Relevant Information
Reviewer for a Scientific Journal
Analytical Science Advances
Molecules
Antibiotics
Journal of Food Measurement and Characterization
Acta Scientiarum
Book Chapter Published
Visentainer, J. V.; Santos, O. O.; Maldaner, L.; Zappielo, C. D.; Neia, V. B. M. J. C.; Visentainer, L.; Manin, L. P.; Pizzo, J. S.; Rydlewski, A. A.; Da Silveira, Roberta; Galuch, M. B.; Visentainer, J. L. Lipids and Fatty Acids in Human Milk: Benefits and Analysis. In: Viduranga Waisundara. (Org.). Biochemistry and Health Benefits of Fatty Acids. 1ed.London: IntechOpen, 2018, v. 1, p. 1-21.
Professional Affiliations
American Society for Mass Spectrometry
National Postdoctoral Association
Scientific Journal Covers
The article "Assessment of Adulteration of Cosmetics Based on Vegetable Oils by GC‑FID and Lipid Profile Using Direct Infusion Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (ESI- MS)" was chosen to be the cover image at the webpage and in the printed version of the Journal of the Brazilian Chemical Society in October 2018 (v. 29, No. 12, 2018, p. 2449-2668, DOI: 10.21577/0103-5053.20180123).
The article "Fatty Acid Composition and Lipid Profile of Oral/Enteral Nutrition Supplements Available on the Brazilian Market” was chosen to be the cover image of the European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology in 2019 (v. 121, n. 6, 2019, DOI: 10.1002/ejlt.201800495).
