Issmat I. Kassem is currently an assistant professor of Food Microbiology/Safety at the Center for Food Safety of the University of Georgia (USA). Dr. Kassem led and contributed to founding the Food Safety Program at the American University of Beirut (AUB, Lebanon). His research interests include (1) understanding the mechanisms that contribute to the survival and transmission of foodborne bacterial pathogens in the host–environment continuum; (2) evaluating factors that impact the selection and emergence of antimicrobial resistance; and (3) evaluating antibiotic alternatives for controlling foodborne pathogens and enhancing production. His overall objective is to develop antibiotic-independent and cost-effective approaches for reducing the burden of foodborne bacterial pathogens and antimicrobial resistance on public health and the economy. Dr. Kassem is an advocate for coordinated global efforts to combat foodborne diseases and the emergence of antibiotic resistance in low- and middle-income countries.