Graduate Student Profile - Connor Horn

Connor Horn successfully defended his PhD dissertation on October 30, 2025. Connor is originally from Olathe, Kansas. He obtained his bachelor's degree from Kansas State University.  

Connor's dissertation was entitled, "Microbial Safety in Conventional and Emerging Food Safety Systems: Hazard Identification in Cultured Meat Production and Disinfectant Efficacy Against Food Production-Relevant Biofilms."

Cultured meat production is the ability to produce animal cells identical to the cells used in meat production through cell culture. Connor's research focused on identifying types of microbial hazards that may exist in this novel method of food production.

Connor was advised by Haley Oliver. Other members of his graduate committee included Amanda Deering, Dharmendra Mishra and Michael Sealy.

Connor says he made the the decision to attend Purdue for his graduate studies after his interview with Haley Oliver during his application process. "Dr. Oliver and the students in her lab were very friendly and helpful during the application process. It was really easy to picture myself working in that lab."

During his time at Purdue, Connor was a member of the International Association of Food Protection. He also earned several accolades as a graduate student, including:

• USDA NIFA AFRI Fellowship (2023-2025)
• Graduate Teaching Award - Center for Instructional Excellence (2024)
• Ag-Eng Award (2022-2023)
• People’s Choice Award-Purdue Industrial Associates Poster Presentation (2023)

Connor is looking forward to his next challenge as he continues his career in food safety. Congratulations, Connor!