Celebrating Leadership and Inclusion in Food Safety: Daniel Weller Receives the 2026 James M. Jay Diversity in Food Safety Award

Neogen is proud to sponsor the 2026 James M. Jay Diversity in Food Safety Award, presented by the International Association for Food Protection (IAFP). This prestigious award recognizes an active IAFP member who has made significant contributions toward fostering diversity within food safety-related careers, activities, or research.

This year’s award honors Dr. Daniel L. Weller, Adjunct Assistant Professor at Virginia Tech and Senior Epidemiologist in the Enteric Diseases Epidemiology Branch at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). His work exemplifies the award’s mission to advance equity, inclusion, and innovation across the food safety landscape. Dr. Weller is being recognized in his capacity as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Virginia Tech.

Honoring the Legacy of Dr. James M. Jay

The James M. Jay Diversity in Food Safety Award commemorates the life and legacy of Dr. James Monroe Jay, a respected food microbiologist whose career spanned decades of research, education, and public service.

During his 33 years at Wayne State University, Dr. Jay made lasting contributions to food microbiology and consumer education. Following his retirement, he continued his research and publishing efforts through an adjunct professorship at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. His expertise led to numerous advisory appointments, professional honors, and international speaking engagements.

A dedicated member of IAFP since 1982, Dr. Jay presented the Ivan Parkin Lecture in 1995 and received the IAFP Fellow Award in 1999. Following his passing in 2008, the award was established to honor his commitment to advancing the profession and creating opportunities for future generations of food safety leaders.

Today, the award recognizes individuals who are helping build a more diverse, inclusive, and impactful food safety community.

Recognizing Daniel Weller's Contributions

Dr. Weller's career has been defined by a commitment to understanding and addressing the factors that influence foodborne and enteric disease risks across diverse populations.

At the CDC, he leads epidemiologic studies and develops analytical approaches to better understand the environmental, structural, and social drivers of foodborne and enteric disease disparities. His work helps strengthen public health systems while supporting more equitable health outcomes.

As co-founder and co-lead of the Enteric Diseases Health Equity Mission Coordinating Team, Dr. Weller helped develop the CDC's first strategic plan focused on addressing inequities in enteric diseases. Through this effort, he has worked to embed health equity into surveillance, analysis, prevention, and response activities across the organization.

Beyond his work at the CDC, Dr. Weller serves as an adjunct research professor at Virginia Tech and the University of Rochester Medical Center. His academic research focuses on the ecology and control of foodborne and enteric pathogens throughout farm-to-fork systems, helping identify practical, science-based solutions that balance food safety goals with the realities faced by industry, community, and public health partners.

In Dr. Weller's Own Words

"I am honored to be selected as the recipient of the 2026 James M. Jay Diversity in Food Safety Award from IAFP. I am grateful to those who nominated and supported me, and humbled to be counted among past recipients such as Byron Chaves and Lawrence Goodridge.

While I am receiving this award in my capacity as an Adjunct Professor, this recognition reflects the many students, colleagues, mentors, and collaborators who have worked alongside me to advance a more equitable and inclusive food safety community.

In the current climate, I believe this work is more important than ever. If we are to build safer, more resilient, and more sustainable food systems, they must be grounded in equity. Creating safe and inclusive spaces strengthens our science and our ability to serve the public. I remain committed to fostering those spaces and advancing equity and inclusion within food safety."

— Dr. Daniel L. Weller, 2026 James M. Jay Diversity in Food Safety Award Recipient

A Champion for Inclusion Within the Food Safety Profession

Dr. Weller's impact extends beyond research and public health practice. Throughout his involvement with IAFP, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to expanding participation and representation within the food safety community.

An active IAFP member since 2014, Dr. Weller has held leadership positions in multiple Professional Development Groups (PDGs), contributes to the IAFP Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council, and serves as the incoming Vice Chair of the Journal of Food Protection Management Committee. He has also helped organize discussions and initiatives aimed at creating more opportunities for engagement and professional growth across the field.

His dedication to scientific excellence and community leadership has earned several recognitions from IAFP, including the Student Travel Scholarship (2016), Developing Scientist Award (2018), and Larry Beuchat Young Researcher Award (2024).

Supporting the Future of Food Safety

At Neogen, we believe that diverse perspectives strengthen scientific innovation and help create safer food systems worldwide. We are honored to sponsor the James M. Jay Diversity in Food Safety Award and celebrate professionals like Dr. Weller, whose work advances both food safety and inclusion.

We congratulate Dr. Weller on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to celebrating his achievement with the food safety community at IAFP 2026.

To learn more about Neogen's presence at IAFP 2026, educational sessions, and opportunities to connect with our team, visit Neogen IAFP 2026