Dr. Jasna Kovac

Associate Professor

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Biography

Jasna Kovac is an Associate Professor in the Department of Food Science at Penn State University, specializing in microbial food safety and foodborne pathogens. Her research investigates the genetic and environmental factors that affect the persistence of foodborne pathogens in food systems and their virulence factors. She employs precision food safety approaches and genomic techniques to enhance risk assessment and intervention strategies, ultimately promoting safer and more sustainable food supply chains. Kovac's extensive educational background includes a BSc and PhD from the University of Ljubljana and various visiting scholarships at renowned institutions such as Cornell University. She has been recognized with several awards, including the Outstanding Young Scientist Award and various Early Achievement Research awards. Her dedication to teaching and research has made significant contributions to the field of food safety and microbiology.

Research Interests

Experience

Associate Professor

2017-01-01 — Present

Penn State University • University Park, PA

Teaching and conducting research in the field of food safety and microbiology.

Awards

#2025

Early Career Environmental Research Award

2025-01-01
#2024

Outstanding Teaching Award

2024-01-01
#2023

Integrated Team Award

2023-01-01
#2023

Early Achievement Research Award

2023-01-01
#

Outstanding Young Scientist Award

2023-01-01
#2022

Early Achievement Research Award

2022-01-01
#2021

Excellent Research Achievements Award

2021-01-01
#2020

Community Teaching Excellence Award

2020-01-01
#2019

Casida Career Development Professor in Food Safety

2019-01-01
#2019

Young Investigator Award

2019-01-01
#2018

Faculty Scholars Award for Excellence in Teaching & Learning

2018-01-01
#2016

Outstanding PhD Graduate

2016-01-01

Courses

Laboratory in Food Microbiology Microbial Genomic Epidemiology Microbial Whole-Genome Sequence Analyses Food Production Italy Independent Studies Thesis Research Honors Thesis

Requirements for Pennsylvania State University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Writing
Required:24
Speaking
Required:23
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Writing
Required:7
Speaking
Required:7
Overall
Required:7
GRE General
Prerequisites
Master's degree in related field for PhD Baccalaureate degree from accredited institution
Application Checklist
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Writing Sample
  • Official Transcripts
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

GRE scores are highly recommended but not strictly required for Applied Linguistics.