Gillian Francis

Present Position: Junior Lecturer Qualifications: B.Sc., Ph.D.

Former Positions

• Research fellow (food microbiology), UL
• Senior research fellow (food microbiology), UL

Current Research Interests

• Microbiological safety of minimally processed fruits and vegetables.
• Contribution of stress response systems to the survival and virulence potential of Listeria monocytogenes.

Recent Publications

• Authors: Francis, G.A. and O’Beirne, D. (2006). Title: Isolation and pulsed field gel electrophoresis typing of Listeria monocytogenes from modified atmosphere packaged fresh-cut vegetables collected in Ireland. Journal:Journal of Food Protection, 69, 2524-2528.
• Authors: Francis, G.A. and O’Beirne, D. (2005). Title: Variation among strains of Listeria monocytogenes: differences in survival on packaged vegetables and in response to heat and acid conditions. Journal:Food Control, 16, 687-694.
• Authors: Sleator, R.D., Francis, G.A., O’Beirne, D., Gahan, C.G.M. and Hill, C. (2003). Title: Betaine and carnitine uptake systems in Listeria monocytogenes affect growth and survival in foods and during infection. Journal:Journal of Applied Microbiology, 95, 839-846.
• Authors: Francis, G.A. (2003). Title: Microbiological safety issues in minimally processed produce. Journal:Food Science Central website, http://www.foodsciencecentral.com
• Authors: Francis, G.A. (2003). Title: Effects of mild preservation technology on the survival of pathogens on produce. Journal:SIM News, 53, 206-212.
• Authors: Francis, G.A. and O’Beirne, D. (2002). Title: Effects of vegetable type and antimicrobial dipping on survival and growth of Listeria innocua and E. coli. Journal:International Journal of Food Science and Technology, 37, 711-718.
• Authors: francis, G.A. and O’Beirne, D. (2001). Title: Effects of acid adaptation on the survival of Listeria monocytogenes on modified atmosphere packaged vegetables. Journal:International Journal of Food Science and Technology, 36, 477-487.
• Authors: Francis, G.A. and O’Beirne, D. (2001). Title: Effects of vegetable type, package atmosphere and storage temperature on survival characteristics of E. coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes. Journal:Journal of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology, 26, 1-6.
• Authors: Francis, G.A. and O’Beirne, D. (2001). Title: Safety of modified atmosphere packaged produce. Journal:Food Safety Express, 2, 4-5.
• Authors: Francis, G.A., Thomas, C. and O’Beirne, D. (1999). Title: Review Paper: The microbiological safety of minimally processed vegetables. Journal:International Journal of Food Science and Technology, 34, 1-22.
• Authors: Francis, G.A. and O’Beirne, D. (1998). Title: Effects of the indigenous microflora of minimally processed lettuce on the survival and growth of Listeria innocua. Journal:International Journal of Food Science and Technology, 33, 477-488.
• Authors: Francis, G.A. and O’Beirne, D. (1998). Title: Effects of storage atmosphere on Listeria monocytogenes and competing microflora using a surface model system. Journal:International Journal of Food Science and Technology, 33, 465-476.
• Authors: Francis, G.A. and O’Beirne, D. (1997). Title: Effects of gas atmosphere, antimicrobial dip, and temperature on the fate of Listeria innocua and Listeria monocytogenes on minimally processed lettuce. Journal:International Journal of Food Science and Technology, 32, 141-152.

Contact Details

• Tel: +353 (0) 61 202598
• Fax: + 353 (0) 61 331490
• Email: Jillian.Francis@ul.ie